Caring for her community

Blackwood Action Group
Energetic, Passionate, Caring

Blackwood Action Group volunteer Pauline Dodd is a driving force behind projects that help people feel they live in a caring community where people look after each other and the environment.

Pauline coordinates events like the much-loved Christmas Tree Festival and co-convenes local history group activities as part of the work of Blackwood Action Group which also improves Blackwood visually through streetscaping projects, care of train stations and the Stobie pole mural painting project involving local artists.

“Our activities provide opportunities for people with a diverse range of interests and capabilities to contribute to the community, connect with others and feel a sense of belonging,” says Pauline.

Money raised through BAG’s Community Links activities supports struggling families and other local charities whereas the history group supports CFS and Legacy.

Pauline is an avid supporter of an effort to make the group more appealing to younger people and to involve youth groups, school children and parents in events.

“Engaging people in community service from a young age helps develop a sense of social responsibility,” she says.

Pauline is pleased to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “Personal recognition of my efforts hopefully inspires others. Community involvement and volunteer service are richly rewarding.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Blackwood Action Group will use its grant to fund the Christmas Tree Festival so that more money proceeds can go to local charities. It will also extend the Stobie pole mural project and put on a potential Blackwood’s Got Talent event series.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here