Our Westfield Local Hero

When I nominated Rachel Hessey for the Westfield Local Heroes programme, I hoped others would recognise what those of us at Coastguard Hibiscus already know, that Rachel is an extraordinary volunteer whose dedication helps keep our community safe. To now see her selected as a finalist for the 2026 Westfield Local Heroes programme at Westfield Albany is incredibly exciting and well deserved.

Rachel has devoted over 10 years of service to Coastguard Hibiscus, serving as a qualified skipper, leader, fundraiser, advocate, and mentor. She recently completed a two-year term as President of Coastguard Hibiscus and continues to contribute as a committee member while leading initiatives that strengthen our organisation's connection with the community. As the unit's only female qualified Master, Rachel has also become a role model for others considering operational and leadership roles in maritime search and rescue.

Coastguard Hibiscus volunteers respond to a wide range of incidents across the Hauraki Gulf, and Rachel understands the importance of ensuring our crews are rescue-ready whenever help is needed. Alongside her operational responsibilities, she works tirelessly behind the scenes to build community support, foster local partnerships, and help secure the resources needed for our volunteers to continue their lifesaving work. Her commitment, leadership, and willingness to step forward whenever needed make her an invaluable member of our organisation.

The Westfield Local Heroes programme, now in its ninth year, and recognises individuals making a positive impact in their communities and provides grants to support the organisations they represent. Each finalist receives a $5,000 grant, while the community-voted Local Hero for each Westfield destination will receive a $20,000 grant.

The $5,000 finalist grant will already make a meaningful difference to Coastguard Hibiscus. If Rachel is successful in receiving the $20,000 Westfield Albany Local Hero grant, the funding would be used to support training for our local volunteers. Currently, volunteer training is funded entirely by Coastguard Hibiscus, and additional funding would allow us to expand training opportunities, strengthen operational capability, and ensure our crews continue to have the skills and confidence needed to respond when lives are at risk on the water.

Rachel often says that every callout highlights how important trained volunteers are when things go wrong on the water. This recognition not only celebrates Rachel's personal contribution but also shines a light on the hundreds of volunteer hours given by Coastguard Hibiscus members each year to keep our boating community safe.

As Rachel's nominator, I couldn't be prouder to see her reach this stage. Her leadership, generosity, resilience, and unwavering commitment embody everything the Westfield Local Heroes programme stands for. We are thrilled to see her recognised as a finalist and look forward to supporting her throughout the public voting period.

Community voting for the 2026 programme will be open from 25 August until 20 September please take a moment to vote for Rachel Hessey and Coastguard Hibiscus on the Westfield App and help us secure vital funding to train our local volunteers who keep our community safe on the water.  

 Vote for Coastguard Hibiscus today: https://shorturl.at/bj50f

Nicole Highmore

Coastguard Hibiscus Secretary.