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

Ben Bjarnesen

LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation

Formidable. Empathetic. Empowering.

Ben Bjarnesen founded the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation to bridge gaps in service and support within LGBTQ+ communities. The foundation provides crucial education and resources, reaching over 7.3 million people in the past year. Ben’s work also promotes safer, more inclusive support systems in government and non-government agencies.

If Ben is successful in the community vote, the funds will be used to expand the foundation’s e-learning package. The package provides specialised training for domestic and family violence support services, government agencies, workplaces and community groups.

Bianca Campling

A Brave Life

Selfless. Caring. Generous.

Bianca Campling is the Baby Bundle Coordinator at A Brave Life. She supports vulnerable new mothers facing domestic violence, homelessness and mental health issues. Bianca provides essential baby items to over 1,500 mothers annually, ensuring they are equipped to care for themselves and their newborns. Her dedication profoundly impacts the community, offering vital resources and support.

If Bianca is successful in the community vote, she will expand the Baby Bundle program at A Brave Life, providing essential items to over 3,500 new mothers annually. This support will improve health outcomes, relieve financial stress and foster stronger connections between vulnerable mums and healthcare providers.

Jodi Traves

Bridgecare Limited

Compassionate. Inspirational. Dedicated.

Jodi Traves, CEO of Bridgecare Ltd, is passionate about providing judgement-free support to people facing challenges. With a team of 80 volunteers and two part-time employees, Bridgecare provides support to homeless people, weekly food hampers and in-house help with gardening and odd jobs.

If Jodi is successful in the community vote, she wants to expand Bridgecare's capacity to purchase and store food, including fresh and frozen food supplied through OzHarvest. By purchasing a commercial fridge/freezer and utilising shed space in a neighbouring church, Jodi can launch a new community pantry to help feed locals.

Voting is now closed for Westfield Local Heroes.

The successful 2024 Westfield Chermside 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