Your 2026 Westfield Fountain Gate Local Hero is:

Nikki Pihama-Bishop

WeCare Community Services

Kind. Encouraging. Humble.

Nikki Pihama-Bishop has been awarded a $20,000 grant for their organisation, WeCare Community Services

Every week, Nikki Pihama-Bishop brings her community together to help build a better life for up to 250 families experiencing hardship.

Through her work with We Care Community Services, Nikki supports those experiencing food insecurity, financial hardship and social isolation. The organisation provides essential items and hot meals through its food pantry and Street Outreach Program, while also creating opportunities for connection and belonging through playgroups, mentoring and community initiatives.

Nikki says, “What motivates me is a deep desire to see people valued and given the opportunity to thrive.” “Each day we meet individuals and families facing hardship, and knowing we can make a meaningful difference through practical support and genuine connection drives me.” By partnering with local schools, refugee support services and community organisations, Nikki helps ensure support reaches those who need it most. Nikki is also passionate about supporting volunteers, providing access to Mental Health First Aid training and cultural awareness training, as well as helping them bond together as a team.

“The work we do is a shared effort, made possible by dedicated volunteers, partners, and community members,” says Nikki. “Seeing confidence restored and hope reignited is incredibly motivating. I am inspired by the resilience of those we support and the generosity of our community,” she adds.

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

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.

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.

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

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Recognising all our 2026 nominees

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

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.