Helping People Find a Way Forward: Meet Local Hero Finalist Isobelle Fawkes
September 3, 2026
More Than a Volunteer: Meet Local Hero Finalist Isobelle Fawkes
Drug ARM volunteer counsellor Isobelle Fawkes has been named a finalist in the Westfield Local Heroes program, recognising her commitment to supporting people through alcohol and other drug challenges. If successful, her nomination will also secure $20,000 for Drug ARM, helping ensure more people can access support regardless of their financial circumstances.
Helping People Find a Way Forward
As a volunteer counsellor with Drug ARM, Isobelle supports people navigating alcohol and other drug challenges, helping them take positive steps towards recovery and wellbeing. Through counselling conversations, encouragement and practical planning, she works alongside participants as they rebuild confidence, strengthen their support networks and create healthier routines.
For Isobelle, volunteering is driven by a simple belief: everyone deserves access to support before challenges become crises.
“Many of the people I meet feel excluded, judged or disconnected from support networks. My aim is to help people feel respected, included and supported early so they can rebuild confidence and avoid deeper cycles of crisis.”
It’s an approach that reflects Drug ARM’s commitment to early intervention and meeting people where they are, without judgement.
One conversation, in particular, has stayed with Isobelle.
She remembers speaking with a woman who had been sleeping in her car and had lost confidence in her ability to move forward. Feeling isolated and disconnected from support, she wasn’t sure where to turn. Through conversations with volunteers and referrals to support services, she began taking small but important steps towards rebuilding stability in her life.
Stories like these are a reminder that meaningful change rarely happens overnight. More often, it begins with a conversation, a connection or access to the right support at the right time.
It’s also why services like Drug ARM exist.
For more than 40 years, Drug ARM has supported individuals, families and communities impacted by alcohol and other drug challenges through counselling, rehabilitation, education and early intervention services. Whether someone is seeking support for themselves or guidance for a loved one, Drug ARM works alongside people to build resilience, explore their options and work towards positive change.
While the nomination recognises Isobelle’s contribution, she sees it as recognition of something much bigger.
“The recognition reflects the work of many volunteers and organisations who quietly support vulnerable people every day.”
Help Recognise a Local Hero
Every day, volunteers like Isobelle help people take the first steps towards a brighter future. Her Westfield Local Heroes nomination recognises that commitment and the impact that compassion, connection and early support can have on people’s lives.
By voting for Isobelle, you’re helping acknowledge the work she does in the community while also supporting Drug ARM’s mission. If successful, the nomination will secure $20,000 in funding, helping more people access the support they need, when they need it most.
Voting closes 20 September.
