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Q. Who can be nominated?
Anyone can be nominated in the Westfield Local Heroes program, they must represent (for example they must be members, employees, volunteers, etc.) an organisation or group. This includes, but are not limited to, registered community groups, sporting clubs, not-for-profits, schools, profit for purpose organisations and businesses.
Q. Can I nominate more than one person?
Westfield Local Heroes is a recognition and awards program that shines the spotlight on individuals in Australia and New Zealand who make a positive impact to their local community or environment. We do not accept nominations of two or more people. Please select only one person to represent the organisation.
Q. I have nominated a Hero previously, can I nominate them again this year?
Yes. There are no restrictions on previous nominees, finalists or heroes being nominated again.
Q. Can I nominate more than once?
You, as a nominator, can nominate multiple times but for different nominees.
Q. Does my nominee have a greater chance if they have multiple nominations?
No. Having multiple nominations for one nominee does not impact the assessment process. Once they have one nomination they automatically go into the assessment process.
Q. Can I nominate someone who is under 18 years old?
Yes. The nominee’s parent/guardian must give consent for the nomination to be eligible.
Q. What if I, or my hero, needs help completing the online form?
Contact the Westfield Local Heroes team at [email protected] and we will assist you to complete your nomination.
Q. What organisations can my hero represent, and what does representation refer to?
All nominees must represent (for example they must be members, employees, volunteers, etc) an organisation or group. This includes, but are not limited to, registered community groups, sporting clubs, not-for-profits, schools, profit for purpose organisations and businesses.
Q. How do I nominate?
Nominations open at Tuesday 14 October 2025, 10am (AEDT) and close at Thursday 12 March 2026, 7pm (AEDT). You can nominate your Westfield Local Hero from 15 October by clicking the Nominate Now button on this website. If you are in New Zealand, go to www.westfield.co.nz/local-heroes. All nominations must be made online using the nomination portal provided. The platform is not compatible with Internet Explorer, so please ensure you are using an up to date browser. No offline nominations will be accepted, unless prior consent has been obtained by Scentre Group. If you need assistance to complete your nomination online, please contact us at [email protected].
Q. Will my nominee be contacted as part of the nomination process?
Yes. All nominees will be contacted by email to notify them of their nomination. Nominees need to complete the nomination process by submitting their online submission form and providing consent. This form asks questions about them and their work. If the nominee does not complete the online form, their nomination will not be eligible. Please encourage them to complete their submission so they are entered into the program.
Q. Who has previously been awarded a Westfield Local Heroes grant in my area?
Please go to the Alumni page on this website for the full stories and list of our Westfield Local Heroes alumni.
Q. Why do I have to select one Westfield destination in the nomination process?
To be recognised as a Westfield Local Hero, the nominee’s work or activities must benefit the community or environment within the local area of an Australian or New Zealand Westfield destination. Nominators are asked to choose the Westfield destination that is located closest to where their nominee’s work or activity occurs. If their work spans across multiple Westfield local areas, the nominator must choose the most relevant destination for the purposes of the nomination. You can find maps for all Westfield destinations here. If the nominee believes the incorrect Westfield destination has been selected, they can contact the Westfield Local Heroes team to change it.
Q. Can I nominate the same person at more than one Westfield destination?
No. Please select the destination most relevant to your nominee's work.
Q. My hero’s work benefits overseas communities, can I still nominate them?
Your nominee’s work must benefit the community or environment within the local area of an Australian or New Zealand Westfield destination. If you nominee’s work spans both the local community and overseas communities, please write your nomination specifically addressing the local work. If your nominee’s work only benefits overseas communities, they will not be eligible for this program.
Q. How are Westfield Local Heroes selected?
Nominations will be assessed against set criteria by a panel of Scentre Group staff for each Westfield destination to select the three finalists per destination. Criteria can be found on the About tab of this website. A community vote will then take place to determine the Westfield Local Hero for each destination. Note: Scentre Group is the owner and operator of Westfield destinations in Australia and New Zealand.
Q. Do finalists and Local Heroes get to keep the grants for themselves?
No. The grants go to the organisation or group they represent to help the finalist's or hero's and organisation’s work or programs to grow and thrive.
Q. Why are paid employees of organisations eligible to be nominated in the program?
The Westfield Local Heroes program ensures all community heroes, whether volunteers or paid employees, are acknowledged for their invaluable contributions. Both play crucial roles in supporting and enhancing community services. Without these dedicated organisations and their staff, many essential services wouldn’t be available.
We aim to raise awareness of the diverse ways individuals contribute to our communities. Recognising both volunteers and paid employees helps us highlight the full spectrum of community support and make a greater impact.
Q. Can I edit or submit my nomination after the closing date?
Nominations close Thursday 12 March 2026, 7pm (AEDT). Nominations received after this time will not be eligible for the 2025 program. Once you submit your nomination you will not be able to edit it. Your nominee must then complete their online submission form by Thursday 19 March 2026, 7pm (AEDT) for the nomination to be eligible.
Q. Can I have an extension to submit my nomination?
Unfortunately, no. In fairness to all our nominees and to ensure we can keep on track with our selection process, we cannot offer individual extensions. If you need assistance, please contact us at [email protected].
Q. Why do I need to register to nominate?
The personal information you provide to register for the Westfield Local Heroes nomination portal will be used and disclosed to set up and administer your Westfield Local Heroes account.
Q. How do I write the best nomination?
We have created a Tips for Nominators guide to give nominators guidance on how to write the best nomination.
Q. Can I copy a nomination I completed in a previous year?
We advise that you write a new nomination for your nominee as some of the information may be be outdated.
Q. Do you have a sample nomination form?
Yes, please find sample nomination form here. Note: All nominations must be submitted electronically via our nomination platform which can be accessed via the Nominate Now button at the top on the page.
Q. What happens if I’ve made an error in the nomination?
Once a nomination is submitted it cannot be edited. Please contact the Westfield Local Heroes team who will provide advice on updating the nomination.
Q. What happens if my nominee did not receive their link to the nomination form?
Please ask your nominee to check their junk/spam folders, otherwise reach out to the Westfield Local Heroes team to assist with access.
Q. How do I know if my nomination has been submitted?
You will receive email confirmation that your nomination as been submitted. Please ensure you check your junk and spam folders if you have not received this email.