Your 2025 Westfield North Lakes Local Hero is:

Stephen Hirst

Dads Community

Inspirational. Passionate. Visionary.

Leaving a corporate job with a steady income isn’t easy, but Stephen’s strong belief that happier and healthier fathers can strengthen communities and reduce trauma led him to do just that.  

With a vision of bringing men out of isolation, Stephen set up the organisation ‘Dads Community’ to create space for men to connect, learn, communicate and turn pain into positive actions and outcomes.  
Through the support provided by the group, men have the tools to build stronger, loving families and as a result, contribute to creating a safer, more connected society.  

Stephen says, “I believe that supporting fathers emotionally can have a profound impact on families and society. Focusing on emotional support for our dads will reduce trauma for children and address domestic violence.” Stephen’s commitment realigns dads to focus on children’s emotional well-being as priority, which in turns keeps them accountable for their behaviour and language. 

His work reaches 3,200 families across Brisbane North and the Sunshine Coast, with thousands of men seizing this opportunity to become the best fathers they can be.  

Thanks to Stephen’s passion and commitment, the community is growing day by day and now includes many events and a mentor scheme.  
Stephen is grateful that he can make a difference. He says, “At the end of the day I have had an opportunity to have a purpose and vision to help others and make a change for the better in our local communities.” 

The $20,000 grant will be used for operational costs, community events, leadership development, mental health support for fathers, and marketing.

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

Bill Heraghty from Give A Child A Chance

Bill Heraghty leads Give A Child A Chance, providing essential school supplies and support to over 700 students each year. Through fundraising and community collaboration, he helps families overcome financial barriers to education, ensuring every child has the tools to thrive.

Kristy Paterson from Bamboo Projects

Kristy co-founded Bamboo Projects to support mental health and people with disabilities through hands-on environmental programs. Drawing from her own struggles growing up with anxiety, she gives people facing adversity opportunities to build their confidence and purpose. The charity’s impact extends beyond the local area, inspiring environmental and social change.

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

Recognising all our 2025 nominees

View all of the Westfield North Lakes nominees and their organisations.