Winners announced in 2024 Henzells Hero campaign!

A teenage dancer/DJ in tune with the community’s needs, a local legend adding sparkle to the lives of girls with autism, a brave 10-year-old with a serious health challenge, a tireless advocate for youth mental health and a volunteer delivering the message of faith in schools.

These impressive individuals are united by the common bond of helping the community and putting others before themselves. They are also our Henzells Heroes for 2024!

As a proud part of the local community since 1935, Henzells is very thankful to the many people who go above and beyond, volunteering their time and efforts so others can shine.

That is why we launched our Henzells Hero campaign, to uncover worthy local stars who give so much, yet ask for so little in return, as nominated by the community.

As a big thank-you for their efforts, they each received a well-deserved $500 from Henzells Agency.

And the winners are…….

Jack Steele
Jack, 17, is a talented dancer and DJ who volunteers his time for many events around Caloundra and surrounding areas to raise money for various youth charities including HeartKids and Inclusive Kids. The year 11 student also visits holiday venues to teach young people how to dance such as Oaks Resort and Big4 Caloundra. He has also been part of the Nurture Festival over the last three years at Lake Kawana to support youth in need. 

Daisy Cox
Diagnosed with autism aged 9, Daisy has faced many challenges. She turned those challenges into positives, and formed A Little Sparkle, which brings girls on the autism spectrum together. The charity began in 2016 with 10 girls and now helps more than 700 participants, ranging in age from three to 26, offering activities, holiday programs, themed parties, theatre trips, mentorships and respite holidays. 

Hannah Clifford
Hannah was recently diagnosed with leukemia which had spread to 94% of her body. The inspirational 10-year-old was immediately admitted into the Royal Children’s Hospital for treatment. Since her diagnosis and the start of treatment, Hannah has been enduring three types of chemotherapy every few days and has also undergone general anaesthetic for a lumber puncture. So far, Hannah has responded very well to treatment, but has a long two-and-a-half-year journey ahead. Hannah has remained so brave and strong and continues to be her beautiful, bright, happy self. Good luck Hannah, we’re all cheering for you and sending love and strength your way every step of the way!

Jonathon Pitcher 
Jonathon Pitcher exemplifies what it means to be a local hero through his unwavering passion and dedication to supporting young people in the community. As the centre manager of Headspace Maroochydore, one of the busiest centres in Australia, “Jono” consistently goes above and beyond, often working tirelessly to create opportunities for youth to thrive. Whether through his advocacy, program development, or personal mentorship, his work touches the lives of countless young people, setting them on a path toward better mental health and well-being.

Nicky Ross
Nicky has run a non-for-profit charity for the past 16 years from Golden Beach and now Little Mountain. Her charity, Christian Religious Education Program – Sunshine Coast, works with local primary school principals, church leaders and church volunteers to coordinate the teaching of Christian values in government schools. The charity currently has 125 church volunteers from around 55 Christian churches delivering RI in 26 state primary schools to over 5000 children each year on the Sunshine Coast. Nicky provides onboarding training for new volunteers, and a network of training twice per year for ongoing development.

A big thankyou to everybody who took part in our campaign, and an extra big thankyou to all our Henzells Heroes for enriching the lives of everybody around them and making the Sunshine Coast a better place.