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Westfield have been running their Local Heroes program for eight years, awarding over $8.6 million AUD in grants to 865 community organisations across Australia and New Zealand. Today Westfield have announced the 126 finalists, with 126 local causes to get behind and help make a difference in your community.
This incredible program aims to recognise and celebrate individuals and groups dedicated to their communities, by shining a spotlight on them and the mahi they do to change lives for the better.
The community has been busy nominating their local heroes, and Westfield have selected three finalists for each Westfield destination. Each destination will award one hero a $20,000 grant, and each of the other two finalists will receive a $5,000 grant, enabling these incredible individuals and groups the ability to grow or continue their valuable work for the community.
Chelsea Windleburn, Elder Care Volunteers: Through her work with Elder Care Volunteers in Greenlane and Epsom over the past four years, Chelsea has brought comfort to elderly care home residents, while mentoring over 100 volunteers. Her empathy, shaped by personal struggles, helps her create lasting bonds with residents from all backgrounds with dementia and complex medical conditions. If Chelsea is successful, Elder Care Volunteers can hire their first part-time staff member, fund travel expenses, and training resources to reach more residents in need.
Stephen Baille, Orange Sky New Zealand: Stephen is a dedicated volunteer for Orange Sky New Zealand, maintaining vans, laundry pods and internal laundries across Auckland that provide showers and washing for people facing hardship. From fixing equipment to handling logistics and compliance, his work ensures vital services continue, and that the charity offers a safe, welcoming space for connection and dignity. If Stephen is successful, the funds will support volunteer recruitment and training, clothes for volunteers, shower and laundry products and equipment maintenance.
Tim Maifeleni, Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand: Working with Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand, Tim always goes the extra mile for young patients and their families. From bringing children their favourite foods, or locating a young person skipping treatments, he makes everyone’s life a little better. Beyond work, Tim volunteers at his children’s school, in youth sport and for Auckland Down Syndrome Association. If Tim is successful, the money will provide grocery and petrol vouchers to patients’ families, to help remove the financial burden of blood cancer.
Casting a vote is quick and easy, simply head to the Westfield website and Voting for this year's Westfield Local Hero opens today, and closes on Monday 8 September.
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