Your 2025 Westfield Plenty Valley Local Hero is:

Sarah Brewer from Love in Action Wallan

Compassionate. Dedicated. Inspiring.

Thanks to Sarah’s volunteering, hundreds of people in her community receive food and essential items during times of financial hardship. 

Sarah is president of Love in Action, a group of friends who work together to support homeless and struggling families across Wallan, Beveridge, and Kilmore.   

The group provides help in many different ways, from food for those in financial hardship, to emergency hampers, to clothes and essentials to help women experiencing domestic violence get back on their feet.  

Love in Action also offers aid for key events throughout the year, such as presents at Easter and Christmas and gifts for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. The food, essential items and gifts distributed by Sarah and her friends are donated by people in the community, who leave their donations in trolleys at the doors of local businesses. 

Sarah works every day to provide for those in need in her community, both raising money to fund the initiative and distributing the donations. She is motivated by her belief that everyone deserves a chance in life. 

“We struggle daily with the fallout of Covid and the cost-of-living crisis,” says Sarah. “But we are all equal and no one deserves to feel alone, hungry or scared.” 

The $20,000 grant will be used to fund Easter and Christmas presents and food for families in hardship, as well as new shelving for storing donations.

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

Liz Skitch Thomastown Neighbourhood House

A former performer, Liz found her calling while volunteering during the Covid-19 pandemic, and now manages Thomastown Neighbourhood House, building inclusion, learning, and connection. Among her many programs, she supports diverse communities, people with disabilities, elderly, and women in crisis. Liz’s passion creates a welcoming space where hundreds gather weekly to support one another.

Rosanne Pirrottina from Link Community and Transport

Rosanne volunteers with LINK Community and Transport, supporting isolated individuals, especially seniors and those with disabilities. Inspired by the help she received from LINK during her husband's illness, she now hosts group outings, taking those in need of social support on trips such as bushwalks, cultural events, or comedy performances.

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

Recognising all our 2025 nominees

View all of the Westfield Plenty Valley nominees and their organisations.