Finalists for the 2025 Westfield Local Heroes program have been announced at Chermside, with the community encouraged to cast their vote.
Chermside Finalists Revealed
Westfield Chermside has confirmed three finalists for the 2025 Westfield Local Heroes program. The initiative highlights individuals and organisations contributing to community support and environmental sustainability.
The finalists are Jan Schutt of Stationery Aid, Madonna Holscher of St Vincent de Paul, and Michael Andreotti of Community Canteen. Voting for this year’s program opened on 19 August 2025.
Stationery Aid’s Focus on Education
Jan Schutt co-founded Stationery Aid with his wife Alison to collect and recycle used school stationery for disadvantaged children. The program has provided assistance to more than 2,700 students and diverted over 60 tonnes of materials from landfill. If successful, a grant will help equip 300 students with essential learning supplies for one year.
Daily Volunteer Work at St Vincent de Paul
Madonna Holscher volunteers daily to assist people experiencing homelessness, financial hardship, or ill health. She provides food, financial aid, and support services across her community. A grant would allow her to expand assistance for rent, food vouchers, utility bills, and school-related expenses.
Community Canteen Extending Support
Michael Andreotti leads Community Canteen, a not-for-profit delivering more than 1,100 meals every fortnight to people who are homeless or living in temporary accommodation. Drawing from his own lived experience of homelessness, he coordinates volunteers, kitchen facilities, and food supply. Funding would extend the group’s capacity to purchase fresh produce and staple foods for Brisbane residents in hardship.
Program Background
The Westfield Local Heroes program, now in its eighth year, recognises 126 finalists across Australia and New Zealand in 2025. Since its launch, it has awarded more than $8.6 million in grants to 865 community organisations. This year, Westfield will distribute up to $1.25 million in community grants across 42 centres.
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A $75,000 windfall has brought immense joy and excitement to a Chermside family as the recipient plans to surprise his wife with a brand-new car. The ticket, purchased at Kedron-Wavell on Kittyhawk Drive, secured the financial blessing through a combination of chance, thoughtful play, and sheer luck, making it an unforgettable moment. The news of the win quickly spread across Kedron-Wavell, with staff and patrons expressing excitement for the fortunate winner. Management at the venue was delighted to see such good fortune within their community, describing the atmosphere as electric when the win was confirmed. General Manager Vjorn Bradow highlighted the shared joy and elation among staff, guests, and the winner, noting how such moments foster positivity and unity within the local community. The multiplier feature on the ticket made it a particularly memorable event for all involved, creating a buzz of excitement and leaving everyone thrilled. The Chermside man secured his $75,000 prize through a Keno Classic ticket with a x3 Bonus multiplier in draw 111, held on 12 January 2025. The inclusion of the Bonus feature significantly increased the prize amount, turning it into a life-changing moment for the lucky winner. Keno data from FY24 highlights the popularity of the game, with Queensland players enjoying over 28.5 million wins, totalling $441.6 million. The state also produced nine major prize winners during the year, sharing a combined $46.7 million in winnings. With the funds allocated towards a new car, the Chermside man views the win as a chance to enhance his family’s life and begin the year with an unforgettable milestone. The win joins a growing list of Queensland success stories, showcasing the joy and happiness such financial blessings can bring to local families, making a significant difference and creating long-lasting memories. Published 18-Jan-2025Chermside Man Plans New Car Surprise for Wife with $75,000 Windfall
Photo Credit: PexelsDetails of the $75,000 Win
Photo Credit: PexelsFuture Plans
