Six Sutherland Shire residents are in the running for one of three $10,000 grants and the title of Westfield Miranda 'local hero'.
The six local finalists in Westfield's Local Heroes community grants program were announced last Tuesday.
Each was nominated for their work in the community, and this year's finalists include those who work with people with disabilities, help the local branch of the Special Olympics, protect our oceans and provide for disadvantaged families.
The Westfield Local Heroes community recognition and grants program is now in its third year.
This year 247 finalists from 42 Westfield centres are in the running to win a $10,000 grant. Three are awarded for each centre, as voted by the community.
The grants are awarded to those whose work - either individually or as part of an organisation - has a positive impact on their local community and/or environment.
The program recognises and promotes community role models whose work or activities create positive benefits for others in one or more of the following ways: nurturing a sense of belonging and inclusion, helping in times of community crisis, building community resilience, promoting positive health and well-being, improving access to community services and groups, and protecting the local environment.
The Westfield Miranda finalists are:
Amethyst (Ame) Barnbrook, who co-founded the Expanding Influences disability service, where she leads a team of 17 staff. She plans to use the grant to set up a kitchen and café-style area to teach life skills to those with disabilities.
Bronte Hendricks is helping young adults with mild to moderate disabilities and mental health conditions gain access to the same opportunities as other young people. She will use the grant to subsidise costs for those who don't qualify for the NDIS.
Geoff Vickers has spent 25 years driving the South Club of the Special Olympics Sydney . He will use the grant to help cover the costs of venue hire, athlete uniforms, social functions and competition entry costs.
Jason Stanton is a fierce advocate for children with a disability through Skillz4me. He plans to use the money to cover the cost of therapists and buy new equipment.
Sarah Mross has worked and volunteered at Dandelion Support Network since 2012. The network provides families with new and preloved cots, prams, car seats, clothes, toys and linen. If she wins the grant she will use it to buy essential items for 55 disadvantaged families.
Sarah-Jo Lobwein co-founded Sustainable Organisations of the Sutherland Shire and Plastic Free Sutherland Shire because she believes education is the key to improving the way people interact with the ocean. She plans to use the grant to fund school programs and a local business and consumer expo.
Voting is now open and closes Monday, September 14. To vote click here.
The winners will be announced October 27.
