Your 2025 Westfield Tuggerah Local Hero is:

Sara Foster

Central Coast Women’s Community Health Centre

Passionate. Empathetic. Inspirational.

Sara describes the Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre, where she is CEO, as a place that changed her life. 

“At 18, I sat in the Centre’s waiting room, uncertain after learning I was pregnant,” she explains. 

“The Centre gave me information, a non-judgemental ear, and connection to support.” 

More than twenty years on, Sara now leads the organisation that changed the trajectory of her life, working with her team to help women facing violence, trauma, and isolation, with a mission to provide safe and healthy futures for all women and girls from Wyong to Woy Woy and beyond. 

No job is too big or small for Sara – from developing strategic partnerships, to leading the ‘Men as Allies’ campaign, harvesting produce in the community healing garden, or welcoming women at the Centre.   

“What motivates me is the belief that every woman deserves safety, respect, and access to support, especially during life’s most challenging moments,” says Sara.  

Last year, Sara and her team supported over 6,000 women and children across the Central Coast. And Sara doesn’t want to stop there, with plans for development and expansion to support as many vulnerable women as possible.  
“Today, I’m a proud mum and CEO of the organisation that once empowered me to trust myself and my choices,” says Sara.  

“I’m driven by the impact we see every day – women regaining control over their lives.”

The $20,000 will be used to create a nature-based play area for children and complete urgent upgrades for its childcare facilities.

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

Chris Dryden from Wyong Neighbourhood Centre Inc - Phoenix Youth Support Service

For two decades, Chris has been helping vulnerable youth through the Wyong Neighbourhood Centre, mentoring those who face struggles such as mental health, housing, education or family. His own difficult past means he brings empathy and compassion as he delivers his vital support, which includes anger management programs and guidance through the justice system.

Matthew Collins from Gig Buddies

Matthew connects people living with a moderate learning disability or autism to volunteer buddies, giving them the chance to attend events that they love. His work with Gig Buddies Australia on the Central Coast helps to create new friendships and combat isolation while also promoting inclusion.

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

Recognising all our 2025 nominees

View all of the Westfield Tuggerah nominees and their organisations.