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.
Voting is now open. Click on the banner above to discover this year’s finalists and vote before 20 September.
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
2024 Hero and Finalists
View all Westfield heroes, finalists and nominees since 2018
Select a year to download past Westfield Local Heroes information.
Westfield Whitford City Local Hero, Tara Jeisman
Sea Gals
Tara’s drive to build women’s confidence started as a solo dip in the ocean, which then grew into
a movement where women can be free in their bodies, connect with themselves and others, and improve their wellbeing. After posting her first dip on social media, Tara was contacted by women wishing they could do the same, but who felt they couldn’t, due to body image issues, not having a friend to go with, or lack of confidence.
Westfield Whitford City Local Hero, Peg Bagley
No Limits Perth
At 86, Peg is the oldest volunteer at No Limits Perth, dedicating her time to distributing food hampers to those in need. Despite suffering three strokes, she remains passionate about supporting vulnerable people, with her volunteering also including practical support for ‘R U OK? Day’.
Westfield Whitford City Local Hero, Tracey Smith
Fostering Hope Australia
Through her volunteering with Fostering Hope Australia, Tracey supports children entering out-of-home care by providing donated goods, organising events, and offering guidance to foster carers. Her work helps ease transitions, building children’s self-esteem, and creating a supportive community. As a long-time foster mother herself, Tracey deeply understands the challenges of the families that she helps.
Westfield Whitford City Local Hero, Kate Bettenay
Hero Hunter Foundation
Kate Bettenay personally understands the importance of everyday support for families with children undergoing cancer treatment. Kate’s son, Hunter, battled blood cancer for five years. When he eventually passed in 2021, Kate reflected on her family and friends’ support and the importance of small actions. She established the Hero Hunter Foundation (HHF) to help other families in the same situation.
Westfield Whitford City Local Hero, Jennifer Bradshaw
Cancer Patients Foundation
Jennifer Bradshaw has volunteered with the Cancer Patients Foundation’s Look Good Feel Better program for over 33 years. She facilitates ten workshops a year, helping up to 70 cancer patients manage the physical, psychological and social impacts of treatment. She provides them with practical tools and emotional support to regain confidence.
Westfield Whitford City Local Hero, Nicola Henderson
Zephyr Education Inc
Nicola Henderson is the sole WA Coordinator for Zephyr Education Inc. She provides school essentials to children who have fled domestic violence and need to start fresh in new schools. As a retired primary school teacher, she believes keeping kids in school can help break the cycle of domestic violence.
Westfield Whitford City Local Hero, Francesca Cant
Story Dogs Ltd
Francesca Cant and her friendly dogs go above and beyond to help children become confident readers. Francesca is an area coordinator for Story Dogs North Perth, where she recruits, trains and supports volunteers who visit local primary schools for oneon-one reading sessions. Francesca loves the trusting bond the children develop with the dogs.
Westfield Whitford City Local Hero, Vicky Young
Dandelions WA Inc
Vicky Young is a co-founder and President of Dandelions WA, which gives school children backpacks complete with stationery, a library bag, water bottle, lunch box and toiletry bag. Thanks to Vicky’s vision and tenacity, 6,795 Western Australian children started school in 2023 with items that put them on an equal footing with their peers.