Your 2026 Westfield Plenty Valley Local Hero is:

Jeremy Grassie

Big Group Hug

Dedicated. Humble. Uplifting.

Jeremy Grassie has been awarded a $20,000 grant for their organisation, Big Group Hug

Retired for more than a decade and now in his 80s, Jeremy Grassie is known as environmental champion at Big Group Hug, where volunteers provide essentials to vulnerable children living in poverty.

Each week, Jeremy carefully dismantles donated prams and porta-cots that have reached the end of their lifespan, ensuring as much material as possible is recycled. He is a vital part of a 400-strong team of volunteers, who believe that every child should have what they need to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.  Jeremy has dedicated more than 4,000 hours to Big Group Hug, making a lasting difference to hundreds of families.

Living with paralysis on the right side of his body since birth, Jeremy has overcome significant physical challenges while remaining dedicated to helping others. He says, “At Big Group Hug I have the tools to express my desire to help others less fortunate and I want to do the best I can for these families,” he says. Prior to volunteering with Big Group Hug, Jeremy become a familiar and trusted presence in several other local organisations. He volunteered as a bus driver with Whittlesea Connections, quality-checks donated goods at St Vincent’s Op Shop, and packed food boxes for families in need.

He says, “I’m motivated by providing clothes and material aid to families who are in need.”

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

Michael Ritchie

Watsonia Scout Group

Steadfast. Visionary. Collaborative.

Motivated by the impact Scouting had on his own family, Michael Ritchie took on a leadership role to help secure the future of Watsonia Scout Group. Today, he is building an inclusive community for all abilities where young people feel they belong, gain confidence and develop skills for life.

Terry Walsh

Spectrum 3

Compassionate. Present. Inclusive.

Terry Walsh has dedicated himself to creating a vital community space for neurodiverse children, families and older people. As CEO and co-founder of Spectrum 3 INC., he leads inclusive programs that build confidence, social connections and life skills, ensuring people of all ages feel supported, valued and connected.

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

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Plenty Valley nominees and their organisations.

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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

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Westfield Local Heroes: A Financial Review award-winning program

Since its inception in 2018, the Westfield Local Heroes program has granted over $11 million to over 1,000 community organisations. In recognition of the program and its social impact, Scentre Group (owner and operator of Westfield destinations in Australia and New Zealand) was recently named as this year’s winner of the Financial Review Sustainability Leaders in the Retail, hospitality, tourism and entertainment category. Read more about the award and the program’s impact here.