Westfield destinations across Australia announced yesterday the 2026 finalists in this year’s Westfield Local Heroes program, marking the ninth year the program has shone a light on leaders, volunteers, innovators and everyday community members who are making an impact.
Following a nominations process and panel review, this year’s program saw 1,784 individuals share their personal stories and their organisation’s motivation for the opportunity to receive a share of up to $AUD1.25 million in community grant funding.
Each centre’s top-voted finalist will receive $20,000 and the two remaining finalists $5,000 each for their organisations.
Scentre Group National Community Manager, Pam Wilson says, “The Westfield Local Heroes program celebrates the extraordinary individuals who give their time, effort and energy to making our local communities stronger and more inclusive.”
Westfield is proud to announce the six Canberra finalists for the 2026 Westfield Local Heroes program.
From Westfield Belconnen: AJ Green of The Girls Club Canberra, Carol Jennings from Water Wombats, and Eryn Marshall of Eryn Marshall Artistry.
And from Westfield Woden: Craig Glover from Blokes Walk & Talk, Stuart Thorn from Story Dogs and Tiffany Karlsson of Canberra Rape Crisis Centre.
Nominee Stuart Thorn, a retired ACT public servant and his dog Nike are helping local children build confidence with reading through Story Dogs.
Two hours a week, accompanied by Mr Thorn, 13-year-old border collie Nike, as part of eight teams in the South Canberra area alone, enjoys having children read him stories on a ‘one-on-one’ basis.
“We are not there to teach the children how to read … it’s more a case of encouraging them to enjoy reading and not make it a chore,” he says.
“There’s no pressure on them, the dog doesn’t judge them, and they just read away and slowly both their abilities and their confidence build, and it’s very impressive to see.”
Since joining in 2024, Mr Thorn has become a volunteer coordinator, recruiting volunteers and building school partnerships across the region and bringing the program to dozens of local children.
Mr Thorn is quick to add that while he is very pleased to be nominated, “There is more than just me volunteering … there is a whole team and I see my nomination as much for them as it is for me and Nike.”
He also encourages anyone with a calm dog who would also enjoy snoozing through some story times to head to the Story Dog website and apply!
Carol Jennings, of Water Wombats, is helping children with neurodiversity develop confidence and essential water safety skills.
The organisation, founded by Ms Jennings five years ago and which she still runs as a volunteer, provides inclusive swimming lessons, aquatic therapy and specialised programs that now support more than 160 children each year through 6,000 therapy sessions, while connecting families through peer support and community.
On being nominated, Ms Jennings says she is proud of her team of 16 part-time and casual staff who have a “real passion for what they do”.
“I am really proud of the growth of the organisation…how it has evolved and responded organically to the community need,” she says.
“I am especially proud as we are making a difference to people’s lives.”
Ms Jennings adds that awards like the Westfield Local Heroes are so important to the community as investments into much-needed programs, awareness raising and elevating the reputation of organisations through more public acknowledgment.
From today, Australians can cast their vote on the Westfield website for a cause close to their hearts, giving back to the community and having the potential to make a difference in the lives of many.
Voting is quick, easy and open to everyone. Visit the Westfield website, select your local Westfield destination to read about the finalists and cast your vote before 6pm AEST on Sunday 20 September.
