Thank you for voting for your 2026 Westfield Miranda 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

Aries Costa

Project Youth

Humble. Curious. Passionate.

As a board member and lived experience advocate at Project Youth, Aries Costa helps ensure young people's voices shape the services designed to support them. Their leadership in preventing youth homelessness is grounded in their own experience of homelessness at 16, which now fuels a commitment to practical, youth-led change.

If Aries is successful, the grant will will fund an education and employment pathway program designed to address barriers to young people completing education, such as trauma, financial hardship and unstable housing.

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Rhiannon Byers

Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation

Stoic. Encouraging. Empathic.

Hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are more connected to culture and education because of Rhiannon Byers. Through her work with Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation, she has helped nearly double the number of schools in the mentoring program, delivering on-Country cultural experiences alongside respected Elders and education partners.

If Rhiannon is successful, the grant will fund Gujaganga, a weekly group for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged four to 15 that provides hands-on cultural learning.

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Zoe Karatzovalis

Infinite Abilities Performing Arts

Caring. Inclusive. Unique.

After growing up watching young people with disabilities excluded from creative activities, Zoe Karatzovalis started Infinite Abilities Performing Arts to give children and teenagers of all abilities a place to experience the joy of dance and performance. Today, the organisation welcomes dozens of students across three locations, with weekly classes and an annual inclusive concert.

If Zoe is successful, the grant will support funding the group’s annual concert and go towards the participant scholarship fund which provides subsidised fees for students with financial barriers.

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

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Miranda nominees and their organisations.