Your 2026 Westfield Penrith Local Hero is:

Natalie Bennett

Hope in a Suitcase

Altruistic. Caring. Humble.

Natalie Bennett has been awarded a $20,000 grant for their organisation, Hope in a Suitcase.

Through Hope In A Suitcase (HIASC), where Natalie Bennett is the Sydney director, children moving into out-of-home care are given a suitcase filled with brand-new belongings to call their own.

Natalie has spent close to five years supporting this work, which brings hope and dignity to many young people. By providing children with a case of their own clothes, Natalie replaces the plastic bag they often take with them, which symbolises embarrassment, hurt, and insecurity.
Together with fellow HIASC coordinators around the country, Natalie is part of a team that has supported nearly 9,000 children going into care.

Natalie says, "I was initially inspired by close friends who have spent their lives fostering children and giving them a safe path in life. Watching them over the years made me realise that I am in a position to also help children in need."

That inspiration continues to guide her. "Since beginning with HIASC it has now become a passion to not only help the children feel worthy and safe, but to highlight the need we have in our community to support foster children's mental health and wellbeing through being cared for and supported."

By speaking at community meetings and encouraging donations, Natalie helps bring people together around a shared goal. For her, every suitcase carries care, kindness and hope.

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

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.

Heike Forth

Nepean Little Athletics

Selfless. Inspirational. Mentor.

Sport gave Heike 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.

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Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Penrith 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