Your 2026 Westfield Whitford City Local Hero is:

Beverley Woolhouse

Understanding. Selfless. Determined

Beverley Woolhouse has been awarded a $20,000 grant for their organisation, The Pantry WA.

Bev Woolhouse gets up before dawn to provide food, hope and dignity to people experiencing hardship in her community.

As CEO of The Pantry WA, she leads a team that provides meals and nourishment to 60,000 people every year, supporting families, schools and community groups.

Bev believes that practical support can change lives. Through food parcels and community assistance, she helps people facing difficult circumstances feel valued, respected and cared for.

“I began the charity because I couldn’t understand why this was happening in Australia and I couldn’t believe that children were going to school with not even one meal for the day,” Bev explains.

“I thought if perhaps I could help in the small area of food that would help alleviate one issue, that could possibly be a game changer in the hope they have in their future. This proved to be true.”

Bev's determination has helped overcome significant challenges while continuing to support those who rely on its services. When a long-standing free waste-disposal arrangement ended and the future of the service was at risk, she refused to give up, researching alternatives until she found a sustainable solution that converts food waste into fertiliser.

Bev wants every person who comes to the Pantry to feel valued and respected, so as well as providing food, she hands out treats to kids, listens to guests, shares laughter and gives emotional support to families in their times of need.

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

Christina Line

Story Dogs

Caring. Supportive. Dependable

For eight years, Story Dogs volunteer Chris has helped children discover the joy of reading by giving them the chance to read with a friendly dog by their side. As a coordinator, she supports volunteers locally and across Australia, helping more children build confidence, develop a love of reading and become lifelong readers.

Vicky Young

Dandelions WA

Compassionate. Commited. Inspiring

Through Dandelions WA's Back to School campaign, Vicky Young helps ensure disadvantaged children can start school with confidence, dignity and the supplies they need to learn. She has grown the initiative into a statewide program, driven by her belief that every child deserves the chance to learn and feel equal.

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

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Whitford City nominees and their organisations.

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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

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Westfield Local Heroes: A Financial Review award-winning program

Since its inception in 2018, the Westfield Local Heroes program has granted over $11 million to over 1,000 community organisations. In recognition of the program and its social impact, Scentre Group (owner and operator of Westfield destinations in Australia and New Zealand) was recently named as this year’s winner of the Financial Review Sustainability Leaders in the Retail, hospitality, tourism and entertainment category. Read more about the award and the program’s impact here.