Hannah Hammoud
There is no doubt that Brimbank State Emergency Service (SES) Unit controller Bernie Thatcher is a local hero. But last year the community voted to make that fact known.
Having spent 15 years serving her community in times of crisis, Bernie was named as a finalist for the 2023 Westfield Local Heroes which recognise everyday role models who make a positive impact on their local community.
At the time Bernie said if she was successful in the community vote, VICSES Brimbank Unit would put the funds towards a new garage to keep its vehicles undercover.
A $5000 grant later, the plans for the new garage have now been drawn up and are awaiting permits before construction begins.
Bernie said the new space is an overdue upgrade for the unit.
“The sooner we can begin constructing the better it is for us. Our vehicles are really getting weathered without a garage to store them in and it also leaves the vehicles at risk of theft and vandalism,” she said.
“In the past we’ve had our vehicles vandalised and equipment stolen, so this will really help us. As well as protecting them from the weather elements.”
Westfield has announced the return of the annual Local Heroes program for 2024 and is inviting locals to nominate the unsung heroes in their community who go above and beyond to make a positive change.
Bernie said last year, the Local Heroes program was embraced by her entire unit and said the excitement reached every member.
“We were very excited as a whole unit, and that showed up with all the great help we had when we spent a week at the shopping centre to promote our cause. All the members went on a roster system and we all worked to rally with the shoppers, handing out pamphlets and telling them what it was all about. Everyone pitched in,” she said.
“The program is a great cause for any service or volunteer organisation that is nominated. It will help them along the way, just the experience of it all and getting out there and promoting your organisation to the community, it’s a great way to get involved.”
This year, there are $1.26 million in community grants available, with shortlisted nominees receiving grants of up to $20,000 to support their organisation.
Nominations close on March 18, 2024.
Details: www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes
