By Jena Carr
Brian Edward has been crowned this year’s Geelong Westfield Local Hero for helping children in need attend sponsored summer camps.
The 83-year-old former police Chief Superintendent devotes his retirement to helping others through his role as children’s camp coordinator at Lions Geelong Corio Bay.
Mr Edward said he felt “very humbled” to be the 2023 Geelong Westfield Local Hero and receive a $20,000 grant from the award program.
“I accept the recognition on behalf of the many deserving children and families who live in socioeconomic depressed areas,” he said.
“I always say, in humility, that what I do represents what many hundreds, probably thousands, of elderly people do in Geelong to support the community.
“I believe every family needs to ensure that their children have an opportunity to have a break from home and go on a summer camp organised by the Lions Clubs International.”
Mr Edward said the grant would allow deserving children aged eight to 11 to attend the Lions Club’s Licola Wilderness Village for sponsored summer camps.
“I feel very good about being in a position myself to provide these opportunities for the kids,” he said.
“They can experience the high ropes, giant swing, canoeing on the river, archery, and all those adventure things that they otherwise would not be able to experience in their home environment.”
Lazarus Community Centre’s Jade Hamilton and Cancer After Care Group Geelong’s Libby Bate also received $5000 for their organisations through the community recognition and grants program.
Westfield Geelong centre manager Lauren Frew said the grant recipients provided “remarkable work and contributions” to the community.
“As we celebrate the program’s sixth year, we want to thank those people who give back to our community,” she said.
