Thank you for voting for your 2026 Westfield Carindale 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

Chris Wood

Red Nose

Giving. Humble. Courageous.

Chris Wood brings understanding and connection for bereaved parents through his role as Community Engagement Coordinator at Red Nose. He leads a program of remembrance services, support groups and wellbeing activities, and founded a peer-support futsal team for bereaved fathers that continues to grow, with benefits extending to players' families and wider networks.

If Chris is successful, the grant will help deliver a full annual calendar of free, accessible support events for bereaved families in the community.

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Melanie Annand

Women Veterans Network Australia - WVNA

Compassionate. Trusted. Tireless.

Many women veterans face isolation after leaving service. As President of Women Veterans Network Australia, Melanie Annand has spent more than 16 years providing opportunities for thousands of women to come together and build connections, through regular wellbeing events, peer support and advocacy across Southeast Queensland.

If Melanie is successful, the grant will be used to fund volunteer training, a website upgrade, and regular events to help nurture the wellbeing, social connection, and recovery of women who have served in the forces.

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Natalie Terry-Bedwell

Honoured Social Enterprise

Visionary. Brave. Purposeful.

Natalie Terry-Bedwell is the founder of Honoured Gym, where hundreds of young people are building fitness and confidence. Through her social enterprise - profits are reinvested into fitness programs and mentoring - she has created a growing hub for youth in her community facing disadvantage or living with a disability to discover new skills and friendships.

If Natalie is successful, the grant will be used to expand Honoured's free, inclusive fitness, mentoring and leadership program, with costs covering youth mentors, equipment and subsidies for participants.

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

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Carindale nominees and their organisations.