(L-R) Elizabeth Spanos, Joshua Montillano and Susan Bor.
Westfield destinations across Australia and New Zealand have announced 2024’s Westfield Local Heroes, welcoming communities to celebrate the incredible contribution these individuals make to their local community.
The Westfield Local Heroes for 2024 at Westfield Penrith include:
Recipient of the $20,000 grant:
• Elizabeth Spanos, Penrith Community Kitchen: Elizabeth (Beth) Spanos is a dedicated volunteer and committee member at Penrith Community Kitchen. In her role, she helps dish up nutritious meals to 500 people weekly while combating social isolation. Beth has recently helped expand the kitchen’s services to support families in 12 local schools by providing pantry food and meals. Beth will use the grant to provide food to 12 local schools, ensuring no child goes hungry.
Recipient of the $5,000 grant:
• Joshua Montillano, The Street University: Joshua Montillano, a youth drug and alcohol counsellor at Ted Noffs Foundation, has built a strong rapport with at-risk youth. Through harm reduction and creative therapeutic workshops, Josh provides treatment to over 100 young people per year. He is motivated to give back to the community and advocate for those in need.
Recipient of the $5,000 grant:
• Susan Bor, Kassie’s Cases: Sue Bor, a dedicated advocate for children in crisis and volunteer with Kassie’s Cases. This initiative provides suitcases filled with clothing, toys and essentials for kids entering foster care or escaping domestic violence. Each bag, packed and distributed by Sue, offers children a sense of belonging and dignity.
Now in its seventh year, the Westfield Local Heroes program recognises and celebrates the individuals and organisations dedicated to their communities and environment. The successful hero from each of the 42 Westfield destinations is awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent, with remaining finalists each receiving a $5,000 grant.
Earlier in the year, Australians were called upon to nominate local heroes who go above and beyond to make a positive impact to their local community or environment. A public vote saw a record number of votes cast by 71,500 community members, selecting the successful grant recipient at each Westfield destination.
Westfield Penrith Centre Manager, Matilde Princiotta said: “We are thrilled to announce the Westfield Local Heroes 2024 grant recipients and recognise the positive change they are driving in our community.
“Our hero, Elizabeth Spanos from Penrith Community Kitchen, is making a difference in the community by helping dish up nutritious meals to 500 people weekly while combating social isolation.
“As we round out the seventh year of the program, we continue to be amazed by the incredible contributions these individuals make, and we’re excited to shine a light on their achievements.”
This year, Westfield is awarding 126 grants across Australia and New Zealand through the Westfield Local Heroes program, totalling $1.25m. Since its inception in 2018, the program has contributed $8.6 million to over 860 community organisations.
Westfield destinations across Australia will be celebrating their Local Heroes from 14 October. For more information, visit www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes your local Westfield centre website.
Nominations for 2025 Westfield Local Heroes will open from 15 October.
