Thank you for voting for your 2026 Westfield Bondi Local Hero.

We are excited to announce the successful hero on 20 October.

In 2026, the successful hero for each of our 42 Westfield destinations is awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent, and each finalist receives a $5,000 grant for their organisation or group.

2027 nominations open 20 October.

Meet our Westfield Local Hero finalists

Colin Scotts

Brain 4 Life

Resilient. Caring. Motivated.

Colin Scotts is the co-founder of Brain 4 Life, raising awareness of the progressive and degenerative brain disease CTE, which is associated with repeated head injuries. He is driven by his own experience – he was diagnosed with cognitive decline after a career in contact sports – and advocates for brain health education, research and injury prevention.

If Colin is successful, the grant would be dedicated to improving access to specialised health services, increasing community awareness of CTE, and implementing science-backed preventative measures.

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Ross Leighner

Autism Swim

Empathetic. Committed. Impactful.

Through his work with Autism Swim, Ross Leighner helps neurodivergent people access the ocean with confidence. Adapting his support to each individual, he combines water safety expertise with genuine inclusion, teaching skills, building friendships, and creating a sense of belonging that reaches well beyond the shoreline.

If Ross is successful, the grant will help expand the Autism Swim program beyond its existing four locations, funding clinicians and operational expenses.

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Sophie Sparks

You Can Sit With Me

Compassionate. Inclusive. Inspiring.

Sophie Sparks equips schools, sporting clubs, and community spaces with practical tools for building a culture of inclusion and belonging. As a teacher, parent, and CEO of You Can Sit With Me, she has grown the organisation to serve thousands of young people across Australia with programs designed to reduce loneliness and strengthen everyday connections.

If Sophie is successful, the grant will support the development of the ‘Respect Check’, a digital tool designed to help schools better understand and address bullying, exclusion, and student wellbeing.

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If you need support, please phone Lifeline: 13 11 14

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Bondi nominees and their organisations.