Voting has now closed for Westfield Local Heroes

We congratulate all of our finalists and recognise the important contribution they make to the local community.

This year Westfield will award 126 grants across Australia and New Zealand totalling $1.25M. Now in its 7th year, the Westfield Local Heroes program will have contributed $8.6M to more than 860 successful Local Hero organisations since it began.

Voting has now closed and the Westfield Local Heroes will be announced 15 October.

Meet our Local Hero finalists

Father David Braithwaite SJ

St Canice’s Kitchen

Caring. Kind. Inclusive.

Father David Braithwaite, Parish Priest and CEO at St Canice's Kitchen, supports over 60,000 homeless people annually. With the help of 350 volunteers, the kitchen serves up 50,000 meals a year. They also provide free showers, laundry, counselling, legal aid, health clinics and job-seeking assistance.

If Father David is successful in the community vote, St Canice’s Kitchen will have enough funding to cover the cost of protein in meals for approximately three months. Alternatively, Father David could launch a hospitality training program for homeless guests.

Rachael Natoli

The Lokahi Foundation

Brave. Determined. Dedicated.

Rachael Natoli founded The Lokahi Foundation to support survivors of domestic and family abuse. Lokahi provides long-term case management, legal and financial assistance, counselling, food and clothing. This holistic support allows survivors to heal and rebuild their lives, free from abuse. Since opening three years ago, the Lokahi Foundation has supported over 160 families in the Eastern Suburbs.

If Rachael is successful in the community vote, The Lokahi Foundation will increase its capacity and expand its budget for caseworkers, minimising the wait time for families seeking support.

Sam Moyle

Ocean Heroes Australia

Selfless. Passionate. Determined.

Sam Moyle wants to help people with autism experience the ocean safely. So, he co-founded Ocean Heroes Australia in Western Australia in 2016. Then, he single-handedly launched in New South Wales. In 12 months, Sam trained 219 volunteers and organised free monthly surf events on four Sydney beaches, benefitting over 400 participants.

If Sam is successful in the community vote, the grant money will be used to provide more free Ocean Heroes events across NSW, including two new events in Bondi. Sam can also purchase much-needed office and beach equipment.

Voting is now closed for Westfield Local Heroes.

The successful 2024 Westfield Bondi Junction Local Hero will be announced on 15 October. We congratulate all of our finalists and recognise the important contribution they make to the local community. Thank you for your votes.

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