Presenting your 2020 Westfield Local Heroes

Local Heroes 2020 - Tuggerah - Web banner

We are excited to announce your three 2020 successful Westfield Local Heroes for Tuggerah.

These inspiring local leaders were nominated and voted for by the community and will now be awarded a $10,000 grant for each of their affiliated organisations to help their important work to grow.

Westfield Local Heroes is a community recognition and grants program, connecting and enriching local communities. Launched in 2018, the program spans our 42 trade areas across Australia and New Zealand. In 2020, we are awarding $1.26 million to 126 local organisations.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here.

Your three Westfield Tuggerah Local Heroes are:

Les Smith

Berkeley Vale Rural Fire Brigade
Selfless. Community-minded. Passionate
Story body-Tuggerah Les Smith

Volunteer fire fighter Les Smith has been saving lives and property for over 40 years. He is a much valued and admired member of the Berkeley Vale Rural Fire Brigade, where he currently serves as Deputy Captain. Les is always there on the frontline during emergencies such fires, floods, storms and car accidents. His commitment to putting the community above his own safety was on show during the recent bushfires where his brigade faced the worst and most dangerous fires in living memory. “Our payment is not monetary. We get satisfaction from doing what we do for others,” Les says.

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Mel King

We Care Connect
Genuine. Resilient. Respected
Story body-Tuggerah MelKing

As a child, Mel knew what it felt like to go without, so she always goes the extra mile for children and families in need. Mel volunteers for 20 hours a week at children's charity We Care Connect, helping put together packages of clothing, linen and baby items for caseworkers helping disadvantaged local children. She can't help but be touched by the children's stories and takes extra care to include special items that meet individual needs. "It's wonderful when caseworkers tell us their clients are so relieved and overwhelmed on receiving the items we gave them," she says.

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Pauline Maniskas

Disabled Surfers Association of Australia Inc Central Coast
Tireless. Dedicated. Awesome
Story body-Tuggerah PaulineManiskas

Pauline Maniskas is passionate about helping people with disabilities enjoy surfing. She is volunteer secretary of the Central Coast Branch of the Disabled Surfers Association and has dedicated the past 15 years to helping people experience the restorative effect of the ocean. Pauline is a whirlwind. She helps organise surfing events, sources donations and visits schools to speak about the value of being inclusive. “My passion is to nurture a sense of inclusion and belonging for those less able in the community and provide a safe and happy environment for participation in our surfing events,” she says.

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