Westfield destinations across Australia have announced the 2026 finalists in this year’s Westfield Local Heroes program, marking the ninth year the program has shone a light on leaders, volunteers, innovators and everyday community members who are making an impact.

Australians can cast their vote on the Westfield website for a cause close to their hearts, giving back to the community and having the potential to make a difference in the lives of many.

Following a nominations process and panel review, this year’s program saw 1,784 individuals share their personal stories and their organisation’s motivation for the opportunity to receive a share of up to $AUD1.25 million* in community grant funding. The successful hero from each Westfield destination will receive a $20,000 grant for their organisation and projects, with the remaining two finalists each receiving a $5,000 grant to support their ongoing community efforts and valuable work.

Voting is quick, easy and open to everyone. Visit the Westfield website, select your local Westfield destination to read about the finalists and cast your vote before 6pm AEST on Sunday 20 September.

Scentre Group National Community Manager, Pam Wilson said: “The Westfield Local Heroes program celebrates the extraordinary individuals who give their time, effort and energy to making our local communities stronger and more inclusive.

“Each and every one of our finalists represents the very best of community spirit and we encourage the community to get involved this year by voting for the cause or individual that resonates with them.”

Westfield is proud to announce a selection of Australian finalists for the 2026 Westfield Local Heroes program, including:  

Australian Capital Territory 

• Westfield Belconnen: AJ Green, The Girls Club Canberra: AJ Green is helping women across Canberra build friendships, confidence and a sense of belonging through Girls Club Canberra. What began as a social walk has grown into a 6,500-strong community that encourages women to get active, try new sports and connect with others, while empowering volunteers to help shape and lead the club together.

New South Wales 

• Westfield Chatswood, Gerard Hewson, Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT: Six-time Paralympian Gerard Hewson started the Lane Cove Cockatoos wheelchair basketball club in early 2026 to open the sport to local people with disabilities and help build their confidence. Through his mentorship, the players have already gone from strength to strength, while the club has become a local gathering point for their families and the community.

• Westfield Miranda: Rhiannon Byers, Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation: Hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are more connected to culture and education because of Rhiannon Byers. Through her work with Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation, she has helped nearly double the number of schools in the mentoring program, delivering on-Country cultural experiences alongside respected Elders and education partners.

• Westfield Sydney, Eden Falk, The Shepherd Centre – For Deaf Children: At 12, Eden is already creating change for other young people diagnosed with hearing loss. After learning to understand and speak through The Shepherd Centre, he turned his own experience into action, advocating in schools and at public events, and then founding Hibbitz, a social enterprise that repurposes Crocs charms to help kids embrace their hearing aids.

Queensland 

• Westfield Carindale: Chris Wood, Red Nose: Chris Wood brings understanding and connection for bereaved parents through his role as Community Engagement Coordinator at Red Nose Queensland. He leads a program of remembrance services, support groups and wellbeing activities, and founded a peer-support futsal team for bereaved fathers that continues to grow, with benefits extending to players’ families and wider networks.

• Westfield Helensvale: Ben Harvey, Youngcare: As Youngcare’s Community Fundraising Coordinator, Ben Harvey speaks at schools and community events across the Gold Coast, helping young people understand disability, inclusion and empathy. He is motivated by his own lived experience – in 2003, a spinal cord injury sustained during a rugby game left him paralysed- that now drives everything he does for others.

South Australia

• Westfield Marion: Renee Staska, Little Heroes Foundation: As an ambassador for Little Heroes Foundation, Renee helps families who are navigating serious childhood illness to find guidance, resources and connections. She speaks at events to raise awareness and helps to develop practical resources. Renne has three children, all diagnosed with a form of childhood dementia, and draws on her personal experience as a way of supporting others.

• Westfield Tea Tree Plaza: Marial Machar, Rams Sports Group: Marial Machar founded Rams Sport Group to build a place for belonging and opportunity for young people from culturally diverse and marginalised communities; something he felt was missing during his childhood upbringing. His basketball program engages hundreds of young people each week through sport, mentoring and wellbeing support.

Victoria

• Westfield Airport West: Ann Butcher, Big Group Hug: Ann Butcher has devoted more than 1,500 volunteer hours to helping children experiencing hardship access the essentials they need to thrive. As Toy Supervisor at Big Group Hug, she volunteers at least three times a week, preparing personalised aid packs and supporting an organisation that helps 8,600 children every year.

• Westfield Fountain Gate: Andrew Tufano, Wallara Australia Ltd: Andrew Tufano is a support coach for Grass Busters – a horticulture program that creates opportunities for people living with disabilities to learn mowing and gardening skills, while also building confidence and connection. Under Andrew’s leadership, the service has significantly expanded its operating schedule and he has built strong, genuine connections with local people and businesses.

Western Australia

• Westfield Carousel: Scott Duffield, Leading Youth Forward: Six years of consistent mentoring, governance leadership, and hands-on commitment mark Scott Duffield’s contribution to Leading Youth Forward. He has strengthened child-safe practices and championed changes to volunteer support. He is committed to ensuring young people have an outlet of fun and positive role models outside their home or school.

• Westfield Whitford City: Beverley Woolhouse, The Pantry WA: Bev Woolhouse helps ensure people experiencing hardship can access food, hope and dignity through The Pantry WA. As CEO, she leads a team that provides meals and nourishment to 60,000 people each year, supporting families, schools and community groups while creating a place where people feel valued, respected and cared for.

The successful hero for each Westfield destination will be announced from October 20.

*Westfield Local Heroes grants are provided in Australian and New Zealand dollars.

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