Story
Thank you for voting for your Westfield Local Hero
We congratulate all of our finalists and recognise the important contribution they make to the local community. The successful Westfield Local Heroes will be announced on 27 October.
Westfield Local Heroes is a community recognition and grants program, connecting and enriching local communities.
Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the outcome of the public vote determining the three successful 2020 nominees for every Westfield centre. Each of the affiliated organisations of the successful heroes will be awarded a $10,000 grant to support their work to thrive. Westfield will award 126 grants across Australia and New Zealand – totalling $1.26 million.
Your finalists for Westfield Whitford City are:
Azelene Williams
From Fear to Freedom
Passionate. Honest. Advocate
Azelene Williams has developed an innovative way to advocate against domestic violence. After escaping a violent relationship that started in her teens, she became aware of a gap in educating young people about domestic violence. Azelene wrote a book about her experiences, BROKEN Breaking the Silence, and leaves copies around Perth for people to find. Inside is a message asking people to advocate against domestic violence, sign the book and pass it on or leave it for others. "Over the years I have received numerous messages from people telling me how much my story changed their lives," Azelene says.
Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. If Azelene is successful, From Fear to Freedom will use the grant to deliver prevention of Domestic Violence Workshops in schools and in the community.
Danica Hall
Red Frogs Australia
Selfless. Self-assured. Committed
Danica Hall and her team of Red Frogs volunteers attend festivals and university events to help keep young people safe. The volunteers encourage them to make healthy decisions, particularly about their choice to drink alcohol or take drugs. The young people also know the Red Frog volunteers will have their back if something does go wrong. Danica is the Festival Lead for WA and has played a significant role in building a united and robust team of volunteers. “We allay parents’ fears when they know we will be present at events,” says Danica.
Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. If Danica is successful, Red Frogs Australia will use its grant to provide more teams at Edith Cowan University events.
Dara Mills
Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club
Passionate. Energetic. Talented
Surf lifesaver Dara Mills hated watching people arrive at Mullaloo beach only to find they couldn’t cross the sand because of their disabilities. So she started campaigning for a beach access mat to be installed. This meant gaining the support of other Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club members, raising funds and gaining permission to install the mat. It took four years to become a reality. Dara was also instrumental in introducing additional water safety measures to Nippers so a child with autism could participate. “Being a member of the Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club is an honour,” Dara says.
Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. If Dara is successful, the Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club will use its grant to extend the beach access pathway and buy a floatable beach wheelchair.
Lorraine Lekias
Fostering Hope
Present. Caring. Giving
Working on the premise that it takes a village to raise a child, Lorraine Lekias founded the charity Fostering Hope to provide material items to foster children and advice to their carers. One area of focus is providing education to carers about childhood trauma and suggestions on how to help newly placed children to settle and feel safe "I work seven days a week at Fostering Hope; sorting donations, answering emails and, my favourite, cuddling babies while mums shop," says Lorraine, who has 20 years of experience as a foster mum and has five foster children.
Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. If Lorraine is successful, Fostering Hope will use its grant to upgrade its facilities and to fund emergency packs and education.
Patricia Waddilove
1st Mullaloo Sea Scouts Group
Generous. Energetic. Positive
Patricia Waddilove saved the 1st Mullaloo Sea Scouts Group. The 42-year-old group was on the brink of closure because there was no qualified leader to run it. Patricia, a senior Scout leader, stepped in to allow the scout and cub groups to keep going, bringing boundless energy and positivity. She also formed a committee to help grow membership and train and mentor new leaders. Under Patricia’s guidance, the scouts have grown from strength to strength, and are volunteering their time with the Mullaloo Beach Dune Restoration project.
Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. If Patricia is successful, the 1st Mullaloo Sea Scouts will fulfil their wish for three Laser sailing boats, safety equipment and camping gear.
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