Thank you for voting for your 2026 Westfield Hornsby 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

Michelle Key

Smiles2u

Compassionate. Tireless. Benevolent.

Unexpected hospital visits can be isolating and frightening. As founder and director of Smiles2u, Michelle Key puts together comfort bags for sick children and their loved ones, as well as adults undergoing cancer treatment. Powered by donations and volunteers, the organisation distributes thousands of packs each year to patients and their families at local hospital across the North Shore. 

If Michelle Key is successful, the grant will fund production of Smiles Bags and Essentials Packs, while supporting expansion of the service to more hospitals. 

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Milton Kirkwood

Pankind Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation Limited

Empathetic. Proactive. Committed.

Knowing that pancreatic cancer patients and carers had nowhere to connect, Milton Kirkwood set up a local support group in his Hornsby community. For the past six years, he has volunteered as Pankind's support group facilitator, leading a free online meeting that draws participants from across Australia. Now in his 80s, he runs monthly sessions connecting patients and carers through shared experience, expert speakers and practical support. 

If Milton Kirkwood is successful, the grant would be used to upgrade PanKind's phone system, ensuring every caller reaching the Nurse Navigator service receives a timely response. 

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Sharon Reid

The Zone at Hornsby Connect

Warm. Understanding. Inclusive.

Sharon Reid is the founder of The Zone at Hornsby Connect, a free weekly group for young people aged 12 to 18 with autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences. As a practising psychologist, she recognised the need to provide a space for building friendships, belonging and connection.

If Sharon Reid is successful, the grant will fund furniture, technology, physical games and storage to expand The Zone and welcome more neurodivergent young people each week. 

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

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Hornsby nominees and their organisations.