Westfield Local Heroes 2026

Each year, Westfield celebrates the inspiring people and organisations creating meaningful change in their local communities and for the environment. In 2026, the Westfield Local Heroes program will award up to $1.25 million in grants across Australia and New Zealand to help these changemakers continue their important work.

The program is a highlight for The Grants Hub community, and we love seeing our members recognised—first through nominations, then as finalists, and ultimately as voted Westfield Local Heroes. It’s always exciting to witness the ripple effect these grants have, both for the recipients and the communities they support.

We recently spoke with Mary Kay, Community Engagement Manager at Scentre Group, to learn more about the program’s impact. Mary shared valuable insights into how the grants make a difference beyond funding, what the selection panel looks for, and how the program continues to grow year on year.

Nominating a Westfield Local Hero takes just a few minutes—so if you know someone doing incredible work, show your support by nominating them at www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes.


Tell us a little bit about the Westfield Local Hero Program?

Each year, community members are invited to nominate the people making an extraordinary difference in their local area. From these nominations, Westfield selects three finalists at each destination to take part in a community vote. The finalist who receives the most community votes at each of the 42 Westfield destinations will be awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent, while the other two finalists each receive a $5,000 grant to support their ongoing work.

We'd love to hear more about the positive impact Westfield Local Heroes has made to date.

Since launching in 2018, the Westfield Local Heroes program, funded by Scentre Group, has contributed more than $9.8 million* in grants to 991 inspiring local heroes and finalist organisations. In addition to financial support, the program provides valuable recognition and promotion. Alumni consistently share that being part of Westfield Local Heroes has helped raise their profile, strengthen community connections, and expand their professional networks.

* Refers to $30,000 in grants funded by Scentre Group across all 42 Westfield destinations. Total grants funded is in AUD. 

Tell us about one particularly inspiring story that comes to mind.

A 2025 program finalist who has continually inspired me is Jacinta Vu from Healing Smiles. She operates a network of dentists who provide free dental restoration for women who have experienced domestic and family violence. It immediately struck me as a form of support that is both essential and often overlooked. Her ability to restore women’s confidence and sense of personal dignity through this work is incredible. People like Jacinta are the reason this program exists; to recognise those creating extraordinary impact and who are true heroes within their communities. It was very special to see her named as a 2025 Westfield Local Hero Finalist.

Were there any new or emerging trends last year?

The Westfield Local Heroes program offers a unique window into what matters most to our communities. Through the people they nominate and vote for, we gain valuable insight into the issues and causes that are resonating most strongly at a local level. Some of the key priority areas include access to basic needs and services, youth support and education, disability and access, family support and new parents, mental health and wellbeing and domestic violence and child protection.

What excites you the most about this year’s program?

To me, it is always about uncovering the stories and impact of our nominees. Every single nomination is inspiring in some way, whether it is a story of lived experience, an idea that has turned into a movement or simply the sheer impact one person can have on a community. Being able to read through the nominations, learn the stories and identify program finalists with centre teams is always exciting.

Westfield is a big business with a high foot traffic and an extensive network. Are there other opportunities for the grant recipients, beyond the money itself?

The Westfield Local Heroes program is about much more than grant funding. It exists to discover, celebrate, and support the people and organisations making a meaningful difference to their communities and the environment.

The program aims to raise the profile of finalists and the important work they do, helping alumni achieve their goals sooner through financial support, promotion, and community recognition. Through ongoing partnerships, the program also creates opportunities for alumni to build connections, strengthen their impact, and engage more deeply with the communities they serve.

What is the selection panel looking for when reviewing nominations?

The selection panel considers each nominee on their individual merits, with a focus on the positive impact their work has on the local community or environment. They also look at the nominee’s role as a community role model, how the grant would be used to create direct local benefit, and the long-term vision of both the hero and their organisation to help build thriving, resilient communities. What our panels are particularly drawn to are the individual stories of the heroes themselves. We focus on their personal motivation and contribution to giving their time selflessly to help their communities to thrive.

What inspires you as a team running the program?

We are continually inspired knowing that our work helps amplify the impact of others. When we connect with participants and hear how the grant funding enables them to run a new or existing program, purchase essential items, or simply cover operational costs, we truly appreciate the importance of the Westfield Local Heroes program in enabling meaningful social impact.

Any advice for other funding providers looking to start or review their grant programs?

When we developed the program, we partnered closely with our Westfield destinations and local communities to understand what would make the greatest difference. We listened to what they needed and looked for ways to remove barriers to participation. Many grant programs are limited to registered charities or tied to specific projects, but we deliberately broadened our approach. By opening the program to community groups, social entrepreneurs, educators, welfare services, and community volunteers, we’ve created a more inclusive model that allows a wider range of people to access support and make a positive impact.

Nominations close 12 March 2026.