We are excited to announce Blake from Surfing Sutherland Shire as your 2024 Westfield Local Hero for Miranda!

Westfield is proud to award a community grant of $20K to help Blake at Surfing Sutherland Shire to continue to grow their impact in the local community.

The 2024 Westfield Local Heroes program will award 125 grants across Australia and New Zealand – totalling $AUD1.24 million to support local communities.

Your 2024 Westfield Miranda Local Hero is:

Blake Johnston

Surfing Sutherland Shire

Selfless. Humble. Unique.

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.

Blake’s dad lost his battle with mental health 11 years ago. "It left me lost, angry and hurt," Blake explains. "It also sparked a shift in me to help others."

Blake now supports his community, particularly youth, while focusing on how he can help improve mental health. With the help from Surfing Sutherland Shire, Blake runs a youth program called SWELLBEING which aims to empower young people, teaching self-awareness and emotional regulation.

"I don't just teach kids to surf. I teach them to be good humans," he explains. "I teach how to be a positive role model, to contribute to their household and community, and give them skills to be the best version of themselves." Blake's classes include breathwork, cold water immersion, gratitude and connection ⎯ tools which he found beneficial during tough times.

In 2023, Blake set a world record with a 40-hour surf session, raising over $500,000 for youth mental health initiatives.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities. The finalist with the most community votes is the Westfield Miranda Local Hero for 2024, receiving a $20,000 grant for the organisation they represent. Surfing Sutherland Shire and Cronulla Surfing Academy will use the grant to empower youth with wellness tools and encourage them to grow into positive, healthy adults who contribute to their communities.

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

Deborah (Debbie) O’Connor from 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.

Ken Marslew AM from 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.

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

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Recognising all our 2024 nominees

View all of the Westfield Miranda nominees and their organisations.