Thank you for voting for your 2026 Westfield Knox 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

Anthony Ying

Southern Cross Kids' Camp Knox

Dedicated. Kind. Selfless.

Through his role as volunteer director at Southern Cross Kids’ Camps, Anthony Ying ensures children experiencing neglect and hardship have the best week of their year. As well as attending camps himself, Anthony mobilises volunteers, plans activities, drives fundraising and oversees local partnerships. His work helps at-risk children to build confidence and create positive relationships.

If Anthony is successful, the grant will contribute significantly to running the Knox Camp for 2027, allowing 30 children experiencing difficult life circumstances to take part.

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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.

If Brent is successful, the grant will fund the fit-out of The Forge’s space in Belgrave, art supplies for the studio program and payments to arts tutors

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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.

If Shy is successful, the grant will be used to subsidise Life Ed Victoria’s preventative health and wellbeing education for schools in communities with lower socio-educational advantage.

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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.