Two local women who simply sought to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic have been rewarded with $20,000 in grants through a program celebrating people and organisations who have made a significant impact on their communities.
During COVID lockdowns, Judy Potter began sharing soup with neighbours.
Her initiative grew into the St James-based People Helping People, which now supports more than 70 families weekly with free food, and provides a variety of free events and activity programs.
Meanwhile, Nicole Abbott formed Get Scrubbed during the pandemic to sew items for healthcare workers, now uniting volunteers to create handmade gifts for those in hospital or care.
Ms Potter and Ms Abbott took the top grants in Westfield’s Local Heroes for 2025, which awarded more than $1.25 million