Thank you for voting for your 2026 Westfield Kotara 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

Christie Dawes

Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT

Inspirational. Influential. Empowering.

Paralympian Christie Dawes uses her vast experience as a champion wheelchair racer to mentor athletes with disabilities and provide pathways to sport across the Newcastle region. As Chair of Wheelchair Sports Australia, and as a passionate local advocate, she creates inclusive opportunities that give people with disabilities a lifelong connection to sport.

If Christie is successful, the grant will contribute to venue hire for regular training sessions, maintenance and repair of sports wheelchairs, and event costs for competitions and activities for Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT.

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Natalia Hogan

Samaritans

Resilient. Courageous. Determined.

In October 2025, Natalia ran 175km from Sydney to Newcastle to raise money for Samaritans Student Accommodation – the organisation that changed her life when she found herself in a youth refuge at the age of 15. The ultramarathon was Natalia’s commitment to give back and to help other young people experiencing homelessness.

If Natalia is successful, the grant will pay for Samaritans Student Accommodation to implement a stable, fast internet connection, giving residents access to online learning, research, mental health services, Centrelink and job applications.

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Rachael Clancy

Hope In A Suitcase

Dedicated. Motivating. Compassionate.

Through Hope in a Suitcase, Rachael Clancy helps children entering out-of-home care feel valued, supported and hopeful. Inspired by her experience as a foster carer, she provides suitcases filled with brand-new belongings that replace the garbage bags many children arrive with, reminding them they are cared for by their community. Rachael helps thousands of children across the Hunter each year. 

If Rachael is successful, the grant will help restock newborn suitcases for local hospitals and replenish 92 further bags for children and teenagers going into care.

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

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Kotara nominees and their organisations.