Your 2025 Westfield Miranda Local Hero is:

Anne Adamson

Illawarra Palliative Care

Brave. Compassionate. Steadfast.

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

As a Grief Companion, Anne listens and provides companionship, often to elderly patients who have lost many friends and may not have family close by. 

“I have come to realise how much loneliness there is in our community, I love being able to provide companionship to those in need and I get great fulfillment from all the roles I do,” says Anne. 

Deeply committed to easing isolation and loneliness, Anne also volunteers with the Woonona Bulli RSL Auxiliary, supporting war widows through social connection and wellness activities. 

Anne’s passion and unwavering kindness has inspired others to join Illawarra Palliative Care’s volunteer service. Anne hopes that her nomination will increase awareness of the opportunity to become a Palliative Care or Bereavement Volunteer. 

“As a volunteer I get much more than I give. I love helping people in need.”

The $20,000 grant will be used to fund specialised training, volunteer support, and resources that enhance compassionate care for patients and families. 

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

Anna Ierardo from 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.

Leah Byrne from Elouera Surf Club

Leah teaches water safety and surf awareness at Elouera SLSC 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.

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

Recognising all our 2025 nominees

View all of the Westfield Miranda nominees and their organisations.