Westfield Local Heroes is a recognition and awards program that connects and enriches communities in Australia and New Zealand. The program discovers and celebrates individuals who make a positive impact to their local community and/or environment.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here.

Anges Barnard

The Dream Project
__Cheerful . Motivational . Inspiring __

Despite working in a demanding full-time executive role, Agnes Barnard managed to set up the Dream Project four years ago to help school students from refugee backgrounds integrate into the Australian community. The charity’s volunteers are university students and young professionals who provide practical study support as well as motivational support in programs run at several schools. “Our refugee students easily relate to our volunteers because of their warmth, empathy and closeness in age. Students become more engaged in school and are more open-minded about what they can become,” says Agnes.

Find out more >

Jannike Seiuli

South West Multicultural & Community Centre
__Motivated . Passionate . Committed __

Jannike Seiuli helped her community-worker parents from a young age and developed a passion for giving to others. Her other big passions are her Maori Samoan community and culture, as well as singing, dancing and event management. Eight years ago, Jannike pulled it all together and staged her first Pacific Runway fashion show to provide a platform for designers with a Pacific heritage.It started slowly, but the annual non-profit show now attracts international attention and features 23 designers and 95 models from around Australia, the Pacific Islands and New Zealand.

Find out more >

Siarn White

Youth Off The Streets
__Passionate . Dedicated . Engaged __

Siarn White was a head chef at a busy restaurant and particularly enjoyed training the apprentices.She then studied and became a high school teacher for eight years, developing a passion for helping troubled teens. Next came a move into youth work. That’s how Siarn arrived at Youth Off the Streets, first as a volunteer and now as a teacher at Eden College, where she has introduced creative classes to give young people a second chance at education and fulfilment. One innovation is a hospitality qualification, which will increase her students’ chances of finding employment.

Find out more >

Recognising all our 2019 nominees

We congratulate all of our finalists and nominees and recognise the important contribution they make to the local community.
View all of the finalists, nominees and their organisations

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

Terms and conditions
View terms and conditions