Presenting your 2020 Westfield Local Heroes

We are excited to announce your three 2020 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 42 trade areas across Australia and New Zealand. In 2020, we are awarding $1.26 million to 126 local organisations

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

Your three Westfield Whitford City Local Heroes 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.

__Find out more > __

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.

__Find out more > __

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.

__Find out more > __

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

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

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