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.

Jay Larkins

Brisbane Paralympic Football Program
__Selfless . Passionate . Committed __

Jay Larkins set out to help his son play football, but he has ended up bringing the game to kids with disabilities all over Brisbane. He is the founder and head coach of the Brisbane Paralympic Football Program, which exists to ensure that anyone can play football – including his own son who has cerebral palsy. “It is not a privilege for a community member of any ability to be involved. It is their right,” says Jay, who has put countless hours and his own money into the program since creating it in 2006.

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Sue-Ann Dunning

Ronald McDonald House
__Dedicated . Inspiring . Passionate __

Sue-Ann Dunning helps families of very sick kids who need a place to stay while in Brisbane or the Gold Coast for treatment. As a volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland, she makes the lodging as welcoming as possible. “We provide that home away from home for families who often need to spend months away from loved ones,” she says. The charity has three houses, which can accommodate up to 139 families. Sue-Ann ensures all families experience special occasions and is active on the Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter and Christmas committees.

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Tanya Allan

Bravery Box
__Supportive . Dedicated . Enthusiastic __

Bravery isn’t just a word for Tanya Allen; it’s something she sees every day in kids fighting cancer. Tanya is the founder of Bravery Box, a support program that helps children and teens find their inner strength in the toughest of circumstances. She started Bravery Box when her daughter Lara was receiving treatment for leukaemia and responded positively when she and her husband celebrated her choice to be brave. “She began to look forward to hospital visits. She focused on the connection, celebration and her friendships with the nursing staff.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. If Tanya is successful, Bravery Box will buy gifts such as T-shirts, journals and bravery gym packs to help kids strengthen their “bravery muscles”.

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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

Support
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