Canberra has two new heroes.
The winners of the 2024 Westfield Local Heroes have been revealed.
John Pratt, an acclaimed artist and lead facilitator of the internationally recognised Tingey Painting with Parkinson's Program, was voted the Local Hero for Westfield Woden.
Victorya Jenkinson, director of housing and homelessness at YWCA Canberra, was voted the Local Hero for Westfield Belconnen.
Earlier in the year, Australians were called upon to nominate local heroes who go above and beyond to make a positive impact to their local community or environment.
The finalists photographs and stories were displayed in Westfields across the nation, with the public voting for the winners.
A public vote saw a record number of votes cast by 71,500 community members, selecting the successful grant recipient at each Westfield destination.
The successful hero from each of the 42 Westfield destinations is awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent, with remaining finalists each receiving a $5000 grant.
Both Mr Pratt and Ms Jenkinson were humbled to be named the Canberra winners. And both said they were only representing a wider group of people.
"It's wonderful for the program we run, which is such a collaborative endeavour," Mr Pratt said.
Involved for more than 25 years, Mr Pratt helps to improve the physical and emotional welfare of people with Parkinson's through art, including staging exhibitions of their work.
"The art world is often about status and a certain elitism, but I have really enjoyed the stories of those people involved in the program," he said.
Ms Jenkinson has dedicated 20 years to supporting women and children escaping domestic violence.
"It is an incredible honour to be recognised for the work I do with YWCA Canberra. I feel truly privileged to stand alongside an extraordinary team committed to supporting women and children in their most vulnerable moments," she said.
"The remarkable generosity of Westfield through the Westfield Local Heroes program, will have a profound impact on the lives of those we support.
"With the $20,000 grant, we can provide essentials like fridges, washing machines, and beds-items that are often taken for granted, but for many of our families, are life-changing.
"These families often arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs, having left behind everything in the wake of domestic violence or homelessness."
