We’ve partnered with 9News to celebrate and recognise local heroes – the people doing it tough and the ones lending a helping hand to those in need.
We’re proud to support this community-led initiative at a time when many West Australians need a boost.
Nominate an individual, organisation or community group
Head to the 9News Best of the West website to nominate.
$5,000 grants awarded
Heroes will receive 1 of 13 $5,000 awards to go help their efforts.
Worthy recipients announced every fortnight
Our Best of the West recipients will be announced during the 9News Sunday bulletin from 16 Aug 2020 right through to the end of 25 Apr 2021.
Started by WA black belt mum Kristy Hitchens, Pink Belt Project empowers women in need. It connects them with the ancient traditions of martial arts for healing, health, wellbeing and growth.
Founded by Neil McCulloch, this is a not-for-profit volunteer run group for youth from refugee and migrant backgrounds that allows participants to strengthen their connection with their new home. Participants are taken on hikes and camping experiences in the Australian bush, with all expenses paid. Their goal is to offer safe and free hiking experiences to break down imaginary barriers between groups and allow greater connection between participants, volunteers and the land.
Therapy on Wheels is a charity that focuses on improving the mental wellbeing of cancer patients and their families through the proven benefits of adrenaline-based participation in motorsports. It was set up by Andy Kahle and her husband Mick, after Andy’s passion for motorsports was a driving factor in her recovery from an aggressive form of breast cancer. Therapy on Wheels, which also seeks to raise awareness of cancer, takes passengers down the drag strip in a world first highly modified car – making for an exciting experience for them, plus laughter and fun for their family on the sidelines.
A library in Leederville that offers tools to the community for a small membership fee. A group of locals brought this to life after noticing there was nothing similar in WA, despite it being quite common overseas. Not only does the library contain tools, it also lends out a whole range of practical items – including camping gear, medical equipment, gardening supplies, and sewing machines. It’s also cheaper than hiring from local rental stores.
The money will be spent on diverse equipment, such as a kit for schools to conduct beach clean ups and new, good quality tents for families who would otherwise rely on low quality donated goods.
Across WA, there are 20,000 firefighting volunteers who represent over 500 brigades. Bushfire Volunteers is run by a small team and volunteer board – they are passionate and committed to educating the community about fire safety and building innovative apps and programs to support the wellbeing and safety of their wide base of volunteer firefighters.
This is a charity focused on empowering Western Australian women to become financially independent, so that they can succeed not only in work, but in life. It offers a range of career development services that support and enhance a woman's capacity to enter or re-enter the workforce. The money would be spent on their first regional tour – they're heading to Kalgoorlie where they'll style and provide professional attire and employment support for 20 women.
Samantha Judd is a Perth mum who brings together disadvantaged kids across Perth to help celebrate their birthdays. Identified from women's refuges and counselling services, each child gets a personalised birthday cake, gifts, party food and loot bags – enough so they can also invite friends to celebrate with them.
The club offers free membership to all children aged five to 12 years who live local to the 6056 community. Money, time and travel seem to be some of the biggest hurdles to keeping kids in sports and off the streets. The club relies on the kind support of many volunteers and local businesses to help encourage, inspire and motivate the players to strive to be their absolute possible best.
This is a local Perth charity that fills shoe boxes with goodies and necessities for adults, who are often overlooked in favour of children at Christmas time. Renee Whitcher started the initiative through Facebook, and with the help of a group of friendly volunteers, makes sure every donated box is topped up with love.
Ben is a Perth father of three, recently diagnosed and fighting MND. Ben is documenting his days living with the disease in the hope that it inspires others and builds awareness.
Glenise sews fabric bags from her humble home to help ill children across Western Australia carry important medical supplies during their hospital stay.
This community based, non-profit association runs sessions of wheelchair indoor soccer, giving Australians with disabilities a new way of life through sport.
If you’d like to contact us about any of our community programs, we’d love to hear from you.