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

Czeslaw Lawicki

Disabled Surfers Association Central Coast

Charismatic. Community-minded. Compassionate.

Czes Lawicki has dedicated the past six years to enriching the lives of disabled individuals through surfing. As vice president of the Disabled Surfers Association Central Coast, Czes ensures everyone can experience the thrill of riding a wave. Each session brings together approximately 200 volunteers and 60 surfers.

If Czes is successful in the community vote, the money will be used to purchase modified surf and beach equipment and pay running costs such as insurance.

Erin Jacob

Coast Shelter

Determined. Generous. Caring.

Erin Jacob is dedicated to supporting disengaged young people. As the community, wellbeing, and education manager at Coast Shelter, she coordinates in-school programs across four schools identified by local police as needing additional support. Participants learn power and control, shame, choice, empathy and emotional regulation.

If Erin is successful in the community vote, the grant will be used to take her youth support program into more schools, allowing double the number of youths to receive support.

Helen Chisholm

SPCC Young Parents Central Coast

Compassionate. Outgoing. Caring.

Helen Chisholm is dedicated to helping young parents break generational cycles and improve their futures. At SPCC Young Parents College, she addresses issues like domestic violence, mental health, and parenting struggles. Helen's classes on parenting, sexual health, cooking and nutrition aim to empower young parents to thrive.

If Helen is successful in the community vote, the money will be used to pay for mental health and wellbeing support for young parents.

Voting is now closed for Westfield Local Heroes.

The successful 2024 Westfield Tuggerah 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