Your 2026 Westfield Tuggerah Local Hero is:

Sally Baker

Mary Mac Catholic Care Diocese of Broken Bay

Kind. Inventive. Inclusive.

Sally Baker has been awarded a $20,000 grant for their organisation, Mary Mac's Place.

Thanks to Sally Baker's commitment to her community, people experiencing hardship have somewhere to turn for practical support, connection and dignity when they need it most.

Mary Mac's Place is more than a drop-in centre. Alongside providing up to 100 free meals every day, it offers showers, laundry facilities and links to essential services, including Legal Aid, homelessness support and emergency relief.

As the centre's sole support worker, Sally is at the heart of that mission, helping people navigate challenges, access assistance and take positive steps forward.

“I enjoy helping those in need. The feeling I get when I see people walk out of here with the essentials that they need to survive is uplifting,” says Sally.

Mary Mac's Place relies on the generosity of the community to deliver its crisis support services, and Sally is always ready to find ways to make it accessible for those who need it most. Working alongside 40 volunteers, she combines practical knowledge with a compassionate, non-judgemental approach that helps people feel welcomed and understood.

Sally ensures everyone who walks through the doors is treated with dignity and respect, taking the time to get to know each person's circumstances so she can connect them with the right support.

“Getting to know the people in my community has been so rewarding,” she says, adding, “There are a lot of kind people who want to help those in need.

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

Gail Ross

WeCare Connect

Compassionate. Caring. Dynamic

Thousands of children and families are given preloved clothing, cots and newborn essentials thanks to Gail Ross' work with We Care Connect. She volunteers four days each week, sorting donations and liaising with hospitals and community organisations. Her cheerful generosity lifts the whole team and keeps the support flowing.

David Pollard

NSW Police and Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW (PCYC NSW)

Empowering. Respected. Committed

In his work with NSW Police and Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC), David trains alongside young people in fitness sessions and runs behaviour-change and skills-building programs. He is committed to breaking down barriers between police and teenagers. As a former professional basketballer and now a Youth Engagement Officer, David champions early intervention for at-risk young people.

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

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Tuggerah 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