Eden becomes youngest ever winner

Twelve-year-old Eden Falk – the youngest ever finalist in the Westfield Local Heroes program, has been named the 2026 Westfield Sydney Local Hero winner, securing a $20,000 grant for The Shepherd Centre.

The committed and well-spoken Reddam House student was announced as the winner at a presentation at Sydney Tower on October 20.

Falk was diagnosed with hearing loss shortly after birth, and received support from The Shepherd Centre from one month old, which helped him learn to listen and speak with confidence.

Two years ago he founded Hibbitz – a social enterprise that transforms donated Crocs charms into colourful accessories for hearing aids.

He advocates in schools and at public events, so other children feel confident about wearing hearing aids.