Thank you for voting for your 2026 Westfield Penrith 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

Greg Waddell

Creative Spring

Supportive. Committed. Inspiring.

Once a young athlete pursuing professional football, Greg Waddell rebuilt his identity and purpose after career-ending injuries. That experience now shapes every program he runs through Creative Spring - a Western Sydney organisation he founded to give young people the safe spaces, guidance and connection he once needed himself.

If Greg is successful, the grant will support Stop Drop Action, expanding resources like the Seed of Hope comic book, free workshops and community games days.

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Heiki Forth

Nepean Little Athletics

Selfless. Inspirational. Mentor.

Sport gave Heiki Forth a path to belonging when she arrived in Australia as a child with little English. Today, as President of Nepean Little Athletics, she gives others that same opportunity - coaching, mentoring and fundraising across junior sport in Penrith to build inclusive spaces where children of all abilities and backgrounds take part.

If Heiki is successful, the grant will support registration costs, uniforms, coaching, training equipment and IT resources for Nepean Little Athletics.

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Natalie Bennett

Hope In A Suitcase

Altruistic. Caring. Humble.

Children entering out-of-home care receive a suitcase of brand-new belongings through Hope In A Suitcase — a practical gesture that restores dignity and signals that others care. Natalie Bennett has coordinated this work across Sydney for close to five years, keeping supplies stocked and supporting hundreds of children.

If Natalie is successful, the grant will restock suitcases across Penrith - with clothing, toiletries, blankets and toys - for more than 100 children entering out-of-home care.

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

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Penrith nominees and their organisations.