Local Heroes: Xero2Hero

Subiaco’s HERO HUB

The work of Subi-based charity zero2hero is more in demand than ever, with local heroes like Gemma West making a difference every day to young lives.

Gemma West was delivering nutrition education programs to remote Aboriginal communities in the Pilbara when she realised the biggest issues young people face all begin with their mental health.

That’s how she came across zero2hero, a youth mental health charity with its Hero Headquarters located in the heart of Subiaco. Gemma decided it was time to leave the north and join the team as their first Education Manager.

Since joining zero2hero, Gemma and her school's team have delivered a company record of mental health education and awareness programs to schools across WA.

“In the last five months, the team and I have impacted over 18,000 young people with our programs,” said Gemma.

“We’re set to almost double our impact from last year, which is huge! It feels amazing to be a part of something that holds such huge importance and is being received so well.”

Gemma’s colleagues describe her as an anomaly; someone who leads the charge, is always the first into the office, and is the perfect leader and friend with a huge amount of integrity and a great sense of humour.

On a standard day, you’ll find Gemma juggling multiple projects, managing relationships with company stakeholders, leading a growing team of school facilitators and liaising with almost every high school in WA. But with an almond latte in hand and a cool, calm look on her face, you’d never guess just how much is on her plate.

Although she’s mostly stationed behind her spreadsheets, Gemma’s reach expands far beyond her laptop at Hero HQ. In August, she took zero2hero to Kalgoorlie for its first ever Goldfields roadshow. In five days, the team delivered 34 programs to more than 1,600 students in the remote region, to support and maintain their mental health.

“Kalgoorlie has definitely been a highlight for me since starting with zero2hero. Having the opportunity to support young people who need it most was so rewarding and humbling, and really solidified for me how important and crucial our work is.”

“We were able to collaborate with local community organisations, parliament members and large corporations to deliver a week that carried huge importance, and made the mental health of young people in regional areas a priority.”

It should also be mentioned that in Gemma’s spare time, she is also a pilates instructor and has another “full-time” job training her wild and energetic puppy, Toto.

A wide range of programs delivered by zero2hero are free for schools and can be delivered to students in Year 5 to 12, ranging from eight-week programs to one-hour workshops. If you’d like zero2hero to deliver a free mental health program at your school or workplace, you can reach out to Gemma at schools@zero2hero.com.au.

S u bi Suitcase Mar k e t

SUNDAY 2O NOVEMBER

MARKET SQUARE PARK 10AM TO 3PM

DIARISE THIS FAMILY + PET FRIENDLY EVENT

Subiaction and Kanga Markets have teamed up to bring you a Market with a fresh twist, with 80 stalls and 90 suitcase sellers. Browse for a bargain or turn excess items into cash.

SUITCASE SELLERS:Recycled and Upcycled Clothing, Art, Homewares and Bric-a-Brac that will fit into 2 suitcases. Only $10 for a 2mx2m bay. Bookings: www.lunaqwa.com/kanga-markets/subisuitcase

STALLHOLDERS: $60 for 3m x 3m bay (provide own gazebo etc) Register via www.kangamarkets.com