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 Woden, your vote can help a local hero create an even greater impact. Meet your 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 Centre Court, level 1, near Skechers 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

Stuart Thorn

Story Dogs

Calm. Dedicated. Caring.

Learning to read with a friendly dog by your side changes can change how reading feels for children. Stuart Thorn and his collie Nike bring that experience to dozens of local children through Story Dogs. Since joining in 2024, he has become a volunteer coordinator, recruiting volunteers and building school partnerships across the region.

If Stuart is successful, the grant will fund recruitment and training of five new volunteer coordinators as well as additional dog team starter kits.

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Tiffany Karlsson

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre

Compassionate. Courageous. Transformative.

Tiffany Karlsson leads the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, offering safe and confidential support to those affected by sexual violence. Through the centre, Tiffany also delivers education and prevention courses that reach thousands of community members each year and has established a program to help increase reporting of violence by supporting survivors navigating the justice system.

If Tiffany is successful, the grant will help expand community engagement, funding updated training materials, trauma-informed educational resources and marketing to raise awareness.

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

Recognising all our 2026 nominees

View all of the Westfield Woden nominees and their organisations.