We are excited to announce your three 2019 successful Westfield Local Heroes for Whitford City.

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 40 trade areas across Australia and New Zealand. In 2019, we are awarding $1.2 million to 120 local organisations.

In February 2020, we will open nominations for the 2020 Westfield Local Heroes program, so start thinking about those people in your communities who make a difference

Your three Westfield Whitford City Local Heroes are:

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.

Find out more >

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.

Find out more >

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.

Find out more >

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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