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

Lisa Milkovic

Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support

Compassionate. Tireless. Selfless.

Lisa Milkovic, food coordinator at Transit Soup Kitchen and Food Support, ensures over 1,500 people receive meals weekly. Volunteering up to six days a week, she sources donations, organises deliveries and offers comfort to guests. "Transit is more than a place – it's a genuine community," says Lisa.

If Lisa is successful in the community vote, the funds will be used to purchase food and essentials supplies, helping more than 1,500 families in the community every week.

Natalie Thomson

Warriors 4 Wildlife

Steadfast. Compassionate. Resilient.

Natalie Thomson co-founded Warriors 4 Wildlife after realising the scale of need for support in the wildlife industry. The organisation provides wildlife rescue and transportation services, support for wildlife shelters, and rescue training and education services. Under her leadership, the organisation has grown to support over 100 local wildlife carers.

If Natalie is successful in the community vote, the money will be used to buy life-saving incubators for orphaned wildlife as well as other equipment and supplies.

Nyachan Nyak

NAS Recovery Centre

Empathetic. Calm. Leader.

Nyachan Nyak is committed to helping people in the African-Australian community who are struggling with addiction and mental health issues. She aims to create a healthier, more resilient community and helps over 300 locals with holistic programs through her organisation NAS Recovery Centre. “Seeing clients turn their lives around fuels my motivation,” says Nyachan.

If Nyachan is successful in the community vote, the money will help fund NAS Recovery Centre’s Path2home program. The eight-week intensive outpatient program supports individuals to reintegrate with their community in healthy ways.

Voting is now closed for Westfield Local Heroes.

The successful 2024 Westfield Fountain Gate 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