NEARLY 40 years after she was dazzled by Chewbacca on the big screen during a childhood trip to the cinema, Sarah Hillier now thrills others by dressing up and performing as the fabled Wookie in a Star Wars costuming group.

Like a lot of Gen-Xers, the Sydney mother of two fell in love with Star Wars as a tweenager but it wasn’t until a trip to the US a few years back that she heard about a global cosplay troupe — the 501st Legion — that dresses as “bad guy” characters from the film’s Dark Side.

After connecting with the local “garrison” back in Sydney, CommBank’s Australian of the Day was impressed by the charity aspect of the 501st — plus the “good guys” who dress up as the affiliated Rebel Legion — and wanted in.

“So, with a lot of help, I made 7ft 8 inch Chewbacca costume,” says Sarah, 48. “And I started being Chewie on weekends on during my spare time and at conventions.”

media_camera Most weekends, as part of her membership in the 501st Legion, she dresses up and appears at comic conventions and charity fundraisers. Picture: Dylan Robinson

For Sarah, who is welcomed by the 501st even though Chewbacca is a “good guy”, the enjoyment comes not just from the fun of costuming but through helping others.

“A hospital trip, for example, is incredibly rewarding for not only the patients but for the selfless staff on the wards,” she says. “I do a lot of events with kids and big kids alike. Chewie is a bit of a rock star and gets a lot of attention. He is loved by many!”

At conventions the 501st Legion and Rebel Legion come together to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute. “Our groups never ask for money for photos or anything like that but I think the fact that we spruik for Black Dog resonates with patrons,” says Sarah. “I think we all know someone who has suffered with a mental health condition such as depression.”

media_camera Sarah Hillier, 48, has an authentic, hand-stitched Chewbacca costume. She is pictured with her dog Gibbs. Picture: Dylan Robinson

That’s where Sarah and co. can help, too. “Once I’m in the costume, I embrace the character and I’ve seen many magic moments where the love of Star Wars and Chewbacca brings people out of their shell and interacting with the character whereas they normally would not,” she says.

And Sarah has no intention of slowing down. “I’m actually quite humbled to be part of it,” she says. “We’re just a bunch of people who dress up as plastic spacemen, but you know what? We bring smiles to all sorts of faces so happy days.”

CommBank has partnered with News Corp Australia to champion the Australian of the Day initiative which celebrates people in our neighbourhoods and communities who really make a difference to how we live and who we are. You can read all their stories at australianoftheday.com.au, where you can also nominate someone you know.