WESTFIELD destinations across Australia and New Zealand have announced their Westfield Local Heroes for 2025, celebrating individuals and their organisations who have made a significant impact in their communities.
The Westfield Local Heroes for 2025 at Westfield Penrith are:
Recipient of the $20,000 grant:
• Lana Borg, Mama Lana’s Community Foundation: Lana Borg 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.
Recipient of the $5,000 grant:
• 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.
Recipient of the $5,000 grant:
• Mischelle Macullam, Barnardos Australia: 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.
Now in its eighth year, the Westfield Local Heroes program has awarded over $AUD 9.8 million in grants to 991 community organisations since its inception in 2018. The program recognises and celebrates individuals and groups dedicated to their communities by shining a spotlight on nominees and their work. The successful Hero from each of the 42 Westfield destinations is awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent, and the two finalists each receive a $5,000 grant.
Earlier in the year, Australians were invited to nominate people who go above and beyond for their local community or environment. The voting phase saw a record number of votes cast by 74,000 members of the public across Australia and New Zealand, selecting the successful Westfield Local Hero grant recipient at each Westfield destination.
Westfield Penrith Centre Manager, Matilde Princiotta said: “We are thrilled to announce the Westfield Local Heroes grant recipients for 2025 and recognise the positive impacts these people are making within our community.
“Lana Borg from Mama Lana’s Community Foundation is a driving force of compassion, ensuring no one in her community goes hungry or unseen. Through her warmth and leadership, she’s built a welcoming space where people can find nourishment, dignity and hope.
“As we round out the eighth year of the program, we continue to be astounded by the selfless contributions these individuals make, and we’re pleased to be able to recognise their achievements and grow their impact through the program.”
This year, Westfield has awarded 126 grants across Australia and New Zealand through the Westfield Local Heroes program. Nominations for 2026 Westfield Local Heroes are now open, offering more opportunities for grant support to benefit local communities.
Pam Wilson, Scentre Group National Community Experience Manager said: “This year’s grant recipients have shown us the power of community, and we’ve loved getting to know the stories of these 126 individuals this year. Their work and contributions within communities across Australia and New Zealand are truly inspiring and serve as an important reminder of the positive impact of giving back.
“We congratulate our deserving recipients and share our thanks to everyone who has nominated or voted in this year’s program. We look forward to seeing more incredible individuals nominated in 2026.”
Westfield destinations across Australia will celebrate their Local Heroes from 14 October. For more information, visit www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes or your local Westfield centre website.
*Westfield Local Heroes grants are provided in Australian and New Zealand dollars.
