THE Westfield Local Heroes program has returned for 2022, with nominations now open to raise awareness for individuals who have made a positive impact to their community or environment and recognising their work.
The program will select a shortlist of three finalists for each Westfield centre before the community is invited to vote.
Winners will be awarded a grant of $20,000 for the group or organisation they represent, and each finalist will receive a $5000 grant.
Scentre Group national community experience manager Pam Wilson encouraged people to nominate their local heroes.
“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,” she said.
“[The program] has now entered its fifth year and we’re proud to continue growing the program and fostering strong relationships with community organisations, including our alumni.”
Nominations are open for a range of fields, including family and youth support, health and wellbeing, inclusion and equity, community resilience and environmental sustainability. Previous nominees and winners can be nominated again.
Previous winners include environmentalists, innovators, community volunteers and leaders, welfare service providers, first responders, essential workers, health and medical experts, educators, and social entrepreneurs.
Since its establishment in 2018, the program has recognised 489 winners and distributed $4.88 million in grants to the organisations they represent.
Nominations for the program close on March 21. A community vote will be held from August 2 to 24 and grant recipients will be announced on September 13.
For more information and to make a nomination, visit www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes.
