Your 2026 Westfield Miranda Local Hero is:

Zoe Karatzovalis

Infinite Abilities Performing Arts

Caring. Inclusive. Unique.

Zoe Karatzovalis has been awarded a $20,000 grant for their organisation, Infinite Abilities Performing Arts.

Growing up in a small town, Zoe Karatzovalis saw firsthand how people living with disabilities were too often excluded from opportunities and experiences that should have for everyone.

So, with a belief that every young person deserves to experience the joy of dance and performance, she founded the Infinite Abilities Performing Arts (IAPA) group.

IAPA welcomes 70 students across three separate locations, offering weekly dance and singing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

Zoe shares what keeps her committed: “Every happy tear from a parent, every new friendship formed, every moment someone feels seen and capable - that's what gets me out of bed every day,” she says.

It hasn’t been easy to build a performing arts studio from scratch, and as a young founder, Zoe has had to wear every single hat in the organisation, from teacher to administrator. But having navigated numerous challenges, such as funding, venue closures and growing a business, Zoe is determined to make it work.

Their biggest project every year is the annual inclusive concert, but Zoe says the IAPA is about more than just one night, bringing positive long-term impacts for young people and their community.

“When our students step onto that stage, their confidence skyrockets — and that carries into their everyday lives,” she says.

“The audience walks away with a completely changed perspective on what people with disabilities can achieve,” adds Zoe.

We'd like to thank and acknowledge our finalists who will receive a $5,000 grant for the organisation they represent

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.

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.

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Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Miranda nominees and their organisations.

2027 Nominations Now Open

Do you know someone making a difference in your community? Tell us in 200 words why they should be a Westfield Local Hero and they could receive a $20,000 grant for their organisation.

Find out more here