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

Hayden Rujak

Hayden’s Helping Hands

Compassionate. Dedicated. Inspiring.

In 2014, eight-year-old Hayden Rujak co-founded Hayden's Helping Hands with his sister after witnessing homelessness in the US. Their organisation provides essentials like food, clothing and toiletries to around 200 people monthly in Melbourne. Hayden is driven by a belief in dignity through access to basic needs and engages youth volunteers to foster social responsibility.

If Hayden is successful in the community vote, the money will be used to enhance the organisation’s outreach programs, providing more essential items to people in need.

Jayne Clarke

Imagine Re-Evolution

Driven. Imaginative. Compassionate.

Jayne Clarke is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty. As founder of Imagine Re-Evolution, she aims to empower youth through creative skills and mentorship. With 50 participants and 52 volunteers, Imagine connects older mentors with young people. Together, they use donated items to build and craft, fostering social connection and purpose.

If Jayne is successful in the community vote, the money will be used to a establish a community hub for youth aged 12-25. The hub will host workshops, mentorship programmes and skill-building sessions.

Mary Grech

Fitted for Work

Humble. Uplifting. Resourceful.

Mary Grech has dedicated 14 years to volunteering at Fitted for Work (FFW), helping disadvantaged women achieve financial independence. As a lead volunteer, she supports women in becoming job ready. Mary teaches essential skills like resume writing, assertiveness and financial management. Her commitment has significantly impacted countless women in the community.

If Mary is successful in the community vote, the money will provide tailored job-readiness services to 60 women.

Voting is now closed for Westfield Local Heroes.

The successful 2024 Westfield Doncaster 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