We are excited to announce your three 2021 successful Westfield Local Heroes for Miranda.

Each of the affiliated organisations of the successful heroes will be awarded a $10,000 grant to support their work to thrive. Westfield will award 126 grants across Australia and New Zealand – totalling $1.26 million.

For further information or to discover the Westifield Local Heroes at other Westfield centres, visit the Westfield Local Heroes website.

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Your three Westfield Miranda Local Heroes are:

Ashleigh Daines

The Family Co.
Compassionate. Dedicated. Driven

The Family Co. CEO Ashleigh Daines does all in her power to ensure local children and families have a safe home, solid connections and opportunities to thrive. Ashleigh is a compassionate leader who has a sense of urgency in addressing community problems. Her team connect people with social workers, family therapists, educators and welfare workers who provide practical, culturally appropriate support.

Find out more >

Denny Rowlands

Wanda Surf Lifesaving Club
Patient. Kind. Inclusive

Denny Rowlands is the driving force behind the Red Fins Nippers program that welcomes 37 children of all abilities to the Wanda Surf Lifesaving Club. The program accommodates the needs of every child, whose challenges include autism, physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, visual impairment and hearing loss. Thanks to Denny, Red Fins was the biggest inclusive program along the Bate Bay Beaches this Nipper season.

Find out more >

Emma Watts

The Daisie Chain
Dedicated. Relentless. Caring

Music and movement instructor Emma Watts is taking music, fun and healthy movement to people in aged care and disability services across the Shire. She started The Daisie Chain initiative three years ago to help people improve their physical and mental health and help facility staff connect with suitable entertainers and instructors for people in their care.

Find out more >

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We congratulate our finalists and recognise the important contribution they make to the local community.

Amethyst Barnbrook from Expanding Influences
Amethyst (Ame) Barnbrook helps more than 80 people with disabilities navigate the NDIS and gain access to the support they need. Ame is the co-founder of Expanding Influences, which she started in her spare room and has grown over the past three years to employ 15 people.

Danielle Lucas from Care 4 Kids Ltd
Danielle Lucas reminds hundreds of children a year that they are not forgotten by providing them with lovingly put together care packs to enjoy during a difficult time. Danielle founded her Care 4 Kids Ltd charity in 2016 and has made up and distributed thousands of care packs since then.

Geoff Vickers from Special Olympics - Sydney South
Humble Geoff Vickers has spent 25 years organising, supporting and volunteering for Shire-based athletes, with the last nine as chairman of Special Olympics - Sydney South for people with an intellectual disability. Geoff has a special place in his heart for all 120 Special Olympics athletes at the club, as well as the 60 volunteers.

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

Recognising all our 2021 nominees

View all of the Westfield Miranda nominees and their organisations