We are excited to announce Marti Fletcher from Blacktown Women’s Shed - BACC as your 2024 Westfield Local Hero for Mt Druitt!

Westfield is proud to award a community grant of $20K to help Marti Fletcher at Blacktown Women’s Shed - BACC 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 Mt Druitt Local Hero is:

Marti Fletcher

Blacktown Women’s Shed - BACC

Passionate. Supportive. Dedicated.

Marti Fletcher was the first female electrician in NSW in 1990, and now uses her skills and experience to volunteer at Blacktown Women's Shed with BACC while continuing to work full time as an electrician.

Marti has worked passionately to reopen the Blacktown Women's Shed last year after its closure some years earlier. Her efforts have provided a valuable space where women can gather, learn new skills and support each other. To reopen the shed, Marti has been vital in security donations, building workbenches and working with Blacktown City Council to make improvements to the shed. Now that the shed is open, Marti teaches women how to use tools, build and develop their projects.

"My volunteer work creates a safe, inclusive space for women to connect and grow," says Marti. "Seeing them gain confidence and independence motivates me every day."

At Blacktown Women's Shed, Marti promotes sustainable practices, using recycled materials for projects and fostering environmental consciousness. Though still young, the shed has become a vital community resource under her guidance, providing practical skills and emotional support to its members.

Being nominated as a Westfield Local Hero is a significant recognition for Marti, validating her impact on the community and inspiring her to continue her volunteer work to bring about positive change.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities. The finalist with the most community votes is the Westfield Mt Druitt Local Hero for 2024, receiving a $20,000 grant for the organisation they represent. Blacktown Women's Shed will use the grant to add more essential tooling and equipment to the once-empty Blacktown Women’s Shed.

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

Andrew Scott from Carevan Blacktown

Andrew Scott, CEO of Carevan Blacktown, has dedicated the past 13 years to supporting vulnerable people. Despite having a full-time job, Andrew provides meals, groceries, clothing and hygiene products to over 250 people weekly. He creates an inclusive community service, offering vital support and fostering a sense of belonging.

Laura Ranola from The Street University, Mount Druitt

Laura Ranola is the dedicated manager at the Ted Noffs Foundation’s Street University, Mount Druitt. She supports disadvantaged youth by providing a safe place to connect, seek guidance and learn. Under her leadership, the centre offers workshops on music, dance, coding and more, ensuring comprehensive support for youth aged 12-25.

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

Recognising all our 2024 nominees

View all of the Westfield Mt Druitt nominees and their organisations.