Your 2025 Westfield Woden Local Hero is:

Anna Slavich

Camp Quality

Inspiring. Champion. Empathetic

Since 1989, Anna has helped raised more than AU$1 million for Camp Quality, to help bring fun and laughter back to the lives of children with cancer and their families.  
Camp Quality provides fun experiences, trusted information, and a supportive community. Its programs give families facing cancer the opportunity to reconnect, make friends and spend time with others going through the same experiences. 

Through her dedication to the charity, Anna has brought lasting positive change to hundreds of young lives in southern New South Wales and the ACT. 
Anna has deep empathy and an ability to connect with families, which in turn generates hope during their most difficult times. 

“The biggest satisfaction is to see these children laughing, playing, making new friends and reuniting with old friends,” she says. “Laughter is the best medicine.” 
As well as fundraising, Anna has helped to secure vital support services, such as a child therapist at Canberra Hospital and therapy camps; these ensure children receive the emotional care they need while navigating the physical impacts of the disease. 

“I want to give back to people who are not [as lucky as me],” she says.  
“Being with the children and their families puts life into perspective, but to be able to make them smile is the best thing in the world.” 

The $20,000 grant will be used to fund a residential break for 15-18 families, including accommodation, travel catering and activities.

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We’d like to thank and acknowledge our finalists who will receive a $5K grant for the organisation they represent...

Jill Strickland from Woden Community Service (The Little Pantry)

Jill’s work with The Little Pantry in Woden helps provide food packages to Canberra families in hardship. Jill is motivated by love for her community and by the desire to teach her own children about need in the community. She has a firm belief that all Canberrans should have access to healthy food.

Patricia McDonell from Fearless Women
Trish supports young women and girls through Fearless Women, a charity that provides mentoring, counselling, and education to build confidence and self-esteem in those facing the challenges of life. This year alone, her efforts have impacted over 100 girls. Trish also volunteers for multiple community initiatives, include Vinnie’s night patrol and Canberra Legacy.

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

Recognising all our 2025 nominees

View all of the Westfield Woden nominees and their organisations.