We are excited to announce Jaxon from New South Wales Power Chair Football as your 2024 Westfield Local Hero for Parramatta!

Westfield is proud to award a community grant of $20K to help Jaxon at New South Wales Power Chair Football 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 Parramatta Local Hero is:

Jaxon Taylor

New South Wales Power Chair Football

Determined. Inclusive. Inspirational.

Jaxon Taylor was born with a rare muscle disease called Merosin Deficient Muscular Dystrophy and requires use of a wheelchair. Despite facing health challenges, he positively influences our community through active participation in Powerchair football and extending guidance to young players on and off the field.

Jaxon is a mentor at New South Wales Power Chair Football where he is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and supporting young players with significant physical disabilities.

“Our sport fosters a community which invites inclusivity and understanding of all, thus creating a healthier culture for both the sport and the wider community,” he says. “I love seeing the impact that helping others has in Powerchair Football. Seeing how happy young players are when they find the sport truly fulfils me.”

Jaxon’s role as a mentor extends beyond the field, contributing to the overall development and wellbeing of young players, and encouraging them to have a strong mind that only listens to appropriate feedback.

Jaxon’s effort positively impacts around 100 people, including families and the extended Powerchair Football community. His nomination as a Westfield Local Hero reflects his inspiring contributions and dedication to helping others.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities. The finalist with the most community votes is the Westfield Parramatta Local Hero for 2024, receiving a $20,000 grant for the organisation they represent. New South Wales Power Chair Football will use the grant to help pay for a Powerchair that can be loaned to players who cannot afford one themselves.

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

Hedayat Osyan from CommUnity Construction

Hedayat Osyan, founder and CEO of CommUnity Construction, supports refugees by providing training and employment in the NSW construction industry. Since 2018, he has trained over 90 refugees, offering them meaningful work experience and confidence. Hedayat’s dedication stems from his own experiences as a refugee.

Professor Jeremy Chapman AC from Westmead Hospital Foundation

Professor Jeremy Chapman AC has dedicated his career to helping people with kidney disease in Western Sydney. He has significantly influenced global kidney, pancreas and bone marrow transplants, improving the health outcomes for thousands of people worldwide. Now retired, he continues to support others by volunteering with the Westmead Hospital Foundation.

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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 Parramatta nominees and their organisations.