They give their time, energy and heart to make a difference in your community. Now, with one simple vote, you have the chance to help them do even more. Hurry, voting closes 20 September.

With $30,000 in grants to be awarded at Westfield Miranda, your vote can help a local hero create an even greater impact. Meet your three Westfield Local Hero finalists and discover their stories behind the meaningful difference they're making in the lives of others every day.

How to vote

Simply scan the QR code in-centre or click ‘Vote Now’ below.

Visit the exhibition space on Level 2, near Zimmermann, from 25 August to 20 September to learn more about your three Westfield Local Hero finalists and the incredible work they're doing in the community.

Meet our Westfield Local Hero finalists

Aries Costa

Project Youth

Humble. Curious. Passionate.

As a board member and lived experience advocate at Project Youth, Aries Costa helps ensure young people's voices shape the services designed to support them. Their leadership in preventing youth homelessness is grounded in their own experience of homelessness at 16, which now fuels a commitment to practical, youth-led change.

If Aries is successful, the grant will will fund an education and employment pathway program designed to address barriers to young people completing education, such as trauma, financial hardship and unstable housing.

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Rhiannon Byers

Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation

Stoic. Encouraging. Empathic.

Hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are more connected to culture and education because of Rhiannon Byers. Through her work with Kurranulla Aboriginal Corporation, she has helped nearly double the number of schools in the mentoring program, delivering on-Country cultural experiences alongside respected Elders and education partners.

If Rhiannon is successful, the grant will fund Gujaganga, a weekly group for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged four to 15 that provides hands-on cultural learning.

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Zoe Karatzovalis

Infinite Abilities Performing Arts

Caring. Inclusive. Unique.

After growing up watching young people with disabilities excluded from creative activities, Zoe Karatzovalis started Infinite Abilities Performing Arts to give children and teenagers of all abilities a place to experience the joy of dance and performance. Today, the organisation welcomes dozens of students across three locations, with weekly classes and an annual inclusive concert.

If Zoe is successful, the grant will support funding the group’s annual concert and go towards the participant scholarship fund which provides subsidised fees for students with financial barriers.

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If you need support, please phone Lifeline: 13 11 14

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Miranda nominees and their organisations.