Your 2026 Westfield Parramatta Local Hero is:

Claudine Alame

Red Frogs Australia

Dedicated. Considerate. Committed.

Claudine Alame has been awarded a $20,000 grant for their organisation, Red Frogs Australia.

For almost 20 years, Claudine Alame has invested in young people, helping them build social connection and safer futures, while aiming to bring about change in youth alcohol and party culture.

Through her work with Red Frogs Australia– whose mission is to safeguard young people and encourage positive life choices – Claudine leads and equips volunteers to deliver peer-focused activities and programs with universities and high schools. These include alcohol-free events for residential colleges, student leader mentoring, workshops in schools, and dinners in university student accommodation to help foster a sense of community.

“I am driven by a deep belief that every young person deserves to feel seen, supported and capable of making positive choices,” she says.

“I know what it feels like to search for identity and belonging, and I’ve experienced how powerful it is when someone genuinely shows up for you. That belief fuels everything I do,” adds Claudine.

The ripples of Claudine’s work extend beyond Red Frogs, with trained volunteers and young peer leaders amplifying her impact throughout the wider community.

“What motivates me most is seeing lives shift, when a young person gains confidence, chooses a safer path, or realises their value,” she explains.

“Those moments remind me that this work matters and that consistent, compassionate support can change the trajectory of someone’s life.”

We'd like to thank and acknowledge our finalists who will receive a $5,000 grant for the organisation they represent

Chris Vagg

Pass It On Clothing

Compassionate. Selfless. Impactful.

Chris Vagg founded Pass It On Clothing & Co in 2016 to ensure people experiencing homelessness and hardship could access quality clothing and essential items with dignity and choice. What started as a volunteer-led street outreach has become a trusted community organisation, supporting thousands of people and distributing more than 400,000 clothing items.

Shuoyan Zhu

Parramatta Multicultural Community Association

Inclusive. Altruistic. Caring.

In Parramatta, where many migrant seniors seek social connection, Shuoyan Zhu founded the Parramatta Multicultural Community Association to create welcoming spaces where people can meet, contribute and build friendships. The organisation runs free weekly programs for hundreds of members - including language exchange, social games and choir - all delivered by volunteers.

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Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Parramatta nominees and their organisations.

2027 Nominations Now Open

Do you know someone making a difference in your community? Tell us in 200 words why they should be a Westfield Local Hero and they could receive a $20,000 grant for their organisation.

Find out more here