Westfield Local Heroes announced

THREE trailblazing women are finalists in the Geelong Westfield Local Heroes community recognition and grants program and will have the chance to take home a grand $20,000 prize which will go towards the group or organisation they represent.

Karen Knuckey from Story Dogs in Geelong, Kerry Johnson from Encompass Community Services and Laura Alice from the Bluebird Foundation, represent their community as role models and create positive benefits for others across a broad range of sectors including emergency services, community groups and education.

Karen Knuckey who is involved with Story Dogs as a Geelong co-ordinator, was recognised for her efforts in running workshops and one on one services for children in schools to improve their reading skills by reading to dogs.

“Through having two beautiful dogs and seeing how therapeutic they can be, it made me want to get involved and find an organisation that provides that sort of therapy for people,” Knuckey said.

“I loved the idea of helping children and since becoming the co-ordinator for Geelong in 2019 I have been able to grow the team to around 24 volunteers who go into schools with the dogs and assist children with their literacy skills.

“Reading to a non-judgemental dog helps the children to focus and build up their reading confidence all the while having some ‘pawfect’ company.

“I absolutely love doing it and it brings me so much joy to be able to put a smile on the kids faces and to see the amazing improvements that they have across the year.”

Finalist Laura Alice from the Bluebird Foundation compassionately supports hundreds of people as a mentor, bringing people together through art programs and workshops to celebrate their differences and to improve their mental health.

Alice, who studied fine arts and was a youth worker, begun her journey with Bluebird seven years ago, facilitating workshops for refugees, young mothers, and teenagers in Geelong.

“To receive the honour of being nominated as a finalist for this award is truly humbling,” Alice said.

“Bluebird is a community that aligns with my values and it’s rare to find an organisation that resonates with you on such a deep level,” Alice said.

“It’s so rewarding to be able to provide accessible programs for everyone in our region, no matter their background or struggle.

“To be able to form genuine connections with people through art is something really special and a privilege that enriches me personally in many ways.”

The two finalists are joined by Geelong resident Kerry Johnson who has gone above and beyond in her role at Encompass Community Services to start a new initiative that provides 15-20 local families a week with home basics packs of bed linen, pillows, towels, pots and pans.

Kerry volunteered in her own time to get the program off the ground and continues to do so to give families in Geelong the chance to access products that are necessities to their livelihood.

“It would mean so much to me to continue the program and keep it afloat by winning the Local Heroes award,” Johnson said.

“When the pandemic arose, demand started to skyrocket and it’s super important for our community that they have these necessities to make their lives easier.

“I get plenty of enjoyment out of being involved and helping these people, and it would truly mean a lot to win and to continue funding the program.”

Voting for the Westfield Local Heroes community recognition and grants program is open until August 22.

To cast a vote, visit www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes.