Westfield is calling on local communities to help shine a light on their unsung heroes, with nominations now open for the 2023 Westfield Local Heroes program.
Returning for the sixth consecutive year, the program aims to discover and celebrate individuals who make a positive impact on their local community or environment, raising awareness of their work and providing a platform for community recognition.
Since its inception in 2018, the program has recognised and celebrated more than 600 Westfield Local Heroes, with $6135 million in grants distributed to the organisations they represent. The grants have been used by Westfield Local Heroes alumni in ways that directly benefit the community or environment.
The program alumni represent a variety of sectors and hold positions such as environmentalists, innovators, community volunteers and leaders, welfare service providers, first responders, essential workers, health and medical experts, educators, social entrepreneurs, and intrapreneurs.
Following the success of last year’s format, the 2023 program will see a shortlist of three finalists selected for each Westfield centre, with the community then invited to vote for their local hero. The successful hero of each Westfield centre will be awarded a $20,000 grant for the group or organisation they represent, and the two finalists will receive a $5,000 grant for their group or organisation. Across Australia and New Zealand, Westfield will provide $1.26 million in Westfield Local Hero grants in 2023.
Communities across Australia and New Zealand are invited to nominate individuals who support the community in any field, including:
• Family and Youth Support
• Health and Wellbeing
• Inclusion and Equity
• Community resilience
• Environmental sustainability
Find out more at westfield.com.au/local-heroes.