Champions of the West

When he was 22, Andy Moutray-Read left his home in Lancing, West Sussex, England on a round-the-world trip and didn’t return. His departure would eventually be Melbourne’s gain. He has spent the past 23 years not only raising a family but making a significant contribution to civic life in the inner west. Read more: Champions of the West – Andy Moutray-Read

It took Liliana Bravo, a Colombian-born and raised woman, 15 years to get her business in Melbourne up and running. She is determined to pass on everything she has learned, so that women who come after her have a much quicker, and easier journey and learn from her experiences. Read more: Champions of the West – Liliana Bravo, Casa Bonita Lifestyle

One in three students is not meeting minimum numeracy and literacy expectations, according to the most recent NAPLAN data. Such statistics throw into stark relief the success of 100 Story Building, a not-for-profit social enterprise in Footscray that develops the literacy and creative skills of students experiencing disadvantage. Keep reading: Champions of the West – 100 Story Building – The Westsider

It has been just 11 years since Jacob Thang, a member of Myanmar’s persecuted Chin community, arrived in Melbourne, speaking not a word of English. In that time, he has made an extraordinary contribution, which has culminated in a Leadership Award at the 2023 Victorian Refugee Awards for his work in supporting the Chin community in Melbourne’s west, and his community in Myanmar. Keep reading: Champions of the West: Jacob Thang 

With such a strong military pedigree, it is unsurprising that Lesley Twidle has devoted nearly two decades to supporting returned soldiers in her role as secretary of Sunshine RSL. Lesley’s father served in World War 2; she grew up on a soldier settlement in Yarroweyah; and her husband served in the Navy and was involved in the Malayan Emergency. Keep reading: Champions of the West: Lesley Twidle

The community legal centre WEstjustice advocates for some of the most vulnerable people and also has a strong record of innovative and rigorous policy work. The team works across four key areas: culturally and linguistically diverse communities; people experiencing gender-based violence; people experiencing economic injustice; and young people. Keep reading: Champions of the West: WEstjustice

For seven years, John Harding and Tara Newen, the co-founders of Books ‘n’ Boots, have been collecting pre-loved children’s books and football boots and sending them to First Nations rural and remote communities and schools around the nation. Their vision is to close the health and literacy gap, one book at a time. Keep reading: Champions of the West: Books ‘n’ Boots  

Awareness of the scourge of family violence can be traced back to the advocacy of Melba Marginson some 34 years ago. Less than two weeks after she arrived in Melbourne from the Philippines, Melba attended the funeral of a Filipino woman who had been strangled to death by her Australian ex-husband. Thus began her decades of advocating for survivors of family violence. Keep reading: Champions of the West: Melba Marginson  

More than 660 bicycles donated to people in need; 1300 bikes saved from landfill; 2400 bikes repaired; and 560 donated bikes sold to raise money for volunteer and bike education programs. The stats tell an impressive environmental story about Footscray’s Community Bike Hub. But more powerful is the story about the social connections and the community identity forged; the experience given to young people to the adult world; and much more. Keep reading: Champions of the West: Community Bike Hub

As the only mainstream arts organisation signed up as a registered provider with the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Footscray Community Arts is continuing its long tradition of being a trailblazer. Since 1991, FCA has supported d/Deaf and Disabled artists through its ArtLife program but has been able to step up the support since registering
with the NDIS in 2018. At its most recent audit, the organisation passed all 97 measures with flying colours – a measure of the dedication of staff. Keep reading: Champions of the West: Footscray Community Arts

Bidjara woman Colleen Marion has spent decades advocating for her people and has lost none of her drive to improve the conditions for First Nations people. Her hard work and determination have been recognised by a number of awards, including becoming the first Aboriginal person in Victoria to be awarded Save the Children’s White Flame Award. Keep reading: Champions of the West: Colleen Marion