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.

Craig Tobin

Special Olympics Redlands
__Caring . Dedicated . Understanding __

Craig Tobin has been involved with swimming for forty years, volunteered for many causes and touched the lives of thousands of people along the way. For the past ten years, the much-loved former state breaststroke champion has coached squads of Special Olympic and Down syndrome swimmers, making the lessons both fun and meaningful. He is an internationally respected coach, but his influence goes beyond the swimming pool. “Swimming helps build self-esteem and promotes great lifelong friendships. We also improve family support networks and build relationships between like-minded families,” says Craig.

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Katherine Hoyle

Making a Difference Brisbane
__Inspiring . Passionate . Bold __

Katherine Hoyle and her mother, Denise, started Making a Difference – Brisbane after the 2011 floods. Better known as The MaD Team, they and their group of volunteers have become an integral part of the local support network for homeless people and children in need. Their main role is to distribute backpacks and essential items to vulnerable people. “I have been influenced by my mother since I was a child to pay it forward. Whether it was a school fete, local charity or church group, mum would encourage me to help and volunteer,” says Katherine.

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Lauren Cahill

Children's Tumour Foundation
__Empathetic . Generous . Trailblazer __

Lauren Cahill had never heard of the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis (NF) until a brave girl with a tumour on her brain stem came into her shoe store. Young Emme touched Lauren and she wanted to do something practical to help. She decided to design a girl’s shoe and name it after Emme, with all profits going to the Children´s Tumour Foundation of Australia. Now, girls all over Brisbane are wearing the sparkly glitter shoes, not only raising much needed funds, but also raising awareness and compassion about NF, which can be both debilitating and disfiguring.

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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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