Westfield Local Heroes
Westfield Local Heroes is a recognition, awards and partnerships program that shines the spotlight on individuals in Australia and New Zealand who make a positive impact to their local community or environment.
Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted by their communities. Each year, one Local Hero per Westfield destination receives a $20,000 grant and two finalists for each destination receive a $5,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent.
Read more about Westfield Local Heroes here.
Program Alumni 2018-2025
Since 2018, Westfield has contributed more than $9.8 million* to 991 community organisations in Australia and New Zealand.
We continue to partner with and support many of our heroes and finalists to strengthen their connections and impact within local communities. We value all of our previous heroes, finalists and nominees. Select from the dropdown menu at the bottom of this page to read about all alumni since 2018.
2025 Hero and Finalists
Westfield Tea Tree Plaza Local Hero, Kara Reek
HAS Foundation
As part of a team that provides financial and emotional support to children with life-limiting illnesses and their families, Kara is dedicated to helping bereaved parents. In her role as Operations Manager for the HAS Foundation, she helps families in and around Woodforde whose children are receiving palliative care.
Westfield Tea Tree Plaza Local Hero, Kyron Lovell
Kyron Lovell
Kyron is often at Houghton Districts Football Club five days a week, coaching junior and senior teams, and supporting players’ wellbeing. Under his leadership, he has taken junior boys to multiple grand finals and taken the senior men’s team up multiple divisions. His mentorship has expanded junior participation and brought mental health awareness to the club.
Westfield Tea Tree Plaza Local Hero, Kai Maddren
LIFE Community
For three years, 14-year-old Kai has volunteered weekly at the Para Hills Community Kitchen, serving hot meals and providing warmth, hugs, and laughter. He also helps set up and clear away at mealtimes. Kai devotes his energy to helping others, learning guests’ names and stories, and ensuring they feel valued.
2024 Hero and Finalists
Westfield Tea Tree Plaza Local Hero, Shane Martin
Para Hills Cricket Club
Shane Martin believes community sporting clubs can foster inclusion, opportunity and belonging while encouraging healthy habits and establishing friendships. That’s why he volunteers his time to the Para Hills Cricket Club. Shane helps in many areas of the club, including working as cricket director, junior coordinator and mental wellbeing officer.
Westfield Tea Tree Plaza Local Hero, Alan Howard-Jones
The Rotary Club of Modbury Golden Grove
Alan Howard-Jones is dedicated to community support and improvement. As president of the Rotary Club of
Modbury Golden Grove, he has enhanced youth and school programs, partnered with local sports organisations, and increased membership. Alan exemplifies the club’s commitment to unity, service and leadership.
2023 Hero and Finalists
Westfield Tea Tree Plaza Local Hero, Gary Martin
Hands of Hope Foundation Incorporation
Big-hearted Gary Martin goes above and beyond to help women recover from the physical, mental, emotional
and economic impacts of family and domestic violence. Gary is the CEO and co-founder of Hands of Hope Foundation, a charity that provides crisis support, emergency relief services and life skills courses and programs.
Westfield Tea Tree Plaza Local Hero, Alex Conway
White Ribbon Australia
Alex Conway is a male role model for respectful relationships and ending gender-based violence. Alex is a Primary Prevention Partner at White Ribbon Australia, where he educates men and boys about toxic masculinity and individual responsibility. He enjoys the attitude shift that occurs when the men he speaks to realise they must stop being bystanders.
View all Westfield heroes, finalists and nominees since 2018
Select a year to download past Westfield Local Heroes information.