Rosalie Primary School welcomed 2025 WA Local Hero, Dr Jacinta Vu, on Friday, 6th June, to celebrate its Aussie of the Month recipient at the school assembly. Alongside announcing this month’s recipient, Jacinta shared her story as clinical director of Healing Smiles, a charity that restores the dignity and confidence of women who have experienced hardship through pro bono dental and oral care.
Jacinta spoke about how she uses her skills as an oral medicine specialist to generously give back to others. Her empathy and desire to help vulnerable women rebuild their lives has driven substantial growth and impact of Healing Smiles.
The Local Hero visit to primary schools is made possible thanks to the affiliation between Aussie of the Month and the Australian of the Year Awards.
“I am delighted to join Rosalie Primary School to help celebrate their students who positively contribute to their community,” says Jacinta. “Compassion and respect are so important for all members of the community, and nothing’s too small to make a difference to someone. It’s wonderful to recognise these values at such a young age, so they can be role models for their peers.”
Aussie of the Month recognises and celebrates personal endeavour, achievement and contribution to community and reflects the values we share as Australians, such as a fair go, mateship, respect and inclusion.
“We are proud to present the Aussie of the Month award at Rosalie Primary School,” says Principal, Michelle Nash. “This is a highly regarded award in our school, by students, staff and parents alike, as it recognises a contribution that positively impacts our whole school community.”
Primary schools can register for the Aussie of the Month program for free at any time during the year. Once registered, schools are provided with certificates, lapel pins and stationery gifts for monthly presentations within their school, and online guidelines and over-the-phone support on how to run the program in their school.
Schools can express their interest in a Local Hero in-person visit and gain access to a library of virtual visits that the schools can play when announcing their monthly recipient. Schools keen to take advantage of this initiative and hear from Australian of the Year Alumni need to sign up to the Aussie of the Month program at aussieofthemonth.org.au.
Aussie of the Month is delivered in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs and is supported by Pilot Pen Australia.
“Active citizenship is about getting involved in your local community and displaying values such as fair go, inclusion and helping others,” says Ally Paolino, Regional Director WA at the Department of Home Affairs.
“The Department of Home Affairs is proud to support both the Local Hero category in the Australian of the Year Awards and Aussie of the Month, which recognise and celebrate the positive impact of community participation and active citizenship.”
