Westfield Local Heroes
Westfield Local Heroes is a recognition, awards and partnerships program that shines the spotlight on individuals in Australia and New Zealand who make a positive impact to their local community or environment.
Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted by their communities. Each year, one Local Hero per Westfield destination receives a $20,000 grant and two finalists for each destination receive a $5,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent.
Read more about Westfield Local Heroes here.
Voting is now open. Click on the banner above to discover this year’s finalists and vote before 20 September.
Program Alumni 2018-2025
Since 2018, Westfield has contributed more than $9.8 million* to 991 community organisations in Australia and New Zealand.
We continue to partner with and support many of our heroes and finalists to strengthen their connections and impact within local communities. We value all of our previous heroes, finalists and nominees. Select from the dropdown menu at the bottom of this page to read about all alumni since 2018.
Westfield North Lakes Local Hero, Stephen Hirst
Dads Community
Leaving a corporate job with a steady income isn’t easy, but Stephen’s strong belief that
happier and healthier fathers can strengthen communities and reduce trauma led him to
do just that. With a vision of transforming generations, Stephen set up the organisation ‘Dads Community’ to create space for men to connect, learn, communicate and support each other.
Westfield North Lakes Finalist, Kristy Paterson
Bamboo Projects
Kristy co-founded Bamboo Projects to support mental health and people with disabilities through hands-on environmental programs. Drawing from her own struggles growing up with anxiety, she gives people facing adversity opportunities to build their confidence and purpose. The charity’s impact extends beyond the local area, inspiring broader environmental and social change.
Westfield North Lakes Finalist, Bill Heraghty
Give A Child A Chance
Bill Heraghty leads Give Every Child A Chance, providing essential school supplies and support to over 700 students each year. Through fundraising and community collaboration, he helps families overcome financial barriers to education, ensuring every child has the tools to thrive.
2024 Hero and Finalists
Westfield North Lakes Local Hero, Paul Toonen OAM
St Vincent De Paul Give A Child A Chance
For over 40 years, Paul Toonen has supported the community through his work with the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVDPS). As treasurer and co-founder of the Give a Child a Chance Committee (GACAC), Paul has been instrumental in supporting local vulnerable children.
Westfield North Lakes Finalist, Chris Paterson
Bamboo Projects
Chris Paterson founded Bamboo Projects to support individuals with mental illness and disabilities through outdoor therapies and environmental programs. Chris’ inclusive initiatives promote environmental stewardship and foster personal growth and community inclusivity. In the past year, Bamboo Projects has removed 70 tonnes of marine debris from Moreton Bay.
Westfield North Lakes Finalist, Deborah Mills
Food for Kids
Deb Mills, program coordinator for Food for Kids, addresses food insecurity among children. After a neck injury, Deb transitioned to this role, providing essential food supplies to 11 local schools. Her efforts ensure over 1,000 students receive meals daily. This improves their concentration, learning and overall wellbeing.
2023 Hero and Finalists
Westfield North Lakes Local Hero, Barry Geelan
Adra Pine Rivers Community Pantry
Kind Barry Geelan is devoting his retirement to improving the quality of life for hundreds of people in his local community. Barry is the volunteer operations manager and a tireless hands-on
worker for the Adra Pine Rivers Community Pantry.
Westfield North Lakes Finalist, Bill Heraghty
Give A Child A Chance
Bill Heraghty leads Give Every Child A Chance, providing essential school supplies and support to over 700 students each year. Through fundraising and community collaboration, he helps families overcome financial barriers to education, ensuring every child has the tools to thrive.
Westfield North Lakes Finalist, Joanne Bain
Pine Rivers Koala Care Association Incorporated
Selfless Joanne Bain has been protecting, rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing koalas in the Moreton Bay area for nearly 30 years. Joanne is a 24-hour volunteer at Pine Rivers Koala Care, where she and her husband, Gary, have been awarded life membership for their quiet but relentless dedication to local wildlife.
View all Westfield heroes, finalists and nominees since 2018
Select a year to download past Westfield Local Heroes information.