Vote for your local hero

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 foundation for 20 years, as a personal thank you for the life-saving leukaemia treatment her son-in-law.
Her work at the Geelong Recycle Shop raises funds for accommodation for families who must travel to Melbourne for specialist treatment.
The deserving Local Heroes finalist list also includes Andy Brittain, Anthony Woodbury, 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.
Bronwyn, whose partner passed away from brain cancer, has selflessly helped more than 235 families deal with devastating 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 westfield.com.au/local-heroes for more information and to cast your vote.