Thank you for voting for your 2026 Westfield Eastgardens 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

James Unwin

St John Ambulance NSW

Dedicated. Outstanding. Upstanding.

Since joining St John Ambulance NSW in 2016, James has contributed thousands of volunteer hours. He has cared for hundreds of patients, helped safeguard large events across Sydney, and worked to strengthen his volunteer Division's training program, sharing his medical and practical knowledge. He also takes part in delivering first aid training to the public, passing skills onto others in the community.

If James is successful, the grant will fund medical training equipment, as well as training delivery costs, to strengthen volunteer capacity.

---

Karen Levin

The Equanimity Project

Inspiring. Dedicated. Driven.

Karen Levin founded The Equanimity Project, a community-based organisation that supports women and families experiencing domestic and family violence, including coercive control. Her organisation offers safety planning and pathways to housing, as well as support for navigating legal and welfare services. Karen also works with the wider community to bring lasting change, through mentoring, workshops and advocacy.

If Karen is successful, the grant will help expand The Equanimity Project's specialist casework, emergency relief and housing pathway services for women and families affected by domestic and family violence.

---

Ruming Yang

South Eastern Community Connect

Compassionate. Tenacious. Humanitarian.

Arriving in Sydney alone at 17, Ruming Yang built her career around serving the community in her new home country. As Family Support Team Manager at South Eastern Community Connect, she has spent 14 years helping migrant families navigate language barriers, access services, and find trusted support.

If Ruming is successful, the grant will support up to 40 women experiencing domestic violence, with safety planning and advocacy, as well as food, transport and essential items.

---

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

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Eastgardens nominees and their organisations.