Nominations now open for Westfield 2023 Local Heroes program

Westfield is calling on local communities to help shine a light on our unsung heroes, with nominations now open for the 2023 Westfield Local Heroes program. Returning for the sixth consecutive year, the program aims to discover and celebrate individuals who make a positive impact on their local community or environment, raising awareness of their work and providing a platform for community recognition.

since its inception in 2018, the program has recognised and celebrated more than 600 Westfield Local Heroes, with $6.135 million in grants distributed to the organisations they represent. The grants have been used by Westfield Local Heroes alumni in ways that directly benefit the community or environment.

the program alumni represent a variety of sectors and hold positions such as environmentalists, innovators, community volunteers and leaders, welfare service providers, first responders, essential workers, health and medical experts, educators, social entrepreneurs, and intrapreneurs.

following the success of last year’s format, the 2023 program will see a shortlist of three finalists selected

Westfield Winners 2022 for each Westfield centre, with the community then invited to vote for their local hero. the successful hero of each Westfield centre will be awarded a $20,000 grant for the group or organisation they represent, and the two finalists will receive a $5,000 grant for their group or organisation. Across Australia and New Zealand, Westfield will provide $1.26 million in Westfield Local Hero grants in 2023. Scentre Group National Community Manager, Pam Wilson said: “We’re thrilled to announce the return of the

Westfield Local Heroes program for its sixth consecutive year. Our local communities are full of everyday heroes who go above and beyond for others, and this is our chance to recognise and support them to continue their important work.

Communities across Australia and New Zealand are invited to nominate individuals who support the community in any field, including:

• Family and Youth Support

• Health and Wellbeing

• Inclusion and equity

• Community resilience

• environmental sustainability

“Nominating your Westfield Local Hero is one small act that can have a big impact. If you know a community champion who deserves to be recognised for their outstanding contributions, visit the Westfield website, and nominate them,” Pam said.

Westfield Local Heroes is open to people in a broad range of sectors including emergency services, registered community groups, sporting clubs, not-for-profit, schools, authorities and the local environment. there are no restrictions on previous nominees, finalists or heroes being nominated again and nominees only need one nomination to be considered for the assessment process.

Nominations for Westfield Local Heroes close on 30 March 2023. The community vote will be held between 22 August and 11 September 2023 to determine the Westfield Local Heroes at each centre, with the grant recipients announced on 10 October 2023.

For more information and to nominate your Westfield Local Heroes, visit www.westfield.com.au/ local-heroes