Announcing your 2024 Westfield Local Hero

We are excited to announce Jan Bynon from Got Your Back Sista as your 2024 Westfield Local Hero for Kotara!

Westfield is proud to award a community grant of $20K to help Jan Bynon at Got Your Back Sista to continue to grow their impact in the local community.

The 2024 Westfield Local Heroes program will award 125 grants across Australia and New Zealand – totalling $AUD1.24 million to support local communities.

Your 2024 Westfield Kotara Local Hero is:

Jan Bynon

Got Your Back Sista

Generous. Giving. Supportive.

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Jan Bynon helps women become independent, rebuild their lives and thrive.

As one of Got Your Back Sista’s (GYBS) longest-serving volunteers, Jan supports women and children who have escaped domestic violence. She volunteers in the charity’s Op Shop, helps with fundraising events, and provides essential items to those in need. Jan’s efforts at GYBS have positively impacted hundreds of women and children.

GYBS provides an end-to-end domestic violence service, from crisis to healing, by providing education and counselling.

Beyond GYBS, Jan volunteers at Newcastle Court, Hunter Homeless Connect, The Stroke Foundation, Hamilton Hawks Rugby Club, HMRI and local schools.

“I’m 67 now. Growing up, I was always taught the value of helping others within your community,” says Jan. “It gives me a sense of satisfaction to know I might have helped someone, and I hope I am role modelling to my children and ten grandchildren.”

Jan's dedication to supporting the vulnerable and fostering community spirit is undoubtedly a positive influence on everyone. Jan hopes her nomination will bring recognition to the valuable work GYBS provides to the community.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities. The finalist with the most community votes is the Westfield Kotara Local Hero for 2024, receiving a $20,000 grant for the organisation they represent. Got Your Back Sista will use the grant to provide equipment and facilitation for five of their programs, which include work readiness, financial goal-setting and emotional healing.

We'd like to thank and acknowledge our finalists who will receive a $5K grant for the organisation they represent...

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Moira Farley from Red Nose Hunter Region

Moira Farley has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families experiencing grief. As a bereavement counsellor for Red Nose, Moira provides vital support when a baby or child dies. Her intuitive approach ensures the best care possible, helping families build resilience and learn to grieve in a safe environment.

Ruth Mitchell from PCYC Newcastle

Ruth Mitchell has dedicated nearly 50 years to supporting family and youth resilience through her volunteer work at PCYC Newcastle. Her commitment has positively impacted at-risk youth, helping them avoid antisocial behaviour and the justice system. Over her career, hundreds of young people have benefitted from programs such as homework support and camps.

If you need support, please phone Lifeline: 13 11 14