L-R: Kristine Gauci, Lana Borg, Mischelle Macullam
WESTFIELD destinations across Australia and New Zealand have announced the 126 finalists of the 2025 Westfield Local Heroes program. With 126 local causes and people to get behind, voting opens today, and Australians are encouraged to cast their vote to make a difference in their community.
Now in its eighth year, the Westfield Local Heroes program has awarded over $8.6 million in grants to 865 community organisations. The program recognises and celebrates individuals and groups dedicated to their communities by shining a spotlight on them and their work.
In 2025, Westfield will award up to $1.25* million in community grants across all 42 Westfield destinations in Australia and New Zealand. Each Westfield destination will award one hero a $20,000 grant to the group or organisation they represent, and each of the two finalists will receive a $5,000 grant, further enabling their valuable work for the community.
This year, Westfield is highlighting the collective impact of the 126 shortlisted finalists, who together, are creating a ripple-effect of change beyond their community. Casting a vote on the Westfield website is quick and easy, and only requires an email address. For a few minutes of time, it’s an easy way for Australians to give back to their local, and broader communities.
Voting for this year’s Westfield Local Hero opens today and closes on Monday, 8 September 2025.
Westfield Penrith is proud to announce the three finalists for 2025:
• Kristine Gauci, Our Community Cares: Kris works relentlessly with her volunteers to support vulnerable people in Penrith, from children to the elderly, to the homeless and people suffering from illness. Her initiatives include food programs, virtual reality in aged care, and fundraising for patient comfort equipment. She is a role model for her community, inspiring young people to play their part. If Kris is successful, the money will buy a fridge-freezer, new cupboard and supply of food for James Erskine Park Primary school, to support under-privileged children.
• Lana Borg, Mama Lana’s Community Foundation: Lana is the compassionate founder of Mama Lana’s Community Foundation, providing dignity, kindness, and over 300 free meals daily to anyone facing hardship. Lana’s tireless dedication unites and inspires a community of volunteers, creating an inclusive space of support, stability, and genuine care for those in need. If Lana is successful, the grant will fund ingredients, grocery items and operating costs so Mama Lana’s can continue providing free, nutritious meals 6 days a week to people in need.
• Mischelle Macullam, Barnardos: Mischelle is a devoted Barnardos foster mum, offering vulnerable children in Penrith a safe, loving home and vital emotional support. She helps those in her care build their resilience, self-esteem, and hope. Beyond fostering, she advocates for foster care and inspires others to help, ultimately strengthening her local community and giving the children a chance to thrive. If Mischelle is successful, Barnardos will be able to provide struggling families with regular emergency food, toiletries and financial aid.
Westfield Penrith Centre Manager, Matilde Princiotta said: “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.”
Scentre Group National Community Experience Manager, Pam Wilson said: “Each year, we continue to be amazed by the incredible work being done by individuals and organisations in local communities across Australia to help make a difference for all Australians.
“We’re excited to showcase another 126 inspiring community members Australians and Kiwis can get behind simply by casting their vote.”
The successful hero for each Westfield centre will be announced on Tuesday, 14 October 2025..
To view your Westfield Local Heroes finalists, visit www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes or your local Westfield website to read about the finalists and cast your vote.
*Westfield Local Heroes grants are provided in Australian and New Zealand dollars.
