Your 2025 Westfield Whitford City Local Hero is:

Tara Jeisman

Sea Gals

Driven. Caring. Devoted.

Tara's drive to build women’s confidence started as a solo dip in the ocean, which then grew into a movement where women can be free in their bodies, connect with themselves and others, and improve their wellbeing. 

After posting her first dip on social media, Tara was contacted by women wishing they could do the same, but who felt they couldn’t, due to body image issues, not having a friend to go with, or lack of confidence. 

So, Tara invited others to join her at Mullaloo Beach, and before long, 100 people were joining her to dip at sunrise. She then started her not-for-profit, Sea Gals, to support the endeavour, with the invitation: “Come as you are. The women’s community group that lets you be you.” Tara says her inspiration comes from all the dippers. 

“I’m motivated by seeing women wearing a bikini for the first time when they were too scared to come to the beach by themselves only weeks ago, or seeing a girl attend a dip on her own but leave with a friend,” explains Tara.  

“To see the change in women’s confidence around their bodies is what I have found is my purpose and drive.” 
Three years after Tara started Sea Gals, it is still going strong, with up to 300 dippers up and down the coast getting into the ocean at sunrise during the summer. 

The $20,000 grant will be used to fund volunteer training, public liability insurance, water rescue and first aid equipment, plus banners and flags for the 7 not-for-profit Sea Gals locations around the country.

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

Peg Bagley from No Limits Perth

At 86, Peg is the most senior volunteer at No Limits Perth, dedicating her time to distributing food hampers to those in need. Despite suffering three strokes, she remains passionate about supporting vulnerable people, with her volunteering also including practical support for ‘R U OK? Day’.

Tracey Smith from Fostering Hope Australia

Through her volunteering with Fostering Hope Australia, Tracey supports children entering out-of-home care by providing donated goods, organising events, and offering guidance to foster carers. Her work helps ease transitions, building children's self-esteem, and creating a supportive community. As a long-time foster mother herself, Tracey deeply understands the challenges of the families that she helps.

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

Recognising all our 2025 nominees

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