Rotary Club of Boronia member, Mark Smith, has been nominated and selected as a finalist in the Westfield Knox “Local Heroes” program. The winner is now to be selected by public vote.
Mark has brought joy and fulfilment to local families through his innovative “Knox Rocks” music program for a group of young people. This initiative is aimed at giving participants an increased sense of confidence, empowerment, achievement, engagement, mastery of skills and self-expression through the medium of music. Critically, we recognise the challenges that youth in our communities have faced over recent years; the program endeavours to address some of these challenges.
Mark, himself a local musician, volunteered his time to develop the free songwriting and performance program. Following the resounding success of the initial pilot in 2022, the Knox Rocks program will be further developed and will continue as an ongoing project of the Rotary Club of Boronia.
Westfield “Local Heroes” are nominated and voted for by their communities. The finalist receiving the most community votes will become the Westfield Knox Local Hero for 2023, receiving a $20,000 grant for the organisation they represent. The remaining finalists will receive a $5,000 grant for their organisations.
If Mark is successful in the community vote, the Rotary Club of Boronia will use its funds to extend the program by hiring studios and buying equipment.
Please support the ongoing development and implementation of the Knox Rocks Youth Support Program by registering your Vote for Mark here.
August 2023
