Presenting your 2021 Westfield Local Heroes

We are excited to announce your three 2021 successful Westfield Local Heroes for Woden.

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.

For further information or to discover the Westifield Local Heroes at other Westfield centres, click here.

Your three Westfield Woden Local Heroes are:

Peter Cursley

Newborn Intensive Care Foundation
Passionate. Resilient. Life-Saver

Peter Cursley has worked for more than 20 years to raise millions of dollars for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Special Care Nurseries at Canberra Hospital through his Newborn Intensive Care Foundation. He raises funds for medical equipment, clinician education and research. One example of the impact of Peter’s work is that doctors have used an eye laser the Foundation donated to save the sight of 22 babies.

Find out more >

Suzanne Crane

Capital Nordic Walking
Caring. Courageous. Driven

Suzanne Crane is on a mission to support physical health, social connection and mental wellbeing for people living in Canberra’s retirement communities. Suzanne is a leader in the group behind the volunteer program called Nordic Stride 4 Life: Safer, Stronger, Together (NS4L). More than 100 people aged from their 60 to their 90s have started Nordic walking at several ACT retirement villages thanks to Suzanne’s efforts.

Find out more >

Val Dempsey

St John Ambulance Australia (ACT) Inc.
Tireless. Loyal. Generous

Dedicated volunteer Val Dempsey is an experienced nurse who has been supporting her community for nearly 40 years. Last year alone, Val gave over 600 hours of service through St John Ambulance ACT. In addition to regularly providing first aid at community events and activities, Val is always quick to lead or assist with volunteer induction and first aid training. She also supports the elderly and volunteers for NightCrew to keep young people safe in the CBD.

Find out more >

We congratulate our finalists and recognise the important contribution they make to the local community.

Michael from ACT Rural Fire Service
Michael is a dedicated volunteer firefighter for the ACT Rural Fire Service. Michael is always willing to help fight fires. When Michael is not fighting fires or training, he and the other volunteers teach fire safety at school fetes, plant trees and helps with the local Scout group in Duffy.

Rob Regent from Everyday Champions
Rob Regent is a big-hearted coach and personal trainer with a big vision – to inspire people with a disability to live a great life and create a more understanding and inclusive community. Rob is founder of Everyday Champions, a social enterprise that encourages healthy lifestyles, builds life skills, runs sports activities and provides fun days out.

Shannon Wood from Woden Community Service
Woden Community Service worker Shannon Wood is the driving force behind Little Pantry, which gives donated food and personal items to people in need and refers them on for further support for people of all ages and those with mental illness and disabilities. Shannon is respected for her kind, thoughtful and non-judgmental approach to the community.

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

Recognising all our 2021 nominees

View all of the Westfield Woden nominees and their organisations