Westfield Local Heroes is a recognition and awards program that connects and enriches communities in Australia and New Zealand. The program discovers and celebrates individuals who make a positive impact to their local community and/or environment.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here.

George Freund

COA Sydney
__Compassionate . Inclusive . Powerhouse __

When George Freund’s father passed away a few years ago, George stepped in to continue his legacy as an enthusiastic volunteer at COA’s popular drop-in centre in Woollahra and making deliveries for the Kosher Meals on Wheels program. George, a Holocaust survivor who arrived in Australia at the age of 12, had an immediate impact, taking on a leadership role, recruiting additional volunteers and starting new programs and services. Now in his 80s, George is still actively involved in managing the organisation, which helps Jewish seniors and others to live independently.

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Jose Bello

Next Step Foundation
__Dedicated . Generous . Inclusive __

As an early childhood educator, Jose Bello knows that having a child with special needs can cause families to disengage from their community. As a former professional footballer, he knows sport brings people together and improves wellbeing. He formed Next Step Foundation seven years ago to give children with special needs an opportunity to improve their physical, emotional and cognitive development in a fun and safe environment. He says the main objectives of the Next Step Program are to integrate participants into mainstream Next Step programs and local soccer clubs and help children transition to school.

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Rikki Stern

Cancer Chicks Australia & Pink Hope
__Brave . Strong . Resilient __

When Rikki Stern was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 20, she craved contact with others in her position but could not find community support for women her age. That’s what inspired her to launch Cancer Chicks, an Australian social media support group based on a similar concept in the UK. Thanks to Rikki’s initiative, more than 130 young women share the highs and lows of their journey with each other. “These women benefit from group rehabilitation. They have a network that provides comfort and support through shared experience,” says Rikki.

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Recognising all our 2019 nominees

We congratulate all of our finalists and nominees and recognise the important contribution they make to the local community.
View all of the finalists, nominees and their organisations

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