Scentre Group has announced the launch of its community recognition and grants program ‘Westfield Local Heroes’ across its Australia and New Zealand portfolio.
The new community engagement program aims to recognise and support individuals and organisations whose work benefit their communities. This year will see almost $1.2 million in funds awarded through 117 grants throughout 39 Westfield centres, helping Westfield Local Heroes grow and continue their community work, or kickstart a brand-new initiative.
“Westfield Local Heroes has been developed to celebrate the important work everyday people undertake in their communities, often in their own time and with less recognition than they deserve,” Scentre Group National Community Experience Manager Pam Wilson said.
“It also acknowledges the role Westfield living centres play in helping their communities develop and foster positive connections, relationships and initiatives, delivering on Scentre Group’s purpose of creating extraordinary places and connecting and enriching communities. We are excited to launch next week when our call for nominations opens on April 23.”
Westfield Local Heroes is part of Scentre Group’s new ‘Community Strategy’, which marks a significant change away from its former fundraising model and moves towards a community engagement approach that provides shared value for its communities, its business and investors.
The six-month program is open to individuals in all sectors including business, government, education, sport, welfare, community and not-for-profit who, through their work, promote social wellbeing and harmony across the areas of family, youth opportunity, or community inclusion.