Lions volunteer gains hero status

GEELONG Corio Bay Lions Club volunteer Brian Stewart Edward APMOAM has been crowned the 2023 Westfield Local Heroes $20,000 grant winner for his devotion towards helping young children in his community.

The Westfield Local Heroes program celebrates community role models whose work benefits others across a broad range of sectors, including emergency services, registered community groups, sporting clubs, not-for-profit, schools, and the environment.

Mr Edward was voted by his community as a local hero for his efforts in helping to fundraise over $400,000 to allow 1,300 people to attend five-day Lions sponsored summer camps held at the Licola Wilderness Village.

The camps are for children from 8 to 11 years old and include a series of fun activities to challenge them to exceed their expectations, create a spirit of teamwork and cooperation and rise to their full potential.

The 83-year-old former police chief superintendent will use the grants prize to cover the costs of another 40 local children attending the camps.

“I’m so thrilled to win but am just excited so for the children who this will help,” Mr Edward said.

“The experience of accompanying these young children to camp for the last thirty or so years and seeing them enjoy themselves has been really special.

“The overall value of these camps and the experiences of independence and decision-making for these young children is invaluable.

“The next camp will be in April, and children will be allocated a position at the camp if they so wish, free of charge.

“It’s such a great cause and I really look forward to doing it again.”

Westfield Geelong centre manager, Lauren Frew said they were overjoyed to crown their 2023 champions.

“It’s our pleasure to introduce the Westfield Local Heroes 2023 grant recipients and celebrate the remarkable work and contributions they make to our communities.

“Each year, we are delighted to receive such inspiring nominations and as we celebrate the sixth year of the program, we want to thank those people who give back to our community, and our customers for their ongoing support in recognising and rewarding these incredible role models.”

Westfield Local Heroes finalists Jade Hamilton from Lazarus Community Centre and Libby Bate from Cancer After Care Group Geelong were also awarded with $5,000 each for their group or organisation.