Thank you for voting for your 2026 Westfield Fountain Gate 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

Andrew Tufano

Wallara Australia Ltd - Pakenham Learning & Lifestyle Site

Empowering. Inclusive. Compassionate.

Andrew Tufano is a support coach for Grass Busters – a horticulture program that creates opportunities for people living with disabilities to learn mowing and gardening skills, while also building confidence and connection. Under Andrew’s leadership, the service has significantly expanded its operating schedule and he has built strong, genuine connections with local people and businesses.

If Andrew Tufano is successful the grant will fund a commercial-grade lawn mower, weatherproof trailer cover, secure equipment storage, and branded high-visibility workwear.

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Chris Rogers

Victorian State Emergency Service Pakenham Unit

Caring. Inspiring. Committed.

For more than 40 years, Chris Rogers has served as a Victoria SES volunteer, responding to road crash rescues, storms, floods and searches. Now retired but still responding at all hours, he continues to share that experience with newer volunteers, helping build capability in a rapidly growing region.

If Chris Rogers is successful the grant will fund search and rescue kits, flares, scene lighting and chainsaw maintenance supplies to strengthen unit's emergency response capability.

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Nikki Pihama-Bishop

WeCare Community Services

Kind. Encouraging. Humble.

Hundreds of families living in hardship receive meals, clothes, social connection and support each week thanks to Nikki Pihama-Bishop. Her work with WeCare Community Services makes this all happen - coordinating the volunteers behind the food pantry, playgroup, mentoring and Street Outreach Program. Through her work, she brings together her community to provide hope and dignity among those in need.

If Nikki Pihama-Bishop is successful, the grant will fund expansion of the Street Outreach Program with a BBQ trailer, cooking equipment, food supplies, charging facilities, and laundry and shower facilities.

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

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Fountain Gate nominees and their organisations.