Presenting your 2022 Westfield Local Hero

We are excited to announce your 2022 successful Westfield Local Hero for Albany.

The successful Westfield Local Heroes organisation, will receive a grant of $20,000 to help them continue to grow their impact in the local community. Westfield will award 126 grants across Australia and New Zealand – totalling $1.26 million.

In early 2023, we will open nominations for the 2023 Westfield Local Heroes program, so start thinking about those people in your communities who make a difference.

Your 2022 Westfield Albany Local Hero is:

Pennie Kennings

Harbour Hospice
Compassionate. Kind. Inspiring

Compassionate Pennie Kennings believes everyone has a story to tell. That’s the driving ethos behind her 15 years as the volunteer leader of the Life Story Biography program at Harbour Hospice.

The charity provides specialist palliative care to people who are living with a life-limiting illness. Hospice is a philosophy of care that places equal importance on the physical, spiritual, cultural, emotional and social wellbeing of a person, including the support of whānau. Thanks to Pennie and her team's kindness and writing skills, many have an opportunity to record their life stories in a personalised book.

Pennie had long admired the organisation, so it was an easy choice to volunteer after she retired from her counselling career.

She graciously donates many hours of her time working with the Life Story team to create treasured memories that bring meaningful pleasure to hospice patients and comfort to their loved ones.

One of Pennie’s rewards is hearing about patients who have re-connected positively with family members or rekindled a hobby or passion.

Pennie’s many responsibilities include training suitable volunteers and supporting them with any challenging and emotional issues that may arise after working closely with a patient.

“I value being able to make a contribution to such a worthwhile organisation and program,” Pennie says.

Harbour Hospice will put the grant towards purchasing three specialised beds to provide patients with comfort and support. It would also purchase equipment for the life story program.

We also congratulate our finalists who will receive a $5,000 grant for the organisation they represent, and we thank them for their incredible contribution to the local community.

Deidre Anderson from Victim Support North Shore
Deidre Anderson has a calling for helping victims of crime and trauma. She has been working with non-profit Victim Support North Shore for seven years and is deeply admired for her work ethic and passion for doing whatever she can to comfort and support people on their recovery journey.

Rod Cox from Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Zealand Trust
Rod Cox is a humble man with a huge heart who brings joy to critically ill children and their families through his tireless dedication to Make-A-Wish New Zealand. Nothing is too much trouble for Rod, who has created 37 bespoke wishes and thrives on supporting local families in their time of need.

If you need support, please phone Lifeline: 0800 543 354.

Recognising all our 2022 nominees

View all of the Westfield Albany nominees and their organisation