Pictured L:R: Sam Moyle, Natalie Thomson, Jennifer Howard, Chris Paterson
Australians are invited to make a difference by casting their vote for their 2024 Westfield Local Heroes
Westfield destinations across Australia and New Zealand have today revealed the finalists of the 2024 Westfield Local Heroes community recognition and grants program, with voting now open. Casting a vote is easy and takes just minutes, but the impact on the lives of those in the community could be lifelong.
Each Westfield destination will award the finalist who receives the most votes a $20,000 grant for the group or organisation they represent, with remaining finalists each receiving a $5,000 grant, so they can continue to provide valuable support to the community. In 2024, Westfield will award 126 heroes a total of $AUD1.25 million in community grants across Australia and New Zealand.
In its seventh year, the program recognises and celebrates the individuals and organisations dedicated to their communities and environment. This year’s finalists provide services to a wide range of areas including disability and access, domestic violence and child protection, family support and new parents, youth support and education, mental health and wellbeing, among many others.
Voting for your Westfield Local Hero opens today and closes on Monday 9 September.
Westfield is proud to announce its finalists pioneering environmental and wildlife change:
- Sam Moyle, Ocean Heroes Australia (NSW): Sam wants to help people with autism experience the ocean safely. So, he co-founded Ocean Heroes Australia in Western Australia and New South Wales. In 12 months, Sam has trained 219 volunteers and organised free monthly surfing events on four Sydney beaches, benefiting over 400 participants.
- Natalie Thomson, Warriors 4 Wildlife (VIC): Natalie co-founded Warriors 4 Wildlife after realising the scale of need for support in the wildlife industry. The organisation provides wildlife rescue and transportation services, support for wildlife shelters, and rescue training and education services. Under her leadership, the organisation has grown to support over 100 local wildlife carers.
- Jennifer Howard, Safe Pets Safe Families (SA): Jennifer founded Safe Pets Safe Families (SPSF) to provide pet boarding services and foster carers for domestic violence victims, ensuring their pets are safe while they seek refuge. Inspired by her own experience with domestic violence, Jennifer has increased SPSF to 400 volunteers.
- Chris Paterson, Bamboo Projects (QLD): Chris founded Bamboo Projects to support individuals with mental illness and disabilities through outdoor therapy and environmental programs. In the past year, Bamboo Projects has removed 70 tonnes of marine debris from Moreton Bay.
A Westfield spokesperson said: “We’re excited to announce the 2024 Westfield Local Heroes finalists and invite our customers to take a couple of minutes to cast their vote for members of our community who are doing so much for others.
“Our finalists are driving positive change with the work they do, and every vote is a contribution to the potential impact they’re able to make. We welcome our customers to visit the exhibition in-centre to learn about the finalists’ stories and organisations and vote to show their support.”
The successful hero for each Westfield centre will be announced on Tuesday 15 October 2024.
To view your Westfield Local Heroes finalists, visit www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes or your local Westfield website to read about the finalists and cast your vote.
Plants, seeds & more delivered to your door!
www.nativeshop.com.au
Advertisement
