Westfield Chermside calls on the community to rally behind their local champions as voting opens for the 2024 Westfield Local Heroes programme.
Now in its seventh year, the programme acknowledges and celebrates the tireless dedication of individuals and organisations working to enhance their communities and the environment.
Each Westfield centre will grant $20,000 to the finalist receiving the most votes, while the remaining finalists will each receive a $5,000 grant to further their impactful work. This year, Westfield is set to award $AUD1.25 million in community grants across Australia and New Zealand.
Chermside’s Changemakers
Benjamin Bjarnesen, founder of the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation, addresses critical service gaps within LGBTQ+ communities. The foundation’s education and resources reached over 7.3 million people last year, fostering safer support systems. With the grant, Ben aims to expand the foundation’s e-learning package.
Bianca Campling, Baby Bundle Coordinator at A Brave Life, assists vulnerable new mothers facing challenges like domestic violence and homelessness. By providing essential baby items to over 1,500 mothers annually, Bianca empowers them to care for their newborns. The grant would enable Bianca to expand the Baby Bundle programme, reaching over 3,500 mothers annually.
Jodi Traves, CEO of Bridgecare Ltd, leads a team offering compassionate support to those in need. Bridgecare aids homeless individuals, provides weekly food hampers, and assists with household tasks. The grant would allow Jodi to bolster Bridgecare’s capacity to purchase and store food, including fresh and frozen items from OzHarvest.
Centre Manager Pietta Lacey encourages customers to take a moment to vote and acknowledge the finalists’ exceptional contributions. She highlighted that every vote counts and can significantly impact the positive change these individuals and organisations drive in the community.
Voting is open until Monday, September 9th, and the winners will be announced on Tuesday, 15 October. Thanks to Scentre Group’s generous support, the Westfield Local Heroes programme is more than just recognition; it’s an investment in the future of our communities.
Published Date 22-August-2024
