Your 2026 Westfield Knox Local Hero is:

Anthony Ying

Southern Cross Kids' Camp Knox

Dedicated. Kind. Selfless.

Anthony Ying has been awarded a $20,000 grant for their organisation, Southern Cross Kids' Camp Knox.

Anthony Ying donates countless hours and days every year to creating life-changing camps for children experiencing neglect and hardship. Through his role as volunteer director at Southern Cross Kids’ Camps (SCKC), he mobilises volunteers, plans activities, attends camps and drives fundraising, to ensure at-risk children can experience a week of fun and laughter.

“My motivation comes from doing everything in my power to make a difference in at least one child's life by experiencing the transformative power of camp,” says Anthony. Many children supported by Anthony and SCKC live in foster care and often move from home to home; they have endured difficult life experiences, and almost all have counsellors or social workers. Camps give them the chance to build their confidence and nurture positive relationships, while providing families with short-term respite and improving overall family stability.

Anthony has seen first-hand the difference the camps can make. “I’m friends with someone who attended our camps,” he explains. “The role models at camp inspired them to build a career - working with children who have experienced trauma - and have a loving family of their own.”

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

Brent Dakis

The Forge Institute

Caring. Purposeful. Committed.

The Forge Institute in the Dandenong Ranges helps teenagers find belonging, confidence and creative expression. Founded by Brent Dakis in memory of his daughter Ivy, who passed away at 13, The Forge offers artist-led workshops and mentorships that provide a safe, supportive space for young people to build skills and meaningful connections.

Shy Nair

Life Education Victoria

Compassionate. Dedicated. Inspiring.

Shy teaches primary school children in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs how to make safe and healthy choices for better lives. Through her work with Life Ed Victoria, she covers topics such as physical health, respectful relationships and online safety. As well as teaching, she mentors other facilitators and refines education sessions to better support local families.

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

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Knox nominees and their organisations.

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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.