Meet your Westfield Local Heroes finalists for 2023
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It’s time to meet and vote for your local hero.
Westfield Local Heroes has arrived for 2023! Since its inception in 2018, 600 local community organisations have been positively affected and $6.125 million has been invested. For 2023, another six local heroes have been chosen from a diverse range of sectors in our community. From emergency services, registered community groups, sporting clubs, not-for-profit, schools, authorities, and the environment, 2023 has been another amazing year for inspiring local heroes!
Here are your finalists—and with voting open until Monday 11 September, it’s the perfect opportunity to give thanks to the people doing amazing work in our community.
Westfield Belconnen
Dr Lubna Alam, Alo Enlightened Women Incorporated
Dr Lubna Alam makes a significant impact on the lives of migrant and refugee women in Canberra as the founder of Alo Enlightened Women Incorporated. Her volunteer-run organisation has reached thousands of women through educational programs focused on leadership, gender violence and equity, financial inclusion, women in tech, and car maintenance.
Graham McKerchar, Capital Region Community Services
Graham McKerchar is devoted to providing transport and social connections for locals. As transport manager at Capital Region Community Services, he’s responsible for 42,000 trips per year for 1,000 registered participants. Graham is also a driving force behind the 10/10, a garden blitz initiative supporting vulnerable families.
Mark Brosnan, Mental Illness Education ACT
Brave Mark Brosnan is making an extraordinary impact on his community by sharing his story of recovery from PTSD, depression ,and anxiety. Mark volunteers at Mental Illness Education ACT, where he runs face-to-face sessions that reach thousands of local people, ranging from the Australian Federal Police to secondary school students.
Westfield Woden
Glenda Stevens, Fearless Women Incorporated
Glenda Stevens is the founding CEO of Fearless Women Incorporated, where she encourages girls and young women to live with confidence, courage, resilience, and hope. She has reached more than 3,000 schoolgirls with her Fearless Future course and enrolled 50 young women in a two-year mentorship program.
Jodie Irvine, Roundabout Canberra
Jodie Irvine has dug deep for five years to provide thousands of local children with the essential items they need to stay safe and warm. The Roundabout Canberra volunteer devotes many hours a week to any task that needs doing. She loves taking pressure off families who can put the money they save towards other expenses.
Verlene Marshall, Lions Club of Canberra Brindabella
Verlene Marshall goes above and beyond every day to support a wide network of people in her community. Verlene’s most significant contributions include being President of the Lions Club of Canberra Brindabella and Board Secretary of Lions Youth Haven. She also takes every opportunity to get involved in hands-on volunteer work.
It only takes a couple of minutes to cast your vote—and with the the successful hero of each Westfield destination announced on Tuesday 10 October, you better get to it!
For more information visit westfield.com.au/local-heroes
