Vote for your local hero

VOTING is open for this year’s Westfield Local Heroes program, with six inspirational finalists in the running to receive $10,000 for their deserving organisation or charity.
The Local Heroes finalist list includes Andy Brittain, Anthony Woodbury, Barb Speldewinde, Bronwyn Haskell, Claire Faulmann and Jennifer Chiu.
Andy has helped many at-risk high school students turn their lives around through an intensive one-year personal and physical development program, provided by Geelong Youth Engagement, that he developed as a police officer.
Anthony is a chef and co-founder of Feed Me Bellarine, providing meals to families doing it tough, providing a fresh produce supermarket and cafe where customers pay what they can, and reducing food waste.
The manager of Fight Cancer Foundation’s Geelong Recycle Shop is one of six inspirational Geelong region finalists in this year’s Westfield Local Heroes program.
Barb has volunteered with the Fight Cancer Foundation for 20 years and manages the foundation’s Geelong Recycle Shop, which raises funds for accommodation for families who must travel to Melbourne for specialist treatment.
Bronwyn, whose partner passed away from brain cancer, has helped more than 235 families deal with brain cancer diagnosis as a volunteer with the Peace of Mind Foundation.
Claire became CEO of OneCare just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit and while other community services were temporarily closing their doors, her non-profit was ramping up support and providing 500 meals a week, 1.5 tons of groceries to families and an online counselling program.
Jennifer is a volunteer branch leader for the charity Eat Up and helps make thousands of healthy sandwiches for marginalised children who would otherwise go hungry at school.
Westfield Geelong Centre manager Lauren Frew said the Local Heroes Program had been an instrument for change and support for deserving organisations since its inception four years ago.
Every year, each Westfield centre awards three $10,000 individual grants to the affiliated organisations of the recipients whose work makes a positive impact on their local community or environment.
Lauren called on local residents to vote for their local hero and help determine the Geelong region’s three Westfield Local Heroes grant recipients for 2021, announced on October 12.
The voting period for Westfield Local Heroes opened on August 10 and closes on Monday
August 30.
Visit the Westfield website for more information and to cast your vote.