Westfield Local Heroes is a recognition and awards program that connects and enriches communities in Australia and New Zealand. The program discovers and celebrates individuals who make a positive impact to their local community and/or environment.

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

Liz Povah

Woodvale Secondary College
Generous . Reliable . Kind

As a volunteer with Greyhound Adoptions WA, educator Liz Povah came up with the idea of introducing three greyhounds to Woodvale Secondary College as companion-therapy dogs for socially isolated children. Greyhounds are known for their intelligence and even temper, and the three animals — called Boots, Rush and Archie — have helped reduce anxiety and stress and improve student engagement over the last two years.Liz was also instrumental in developing the school’s wellness centre, where students can visit the dogs during their break and learn about mindfulness, relaxation techniques and the power of positive thinking.

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Cathy O'Brien

Share the Dignity
Uplifting . Hilarious . Kind

Accountant Cathy O’Brien was so impressed by Share the Dignity’s potential to make a difference in women’s lives that she became a volunteer.She works devotedly to collect donations of personal hygiene products for women experiencing domestic violence, homelessness or poverty.Cathy also established new collection points to increase donations and, as a result, her local area was able to meet all the charity’s orders.“By receiving these essential items, women improve their sense of dignity by not having to go without or make do with substitutes,” she says.

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Janine Wood

No Limits Perth
Dedicated . Caring . Gentle

Janine Wood co-founded No Limits Perth with two police officers to return hope to people through random acts of kindness. A survivor of domestic violence, Janine understands the struggle to make ends meet. The charity redistributes furniture, white goods, linen, toys and food to help people set up a place to live. Janine recruited volunteers to run the charity and saw the demand for its services treble within four years. “Our mission is to give everyone a second chance, without judgment and at no cost, and expecting nothing in return,” she says.

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Recognising all our 2019 nominees

We congratulate all of our finalists and nominees and recognise the important contribution they make to the local community.
View all of the finalists, nominees and their organisations

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