Westfield Local Heroes

Story Dogs

Through Story Dogs, a charity that helps primary school children become confident, lifelong readers, Leanne
improves students’ literacy. By coordinating a team of volunteers - who sit with children as they read to dogs in a welcoming, non-judgemental setting - Leanne benefits not just the students, but also their families and the entire community.

Still Aware

Tracey Clark has dedicated the past five years to Still Aware, working tirelessly to
end preventable stillbirths in Australia through education and awareness. As the operations
and relationships manager, Tracey travels across the country to educate expectant parents
on ways to keep their babies safe during pregnancy. Her commitment extends beyond office hours, often engaging with recently bereaved parents to offer comfort and guidance.

Safe Pets Safe Families

Jennifer Howard founded Safe Pets Safe Families (SPSF) to provide pet boarding services and foster carers for
domestic violence victims, ensuring their pets are safe while they seek refuge. Inspired by her own experience with domestic violence, Jennifer has grown SPSF to 400 volunteers.

Lion Hearts Learning

Maralyn Phillipps is the founder of Butterfly House Respite Accommodation, one of the Lion Hearts Learning (LHL)
Services and Principal of the playgroup service, a safe space for immune-compromised children to learn and socialise. Her dedication has helped to expand the services LHL offer, benefiting over 400 people annually.

St Jude's Community Meal

Kind-hearted Paul Miller goes above and beyond to feed hungry people in
his community. Paul coordinates the St Jude’s Brighton Community Meal, which provides
good food and company to locals and visitors every Friday. 100+ people attend the weekly lunch, with Paul going out of his way to make everyone feel cared for and welcome.

Grandcarers SA

Frank Parsley is a quiet achiever who gives his all to improve the lives of grandparents who care for their grandchildren. Frank volunteers as a business support leader at Grandcarers SA, where he works behind the scenes to provide advice, assistance with education expenses and community connection to more than 1,200 families.

Friends of Sturt River Landcare group (FoSRL)

Samantha (Sam) Kerr has united more than 1200 people to maintain and re-establish native plant communities for
biodiversity and climate resilience. Sam founded the Friends of Sturt River Landcare group (FoSRL), which has created a green corridor from the hills to the sea.