For its 8th year, the Westfield Local Heroes initiative celebrates 126 individuals across the 42 Westfield locations who have dedicated themselves to their communities.
Each Westfield location awards one winner $20,000 for the organisation or group they represent, with the two finalists receiving a $5,000 grant. This amounts to $1.25 million across Australia.
In Hornsby, three winners have been shortlisted.
Darren Heath from 1st Hornsby Heights Scout Group. As a Cub Scout Leader, Darren supports the growth and development of local children through adventurous activities, while also handling logistics and ensuring safety behind the scenes. Winning the major grant would allow for the purchase of tents, a box trailer, and equipment.
Donald Mathewson from Mentoring Men. At 80 years of age, Donald volunteers with Mentoring Men, available for free one-on-one mentoring. With a Naval service background, Donald understands anxiety and has led a life filled with athletic achievements and coaching experience. With the major grant, Mentoring Men will be able to establish 20 more mentor-mentee relationships by training 20 mentors.
Karen Humphries of the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre. An advocate for cancer survivorship, Karen survived stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma and supports other survivors at the Royal North Shore Hospital. Karen’s mission is to bring creative rehabilitation like art therapy and holistic healing to the cancer conversation, and enhance support groups so no one journeys through cancer alone.
‘We’re delighted to announce our Westfield Local Heroes finalists for 2025. The impact these individuals have on our community is extraordinary, and we encourage our customers to take a few minutes out of their day to cast their vote in support of these everyday heroes making a real difference,’ says Westfield Hornsby Centre Manager, Jashwin Rajeswaran.
Voting for the Westfield Local Hero program opens 19 August and closes on 8 September 2025. The successful hero to win the $20,000 grant will be announced on 14 October 2025.
Cast a vote at www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes
