Your 2026 Westfield Sydney Local Hero is:

Eden Falk

The Shepherd Centre

Brave. Generous. Determined.

Eden Falk has been awarded a $20,000 grant for their organisation, The Shepherd Centre.

At just 12 years old, Eden Falk is already a powerful advocate for young people diagnosed with hearing loss creating change in his community and beyond.

After being diagnosed with hearing loss at one month old, Eden experienced social isolation and communication barriers at school. But after learning to understand and speak through The Shepherd Centre (TSC), he has turned his experience into action. Eden now openly shares his journey, raises funds, and speaks on behalf of the TSC at high-profile events.

“When I was younger, I felt lonely because I was one of the only kids with hearing aids at my school,” explains Eden.

“The Shepherd Centre helped me, and they were so important. Now, I want to make sure other kids with hearing loss or any disability feel like they belong and aren't alone,” he says.

Eden’s change-making goes beyond advocacy to practical support. At the age of 11, he started a social enterprise, Hibbitz, to repurpose Crocs charms into fun accessories for hearing aids. He donates part of the profits to TSC.

"I started my Hibbitz business to help kids be proud of their hearing aids,” says Eden.

“Seeing them gain confidence and raising money for TSC is the best feeling. I just want every kid to feel seen and heard,” he adds.

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

Ashlee Donohue

Mudgin-Gal Women's Centre

Powerful. Courageous. Unstoppable.

Mudgin-Gal Women's Centre offers Aboriginal women and children experiencing domestic violence a space for culturally safe support, compassion and guidance. As CEO, Ashlee Donohue leads a team that delivers drop-in services, crisis response, mentoring, and cultural gatherings that reach more than 1,000 Aboriginal women and children each year.

Paul Bennell

Feel the Magic

Nurturing. Benevolent. Empowering.

As Fundraising and Relationship Manager at Feel the Magic, Paul helps deliver free grief-support to bereaved children and families. He leads the Camp Magic programs in NSW, working with facilitators, volunteers and clinicians to create safe environments where children can express their emotions, make connections with others, and learn practical tools to navigate loss.

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Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Sydney 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