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

Emma Gray

The Nurtured Village Hampers

Passionate. Kind. Selfless.

Emma Gray, founder of The Nurtured Village Hampers, is dedicated to improving maternal mental health. Inspired by the support she received after her first daughter's birth, Emma started a kindness initiative in 2019, which has since grown into a nationwide charity. Last year, the charity delivered over 14,000 donations to 160 families in 21 communities.

If Emma is successful in the community vote, the funds will be used to enhance the volunteer program, helping relieve the financial burden of volunteers who support The Nurtured Village Hampers.

Julie-Ann Smith

Foodbank Queensland

Inspiring. Compassionate. Dedicated.

Julie-Ann Smith has volunteered with Foodbank Queensland for over six years, packing and sorting donations to combat food insecurity. Her dedication ensures food reaches those in need through local charities and school breakfast programs. During COVID-19, she supported fellow volunteers, maintaining social connections and support during the challenging time.

If Julie-Ann is successful in the community vote, the money will go towards paying for volunteer training and security checks and expanding to reach more people in need.

Stephanie Hinrichs

Care Kits for Kids Qld Inc

Dedicated. Proactive. Inspirational.

Stephanie Hinrichs is dedicated to helping children in crisis through Care Kits for Kids QLD (CKKQ). As co-founder and secretary, Stephanie helps provide children in care with new backpacks containing essential items. In 2023, she and her team distributed approximately 3,700 care kits. Her efforts have reached over 10,000 children since 2018.

If Stephanie is successful in the community vote, the money will provide 2,000 filled backpacks to children in care or crisis.

Voting is now closed for Westfield Local Heroes.

The successful 2024 Westfield Carindale 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