Darren Heath, Cub Scout Leader with 1st Hornsby Heights Scout Group, was crowned the 2025 Westfield Hornsby local hero.
Each year, at each Westfield location across Australia and New Zealand, the Scentre Group runs the Westfield Local Hero Program, recognising local effort, dedication, and community spirit. Each Westfield centre awards one winner a $20,000 grant to support the organisation or group they represent, with two finalists each receiving $5,000 for their respective organisations.
In October, Darren Heath was named the Hornsby hero and received a $20,000 grant for the Hornsby Heights Scouts.
Darren has been involved with the organisation for a decade, first venturing in when his children joined the scouts. He has a love for the outdoors and helping children gain confidence and valuable skills. At the same time, Darren finds benefit from the social wellbeing that organisations like scouts fosters not just for children, but for families and parents.
Being crowned the Westfield Hero was a complete surprise. ‘One of our families put the nomination in and told me afterwards,’ explains Darren. ‘It was nice for big businesses like Westfield to be supporting the community with that… It’s a really good program.’
1st Hornsby Heights Scouts are putting the $20,000 grant towards purchasing tents, a box trailer, gas burners, and upgrading other equipment.
‘Darren Heath from 1st Hornsby Heights Scout Group is dedicated to helping young people grow through adventure, teamwork and respect for nature. His thoughtful leadership and behind-the-scenes commitment ensure every child feels included, supported and ready to take on new challenges,’ said Westfield Hornsby Centre Manager, Will Farenden.
Finalists for the Hornsby local hero award were Donald Mathewson from Mentoring Men and The Post’s own columnist, Karen Humphires with CanSupport. Despite not being crowned the 2025 hero, both Donald and Karen will receive $5,000 for their organisations. The Westfield Local Heroes program has awarded over $9.8 million in grants to 991 community organisations since its inception in 2018.
