Westfield Local Heroes program reopens for 2023

NOMINATIONS have officially opened for the 2023 Westfield Local Heroes program, an initiative that shines a light on unsung heroes in the local community.

Returning for the sixth consecutive year, the program aims to showcase individuals who make a positive impact on their local community in a variety of ways, including family and youth support, inclusion, health, community and much more.

In recent years, the program has helped to celebrate a series of community heroes including Karen Knuckey who was the 2022 Westfield Local Heroes grant winner.

Mrs Knuckey is the coordinator for Story Dogs Geelong, a non-for-profit community service program that assists children to become lifelong readers by having dogs by their side so they can read with no judgement.

Mrs Knuckey and her two dogs Libby and Penny have been visiting schools across the region for the last three years and have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the children’s confidence skyrocket over an extended period.

The Geelong co-ordinator for the national program said winning the $20,000 grant had been a “huge help” to continuing to expand their offering, including into Werribee and Wyndham.

“Grants that become available are absolutely wonderful and mean organisations like ours can deliver worthwhile programs without any financial burden,” Ms Knuckey said.

“We were in the process of upgrading our training programs when the grant came up last year, and by winning we were able to do so and provide a better pathway for our volunteers.

“We are also planning on expanding to the West of Melbourne and have aspirations of supporting more communities in the future.

“All our programs are run by volunteers and we certainly don’t want them to incur any costs and want them to have all the training and knowledge they can possibly get.

“The Westfield Local Heroes program was certainly a huge help for us.”

Following the success of last year’s format, the 2023 Westfield Local Heroes program will shortlist three finalists, and the community will vote for a local hero.

The successful hero 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.

“I’d absolutely recommend other non for profits to apply for the Westfield Local Heroes grant,” Ms Knuckey said.

“It’s a very rewarding experience and a great windfall to help organisations to continue to deliver or expand their programs.”

Nominations for the Westfield Local Heroes close on March 30.

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