Justine Hansen has been recognised as Mandurah’s latest Local Legend for her years of caring support and dedication to helping others in the local community through her role with Anglicare.
As Manager at the Child and Parent Centre in Dudley Park through Parenting Connection WA, Justine oversees a number of important community programs aimed at supporting and nurturing children and families, reaching out to people who need it the most.
Justine has worked with families, children and young people in Mandurah and the broader Peel community for many years, providing a welcoming, safe space for people – including those experiencing disadvantage – to feel comfortable and engaged in various parenting and social programs.
She’s been described as a “huge hearted person” and a “team player” who is able to meet families where they’re at in their lives, giving a soft landing space for those experiencing hardships, and working collaboratively with her colleagues across many sectors of community development to find the best solutions.
Throughout the years, Justine has trained many mothers coming through the centre to become peer leaders and pass their knowledge onto others in the community.
She has strong and trusting relationships with the Aboriginal community and is a well-connected networker in her field.
Justine is also a board member of the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, working with the Friends of ManPAC members.
She helped coordinate a collaboration between ManPAC and Anglicare which has seen highly successful intergenerational programs delivered at the Centre over the last few years.
Justine was recently awarded the Anglicare WA ‘Ian Carter Award’ in recognition of her work with First Nations people.
Mayor Rhys Williams said Justine’s standing in the community was built on meaningful relationships and her compassionate, respectful and caring approach towards helping others.
“Justine has this innate, inspiring way of connecting with others. She has a special gift of building trust and understanding with people who are faced with difficult times in their lives or need a bit of guidance or direction,” he said.
“She is a very passionate and skilled communicator who understands the community sector and the value of building the capacity of others around her. Justine is well connected to a range of community services, which ensures people are well supported.”
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