Bentley woman Judy Potter has been named the 2025 Westfield Carousel Local Hero for her work with People Helping People International, a community group that supports families doing it tough across Bentley and St James.
Judy’s charity began during the Covid-19 lockdown, when she shared a pot of soup with her neighbours alongside her rescue dog, Piper.
That small gesture of kindness inspired others to join in, growing into a volunteer network now helping people through food relief, community events and educational programs.
Judy said her passion for helping comes from her own experience of isolation and financial hardship. “In a previous life I thought I knew what it was like to have nothing, but now that I am on the other side I can’t bear to see people not getting the support they need,” she said.
Each week, People Helping People gives free food hampers to more than 70 families and cooks free community dinners that feed more than 40 people.
The group also runs youth programs, senior mentoring, life skills workshops, community clean-up days and safety initiatives.
“Life is full of challenges that I navigate as best I can. For me, People Helping People is how I heal myself and others. Just one person can make the difference in someone’s life,” Judy said.
The $20,000 grant that comes with the Local Hero award will help fund community and youth programs, emergency pet care, workshops, venue hire, clean-ups and special events.
City of Canning congratulated Judy and her team on social media, saying the organisation gives free food hampers to families and hosts weekly community dinners that make a real difference to local lives.
The other finalists were Andrew McGovern from The McGovern Foundation and Maryann Tsai from Reach Her Inc.
Andrew co-founded The McGovern Foundation to help disadvantaged people overcome barriers to getting their driver’s licence. Since 2021, the program has supported more than 580 learners, helping them gain independence and access to work, education and social opportunities.
Maryann founded Reach Her Inc in 2022 to support women in Bentley and Victoria Park through mentorship, scholarships and business training.
Her programs have already helped more than 800 women achieve financial independence and personal wellbeing.
Both finalists will receive a $5000 grant for their organisations.
Westfield Carousel said all three finalists are “truly inspiring leaders who are connecting and enriching our community through the work they do,” and encouraged residents to nominate other changemakers for next year’s Local Heroes program.
