Your 2026 Westfield Woden Local Hero is:

Stuart Thorn

Story Dogs

Calm. Dedicated. Caring.

Stuart Thorn has been awarded a $20,000 grant for their organisation, Story Dogs.

Helping children to enjoy reading can change the way they see learning, and Stuart brings that opportunity to primary schools in his community through his volunteering with Story Dogs.

The organisation’s mission is to create a safe, fun and supportive environment for children to learn, by pairing them with friendly dogs as their reading companions.

“I recognise the importance of literacy for future and emerging generations,” says Stuart.

“I have worked in environments where poor literacy has impeded the careers and career opportunities for those I have worked with.  I have also come across capable people whose value has been diminished by their inability to effectively communicate via the written word.”

Through his volunteering, Stuart is helping build literacy skills and confidence among children in his community.

Since joining Story Dogs in 2024 with his collie dog Nike, he has become the local volunteer coordinator, recruiting volunteers, supporting schools and raising awareness of Story Dogs at high-profile community events. He also helps find new sponsorship funding for his volunteers and organises fundraising.

“By instilling literacy interest and skills at an early age, I am hopeful the number of people disadvantaged by limited reading skills in the community will be reduced,” Stuart says.

"I am also motivated by allowing my companion dog to be useful; indeed, he is the real hero!”

We'd like to thank and acknowledge our finalist who will receive a $5,000 grant for the organisation they represent

Tiffany Karlsson

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre

Compassionate. Courageous. Transformative

Tiffany Karlsson leads the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, offering safe and confidential support to those affected by sexual violence. Through the centre, Tiffany also delivers education and prevention courses that reach thousands of community members each year and has established a program to help increase reporting of violence by supporting survivors navigating the justice system.

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

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Woden nominees and their organisations.

2027 Nominations Now Open

Do you know someone making a difference in your community? Tell us in 200 words why they should be a Westfield Local Hero and they could receive a $20,000 grant for their organisation.

Find out more here