Voting has now closed for Westfield Local Heroes

We congratulate all of our finalists and recognise the important contribution they make to the local community.

This year Westfield will award 126 grants across Australia and New Zealand totalling $1.25M. Now in its 7th year, the Westfield Local Heroes program will have contributed $8.6M to more than 860 successful Local Hero organisations since it began.

Voting has now closed and the Westfield Local Heroes will be announced 15 October.

Meet our Local Hero finalists

Alastair Leaver

Mums Supporting Families in Need Inc

Compassionate. Collaborative. Committed.

Alastair Leaver leads over 60 volunteers and partners with over 80 support agencies to provide essential items to those in need through his role as operations supervisor at Mums Supporting Families in Need (MSFIN). His compassionate approach has fostered a positive environment, helping MSFIN assist over 8,835 people last year.

If Alastair is successful in the community vote, the funds will be used to purchase stock for Christmas and cover administration fees so the organisation can continue to support the community.

Amanda Mandie OAM

Koala Kids Foundation

Tireless. Dynamic. Inspirational.

Amanda (Mandy) Mandie OAM is the executive director and co-founder of Koala Kids Foundation. For almost 20 years, Mandy has worked tirelessly to bring happy moments and distraction to children undergoing cancer treatment. Her dedication has mobilised over 300 volunteers, benefiting over 500 children and their families annually.

If Amanda is successful in the community vote, the grant money will provide therapeutic and fun activities for children and adolescents being treated at Monash Health.

Georgia Hocking

It's Okay, Not to be Okay

Courageous. Inclusive. Passionate.

Georgia Hocking founded the mental health not-for-profit It’s Okay Not to be Okay with her two sisters after losing their brother. She runs mental health workshops, provides grief packs and leads social media campaigns, reaching 3,833 workshop attendees and 784,000 online followers in 2023.

If Georgia is successful in the community vote, the money will pay for 27 workshops to be delivered in local schools, benefiting over 800 students and their families.

Voting is now closed for Westfield Local Heroes.

The successful 2024 Westfield Southland Local Hero will be announced on 15 October. We congratulate all of our finalists and recognise the important contribution they make to the local community. Thank you for your votes.

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