Thank you for voting for your 2026 Westfield Southland 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

Deb Brook

Bayside Community Emergency Relief

Resilient. Amazing. Strong.

When people and animals are facing hardship, Deb Brook helps ensure they don't face it alone. Through Bayside Community Emergency Relief, she coordinates a network of volunteers who provide essential supplies, practical assistance and comfort to vulnerable community members both locally and during emergencies across the state.

If Deb is successful, the grant will fund comfort packs, aged care and dementia support items, clothes and sleeping bags, as well as support for local pop-up emergencies.

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Emily Daniel

Parkdale Pantry

Humble. Dedicated. Compassionate.

Emily Daniel founded Parkdale Pantry to rescue quality surplus food and connect people through a shared commitment to sustainability and community. What began as a small neighbourhood project is now a trusted local volunteer resource, helping feed thousands of people each month while diverting edible food from landfill.

If Emily is successful, the grant will fund energy-efficient refrigeration and outdoor pathway improvements, helping the volunteer team safely process more rescued food.

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Nathan Scagliarini

Speak & Share

Empathetic. Adaptable. Inspiring.

Through his work with Speak & Share, Nathan delivers mental health workshops to thousands of young people each year. As a former teacher, he brings valuable experience to this work, drawing on his background to create safe spaces where students can build emotional skills and the confidence to tackle life’s challenges.

If Nathan is successful, the grant will fund primary school mental health programs for Grades 5 and 6 students, covering facilitator costs, materials and wellbeing journals.

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

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Southland nominees and their organisations