Westfield shines a spotlight on our Local Heroes

THE fifth annual Westfield Local Heroes program is once again shining a spotlight on those making a difference in their local community.

Community members across Australia and New Zealand have until March 21 to nominate their local heroes.

This year, three finalists will be selected from nominations for each Westfield centre, to be voted on by the community.

Winners from each centre will receive a $20,000 winning grant for the organisation or group they represent, with all finalists receiving $5,000 for their organisation.

2021 Westfield Geelong nominee Andy Brittain was a Police Officer working with Geelong Youth Engagement to help many at-risk high school students through developing an intensive one-year personal and physical development program. Photos: WESTFIELD

Scentre Group national community experience manager Pam Wilson said the group is proud to continue to grow the program and build stronger relationships with community organisations, with $1.26 million in grants to be given out across the community.

“The Westfield Local Heroes program is dedicated to celebrating the work of individuals and their organisations who have made a transformative and long-lasting impact in the lives of their local communities,” Ms Wilson said.

“If you know someone who has made outstanding contributions to their community, visit the Westfield website to nominate them as a Westfield Local Hero.”

The program welcomes nominations for individuals who support the community in any field, including Family and Youth Support, Health and Wellbeing, Inclusion and Equity, Community resilience, Environmental sustainability.

Past nominations have included individuals from a wide range of sectors, including emergency services, registered community groups, sporting clubs, not-for-profits, schools and more.

CEO of OneCare Geelong Claire Faulmann won the 2021 Westfield Geelong Local Hero grant for providing 500 meals a week and 1.5 tons of groceries to families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2021 the three finalists for Westfield Geelong included Andy Brittain from Geelong Youth Engagement, co-founder of Feed Me Bellarine, chef Anthony Woodbury, and the CEO of not-for-profit OneCare Geelong Claire Faulmann.

Of these, Claire Faulmann from OneCare Geelong won the award for providing 500 meals a week and 1.5 tonnes of groceries to families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as moving the organisation’s counselling online for those who needed it during the pandemic.