Presenting your 2021 Westfield Local Heroes
We are excited to announce your three 2021 successful Westfield Local Heroes for Manukau City.
Each of the affiliated organisations of the successful heroes will be awarded a $10,000 grant to support their work to thrive. Westfield will award 126 grants across Australia and New Zealand – totalling $1.26 million.
For further information or to discover the Westifield Local Heroes at other Westfield centres, visit the Westfield Local Heroes website.
Your three Westfield Manukau City Local Heroes are:
Dave Lockwood
YMCA North
Passionate. Community-minded. Innovator
Dave Lockwood has rolled up his sleeves to give 1,000 South Auckland school students an opportunity to enjoy the awesome school camps that other Kiwis take for granted. As outdoors group manager at YMCA North, Dave has raised funds and entered partnerships to enable schools closest to the iconic Camp Adair to enjoy its facilities.
Kelly Francis
Whenua Warrior
Dedicated. Passionate. Inspirational
Kelly Francis was inspired to found Whenua Warrior four years ago when she realised the key to solving food insecurity was to revolutionise food production. Her trust has built 480 organic fruit and vegetable gardens in backyards and public spaces with the abundance of produce shared in the community.
Wendy Keate
Victim Support Counties Manukau
Empathetic. Compassionate. Professional
Wendy Keate is a dedicated volunteer for Victim Support Counties Manukau, where she helps traumatised people build their strength and regain control of their life. Wendy underwent her training in 2020 and has already supported close to 100 clients, many of whom have experienced an accident, crime or the suicide of a loved one.
If you need support, contact Victim Support: 0800 842 846
We congratulate our finalists and recognise the important contribution they make to the local community.
Makaia Carr from Kura Kai
Makaia Carr sprang into action at the start of COVID-19 to feed families and ensure rangatahi (youth) could stay in school instead of having to work. She launched non-profit Kura Kai, recruited more than 1000 volunteers and started stocking freezers at 21 high schools, including five in Auckland, with food for students to take home.
Paul Dickson from Oke Charity
Paul Dickson sowed more than edible plants when he founded Oke Charity in 2015 to establish gardens in local schools. He aimed to teach children how to produce their own food, but the benefits have kept growing.
Shayal Mala from Age Concern Auckland Inc.
Empathetic Shayal Mala has made it her life’s work to ensure elderly people stay healthy, fit and independent for as long as possible. Shayal’s caring and sunny nature are perfect for her role at Age Concern Auckland where provides advice at regular workshops and events.
If you need support, please phone Lifeline: 0800 543 354.
Recognising all our 2021 nominees
View all of the Westfield Manukau City nominees and their organisations