The 2025 Local Heroes for Westfield Knox have been announced, and three lucky locals have been selected for the annual grant program.
Boronia Rotarian Ray Siegersma, Marilyn Lambert from Outer East Food Share and Tim Cook from Outside the Locker Room Charity LTD were voted in for the vital work they do in the outer east of Melbourne.
Mr Siegersma has been at the forefront of a youth skills shed project operated by Rotary in Boronia and was awarded the $20,000 grant, and said he was honoured to receive the award nad get to work expanding the youth community project.
“It’s amazing,” he said.
“We’re an active Rotary, with lots of hands-on members – you get out of it what you put in.”
With Mr Siegersma at the forefront, the local Boronia Rotary has been working with tradies and volunteering their time every term to teach primary school-aged kids everything from plumbing to bricklaying.
The Westfield grant will allow Mr Siegersma and his fellow volunteers to expand the program, with plans to start at another location and get kids from early high school involved.
“This next program will focus more, give them a real taste of a few different trades,” he said.
Mr Siegersma has always been an active community volunteer and credits his upbringing for why he’s always been in the space.
“My Dad was always helping people out,” he said.
Originally joining Rotary in 1994, and also working as a bushfire hub Captain in Marysville after Black Saturday, he came back to Boronia Rotary in 2021 and by 2023, the Youth Skills Shed was in the works.
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 $5000 grant.
Westfield Knox Centre Manager, Christine Hill, said the centre was also thrilled to announce the Westfield Local Heroes grant recipients for 2025.
“To recognise the positive impacts these people are making within our community,” she said.
“Ray from the Youth Skills Shed has created a remarkable space where young students can learn hands-on skills and confidence from local tradespeople and retirees.”
“His program not only equips children with practical knowledge but also strengthens community connections across generations.”
Pam Wilson, Scentre Group National Community Experience Manager, said this year’s grant recipients have shown the power of community, and that they’ve loved getting to know the stories of these 126 individuals this year.
Fellow grant finalist Marilyn Lambert said she and her team at Outer East Food Share were thrilled and very grateful for the grant they received as finalists this year.
Outer East Food Share supports struggling people living in the outer east of Melbourne, collecting, storing and distributing fruit, dairy and vegetables to 53 food relief agencies in Knox, Maroondah and the Yarra Ranges, providing food to around 5000 people.
“We’re now collecting, on average, 34 tons of food every month, and we’re reaching even more people,” said Ms Lambert.
Ms Lambert said the winner, Ray Siegersama, has a great project going, and she was glad to be a finalist in the annual program for Westfield this year.
Demand for the vital food share service remains high, and Ms Lambert said the food relief agencies have seen consistent and increasing demand.
“Every one of the 53 of them is saying, we’ve got more people seeking food,” she said.
“We were very grateful to receive the 5000,” said Ms Lambert.
The group will use the grant to replace electrical fittings on a large walk-in cooler they have at their hub location.
“This 5000 will mean that we’ve got the money to actually install it properly and get it running functionally,” said Ms Lambert.
Tim Cook, from Outside the Locker Room, rounded out the recipients for the grants for 2025.
In his work with Outside the Locker Room, Mr Cook shares his personal mental health journey to educate and support others in sports clubs, schools, and businesses throughout Knox.
Earlier in the year, across the nation, Australians were invited to nominate people who go above and beyond for their local community or environment and nominations for 2026 are now open.
“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,” said Ms Hill.
“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,” said Ms Wilson.
The Knox Westfield has been celebrating their Local Heroes since 14 October, and for more information, visitwestfield.com.au/local-heroes or your local Westfield centre website.
*Westfield Local Heroes grants are provided in Australian and New Zealand dollars.
