Westfield Chatswood
- Gerard Hewson, Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT: Six-time Paralympian Gerard Hewson started the Lane Cove Cockatoos wheelchair basketball club in early 2026 to open the sport to local people with disabilities and help build their confidence. Through his mentorship, the players have already gone from strength to strength, while the club has become a local gathering point for their families and the community.
- Max Harpham, The Shepherd Centre – For Deaf Children: Born profoundly deaf, Max’s childhood was transformed by specialist support from The Shepherd Centre, giving him the chance to play and learn alongside his hearing peers from an early age. He now volunteers as a mentor for Hear For You, helping ensure young deaf people are offered the same life-changing experiences and opportunities.
- Peter Quinn, Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney: Peter’s experience with personal loss has motivated him to help sports clubs in his community address mental health challenges. Through Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury and the group he founded, Mates in Mind, he supports hundreds of men and women and fosters a culture of openness.
In Short
- Westfield Chatswood has recognised leaders Gerard Hewson, Max Harpham, and Peter Quinn for their outstanding local mentorship, disability advocacy, and mental health support[cite: 1].
- Westfield Hornsby volunteers Michelle Key, Milton Kirkwood, and Sharon Reid have been celebrated for providing crucial healthcare comfort packs and vital community support networks[cite: 1].
- Westfield Warringah Mall champions Bronwen Simmons, Mel Kypri, and Michelle Povah have been honoured for their essential work in crisis support, domestic violence refuge, and family welfare on the Northern Beaches[cite: 1].
Westfield Hornsby
- Michelle Key, Smiles2u: Unexpected hospital visits can be isolating and frightening. As founder and director of Smiles2u, Michelle Key puts together comfort bags for sick children and their loved ones, as well as adults undergoing cancer treatment. Powered by donations and volunteers, the organisation distributes thousands of packs each year to patients and their families at local hospitals across the North Shore.
- Milton Kirkwood, PanKind Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation Limited: Knowing that pancreatic cancer patients and carers had nowhere to connect, Milton Kirkwood set up a local support group in his Hornsby community. For the past six years, he has volunteered as PanKind’s support group facilitator, leading a free online meeting that draws participants from across Australia. Now in his 80s, he runs monthly sessions connecting patients and carers through shared experience, expert speakers and practical support.
- Sharon Reid, The Zone at Hornsby Connect: Sharon Reid is the founder of The Zone at Hornsby Connect, a free weekly group for young people aged 12 to 18 with autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences. As a practising psychologist, she recognised the need to provide a space for building friendships, belonging and connection.
Westfield Warringah Mall
- Bronwen Simmons, Bear Cottage: As Community Relations Manager at Bear Cottage, Bronwen Simmons brings together her local community to support families of children with life-limiting illnesses. She raises tens of thousands of dollars every year through initiatives that connect families, volunteers and supporters with Bear Cottage’s care.
- Mel Kypri, Mowana Safe Space: Mel Kypri founded Mowana Safe Space, a volunteer-led drop-in space that opens four evenings each week for adults experiencing emotional distress, loneliness or difficult times. She provides a non-judgemental space for human connection, compassion and support for people feeling overwhelmed or in crisis.
- Michelle Povah, Women and Children First: For over 25 years, Michelle Povah has worked to create safety, opportunity and inclusion for young people and families. As CEO of Women & Children First, she leads support for women and children affected by domestic violence, offering refuge and recovery. She also volunteers as a Girl Guides leader and brings senior leadership to the Australian Physical Disability Rugby League.
