Thank you for voting for your 2026 Westfield Coomera 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

Lilly McEldowney

Lilly Pilly Supervised Children's Contact Centre

Caring. Dedicated. Impactful.

Every child deserves to feel safe during periods of family change. At Lilly Pilly Supervised Children's Contact Centre, Lilly McEldowney helps create supportive, structured spaces where children can meet with parents and loved ones during family separation or conflict. The positive ripple effects extend to schools, carers and social networks – building a more resilient and connected community.

If successful, the grant will fund a specialised vehicle, allowing us to travel to provide off-site supervised contact visits, expand our services, and support more children and families to safely stay connected.

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Melanie Johnson

Christmas Presents for Kids in Care

Committed. Compassionate. Hardworking.

Each year, Melanie Johnson coordinates the packing and delivery of hundreds of personalised Christmas gifts for children living in residential care. As director of Christmas Presents for Kids in Care, she leads volunteers, develops digital tools for gift matching, and builds community partnerships to ensure every child receives a Christmas gift, plus a backpack of essentials when they first arrive in care.

If successful, the grant will fund personalised Christmas gifts for children in residential care, covering clothing, backpacks, sporting equipment, toiletries, and arts and crafts.

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Nicole Simonis

The Quiet Courage Foundation

Selfless. Empathetic. Brave.

A cancer survivor herself, Nicole Simonis co-founded The Quiet Courage Foundation to ensure people navigating treatment feel supported and connected. Through specialised care packs, connection events and restorative retreats, the foundation reaches hundreds of patients in the community providing practical relief and meaningful peer support.

If successful, the grant will fund up to 120 specialised cancer care packs and three restorative day retreats for cancer patients.

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

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Coomera nominees and their organisations.