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.

The grant will go to the Shepherd Centre’s Hear for You mentoring program.

Falk was thrilled to win, and said, “I just want to say thanks so much to everyone for the support, and for everyone who voted for me.”

He explained the Hear for You program mentors kids with hearing loss, “like me, through fun social activities and workshops”.

He congratulated the other finalists, and noted how Westfield has given more than $11 million over the years to local charities through its Local Heroes initiative.

He also thanked Reddam House “for getting behind me, and for the whole school for your support”.

In a joint social media post, Hibbitz and The Shepherd Centre congratulated Falk – an alumnus of the centre and a current Hear for You program attendee, and emphasised how it has been wonderful to watch him grow into a confident, creative, and inspiring young entrepreneur.

They thanked everyone who voted, adding the grant would help The Shepherd Centre continue supporting deaf and hard of hearing children and their families.

Falk’s mum, Michelle, commented, “I’m so proud of you, Eden, and thanks so much to Westfield Sydney for your support.”

Reddam House, which Falk joined after previously attending Moriah College, said: “Congratulations Eden … It is such well-deserved recognition for the incredible work you do in our community – we’re so proud of you.”

A few days earlier, Falk was invited by The Shepherd Centre to an afternoon tea at NSW Parliament House that highlighted hearing health awareness, and celebrated 50 years of friendship between Australia and Japan.

“The Shepherd Centre also has a centre in Japan, so it was really cool seeing everyone come together,” Falk said, adding, “I felt very lucky to be invited.”

Meanwhile, Karen Levin, the founding director of the Equanimity Project, was a finalist in the Westfield Eastgardens Local Hero awards. She received a $5000 grant for the organisation, which supports women and families experiencing domestic and family violence, including coercive control.

Eden Falk being congratulated during the presentation on October 20 at Sydney Tower.