Thank you for voting for your 2026 Westfield Burwood 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

Jenny Bae

Stepwise Community Services

Passionate. Generous. Dedicated.

For more than 20 years, Jenny has supported women and children experiencing domestic and family violence through Stepwise Community Services. As a specialist worker, she helps people navigate services, access practical assistance and move towards safety, bringing compassion, reassurance and hope to every person she supports.

If Jenny is successful, the grant will fund practical protective measures for women experiencing technology-facilitated abuse, including on-site security assessments, device scans and digital-safety support.

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Jian Hua Liu

Sydney Chinese Drum Art Troupe

Inclusive. Devoted. Unwavering.

At the heart of Burwood's multicultural community, Jian Hua Liu builds friendships and understanding through traditional Chinese drumming and dance. She leads the Sydney Chinese Drum Art Troupe, welcoming participants from many cultural backgrounds and fostering belonging through shared arts experiences. Under her leadership, the troupe has grown into an active hub of cultural celebration and community volunteering.

If Jian is successful, the grant will fund the troupe's program of multicultural arts events and nursing-home performances, plus dance training and wellbeing activities for the elderly.

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John Sanderson

Sailability Dobroyd

Selfless. Committed. Determined.

John Sanderson believes sailing should be open to everyone. At Sailability Dobroyd, he coaches and instructs people of all abilities, ages and backgrounds. His patient, encouraging approach helps each sailor build skills and confidence, from come-and-try sessions through to development sailing and racing.

If John is successful, the grant will fund engineering upgrades to the club’s ramp to safely support power wheelchairs, enabling more sailors with disabilities to access the water.

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

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Burwood nominees and their organisations.