Your 2026 Westfield Bondi Local Hero is:

Ross Leighner

Autism Swim

Empathetic. Committed. Impactful

Ross Leighner has been awarded a $20,000 grant for their organisation, Autism Swim.

Ross Leighner brings the joy of the beach and the ocean to people with neurodiversity.

As Lead Clinician for the Autism Swim Dippers program at Bronte Beach, he plays a vital role for families and volunteers who come together on the sand every week.

Ross takes time to understand each person and adapt the support to their needs, so they can access the water with confidence and calm.

“The ocean has been deeply transformative in my own life. After moving to Sydney, I felt incredibly lucky to become part of a local surf lifesaving club and beach community. That experience showed me how powerful the water can be in building confidence, connection and wellbeing,” he says.

Having felt those positive impacts himself and having saved a student after a near-fatal drowning early in his career, Ross is passionate about both inclusivity and water safety.

He says, “I focus on equipping individuals, families and volunteers with the knowledge and strategies to reduce risk and build confidence in the water.”

The impact of Autism Swim is felt well beyond the shoreline. Through his work, Ross teaches new skills, helps build new friendships, and nurtures community spirit.

“Supporting neurodivergent individuals and their families is what continues to inspire my work as it simply improves quality of life,” he says.

We'd like to thank and acknowledge our finalists who will receive a $5,000 grant for the organisation they represent

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.

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, she has grown the organisation to serve thousands of young people across Australia with programs designed to reduce loneliness and strengthen everyday connections.

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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.

2027 Nominations Now Open

Do you know someone making a difference in your community? Tell us in 200 words why they should be a Westfield Local Hero and they could receive a $20,000 grant for their organisation.

Find out more here.