Your 2026 Westfield Coomera Local Hero is:

Melanie Johnson

Christmas Presents for Kids in Care

Committed. Compassionate. Hardworking.

Melanie has been awarded a $20,000 grant for their organisation, Christmas Presents for Kids in Care.

Every Christmas, Melanie Johnson organises and delivers hundreds of personalised, thoughtful gifts to children living in residential care in her community

As director of Christmas Presents for Kids in Care, she rallies together volunteers and local support all year round to bring joy to children who are living in residential care, – often having been removed from their homes due to domestic or family violence. Melanie’s mission is that no child feels forgotten during the festive season, or when they first arrive in care

She says, “I am motivated by knowing that although these children have experienced trauma in their life, the presents they receive from us will provide some happiness, and the feeling that the community they live in cares for them too.”

As well as her hands-on support with the presents, Melanie also develops practical solutions behind the scenes.

She has created digital tools that help caseworkers match each child with a suitable, personalised gift and as a result, has improved planning for future Christmases. As a leader, she supports volunteers and nurtures involvement with government and community groups to strengthen the program’s footprint. Last year alone 780 presents were packed and delivered to children who may otherwise go without.

Melanie says, “Every child deserves to experience the magic of Christmas. I am proud to know that children in residential care receive such amazing presents, and I love working with our special volunteers that give us their time and wonderful energy.”

We'd like to thank and acknowledge our finalists who will receive a $5,000 grant for the organisation they represent

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.

Nicole Simonis

The Quiet Courage Foundation

Selfless. Empathetic. Caring.

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.

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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.

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2027 Nominations Now Open

Do you know someone making a difference in your community? Tell us in 200 words why they should be a Westfield Local Hero and they could receive a $20,000 grant for their organisation.

Find out more here

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Westfield Local Heroes: A Financial Review award-winning program

Since its inception in 2018, the Westfield Local Heroes program has granted over $11 million to over 1,000 community organisations. In recognition of the program and its social impact, Scentre Group (owner and operator of Westfield destinations in Australia and New Zealand) was recently named as this year’s winner of the Financial Review Sustainability Leaders in the Retail, hospitality, tourism and entertainment category. Read more about the award and the program’s impact here.

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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.