I warmly congratulate Simone Short, founder and Chair of Gidget Foundation Australia, as our Westfield Warringah Mall Local Hero for 2025. For over two decades, Simone has dedicated herself to supporting expectant and new parents navigating the often-hidden challenges of perinatal depression and anxiety which impacts 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers nationwide. Following the heartbreaking passing of her sister Louise after her battle with postnatal depression, Simone and her family have created lasting change for thousands of parents so that no other family needs to experience the same loss. Through the foundation, Simone has brought free, bulk-billed specialised perinatal counselling to Northern Beaches Hospital through Gidget House. This service gives families access to critically needed care and offers newborns the best possible start in life. The $20,000 Westfield Local Heroes grant will help train more clinicians and raise vital awareness, ensuring more parents know that support is available. I sincerely thank Simone and the Gidget Foundation team for your unwavering dedication. Your work truly uplifts our entire community. Well done!
Read the Community Recognition Statement in the NSW Hansard, here