Westfield Local Heroes

Illawarra Palliative Care

Anne volunteers to provide solace and kindness to those in palliative care as a Community Visitor and Grief Companion with Illawarra Palliative Care at Bulli Hospital. Her work provides comfort not only to patients, but to their family and friends. Anne creates a safe and nonjudgmental environment where people can voice their worries and fears during some of life’s hardest moments.

SUCCEED Child Feeding Alliance

After tube-feeding her newborn daughter, Anna co-founded
Australia’s first charity for children with complex feeding
issues, providing training, resources, and support networks
for families. Anna is also a strong advocate, collaborating
with clinicians to improve the lives of families and children
experiencing tube-feeding, as well as advising hospitals
and corporates.

Elouera Surf Club

Leah teaches water safety and surf awareness at Elouera
Beach through patrolling, nipper programs, and inclusive
community projects. Driven by personal experience of
getting into trouble in the surf, she helps others feel safe in
the ocean. Her goal is to reduce drownings and improve
people’s confidence in the water.

Surfing Sutherland Shire

Blake Johnston is committed to teaching young people wellness strategies so they can grow into positive, healthy adults who contribute to their communities. As a pro surfer since age 16, Blake has always loved the ocean, surfing and human movement. But in his early 30s, his life changed, and so did his surfing perspective.

Phoenix Community Project Inc

Deborah (Debbie) O’Connor, co-founder of Phoenix
Community Project, is dedicated to empowering young
people with disabilities through innovative programs and
classes. She is passionate about breaking down barriers
and challenging stereotypes, working to ensure individuals
with disabilities have equal access to opportunities and
resources. Phoenix Community Project currently supports
over 100 families in the local area.

Enough is Enough Anti Violence Movement Inc

As the founder and CEO of Enough is Enough Anti-Violence
Movement Inc., Ken Marslew AM works to reduce violence in
the community by supporting victims of crime and working
with perpetrators to prevent reoffending. Ken’s efforts have
impacted thousands, aiming to create a safer community
through a holistic and preventative approach.

Feel the Magic

Adam Blatch devotes his working life to supporting bereaved children after the loss of a parent, sibling or guardian. Adam is the CEO of Feel the Magic, a small charity that helps families grieve in a healthy and positive way. It provides evidence-based resources and offers free face-to-face and virtual camps for 500 children a year.

Civic Disability Services

Jeanette Cabrera has devoted 30 years to supporting thousands of Sutherland Shire people with disabilities. As a tireless support worker at Civic Disability Services Community Hubs, Jeanette has notched up many achievements. One of her standout projects is a literacy program, where participants are proud to learn to write their name and recite the alphabet.

The Gotcha4Life Foundation

Kellie Stubbs puts her heart and soul into helping people in the Sutherland Shire build mental fitness to improve their wellbeing and prevent suicide. Kellie is a Community and Ambassador Liaison at Gotcha4Life Foundation, where she helps prevent suicide by giving people tools to seek help, build healthy relationships and feel comfortable with vulnerability.