Scentre Group (Owner of Westfield destinations in Aus and NZ)

At Scentre Group we thrive together, doing work that matters in the communities we serve – and we’ve enjoyed sharing our news and progress with you throughout 2024.    Thank you to you, our 60,000 followers for your support, likes and shares.    Find out more about us and your future career opportunities with us: https://lnkd.in/gCEx7BF6    We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday and are looking forward to 2025!

We are excited to welcome Flappy’s Fried Chicken to Westfield Sydney. The Western Sydney business, popular for their Louisiana style fried chicken and signature dunking sauces, has attracted visitors from all over Australia. A first to our Westfield portfolio, the store also marks the first location within a shopping centre environment for the brand. Julie Gasper, Regional Manager, Leasing & Retail Solutions, said “We are excited to support Flappy’s Fried Chicken by providing them with a platform to connect directly with the Sydney CBD customer, an area which they have recognised as one of their largest markets for potential growth. “This is an exciting addition to our portfolio, and we have already received positive feedback from our customers over opening weekend. “It’s a great example of how we deliver the latest offerings to our customers and give people another reason to visit our Westfield destinations.” To mark the occasion, customers were offered half price off their total bill during opening day, plus the chance to win a custom pair of Flappy’s designed sneakers. #businesspartner #customerexperience

This year, 16 leaders from across our business completed our 2024 Female Leadership Program. A key initiative developed to address gender equity, our Female Leadership Program focused on impact, influence and executive presence. The program culminated with a roundtable discussion with the Board where our female leaders practiced their influence and executive presence skills. Simultaneously it enabled members of our Board to meet key female talent from across the business. Lucy Andolfatto, Regional Marketing Manager and program participant said: “Scentre Group created the space and time for us to be part of this program over five months because they really believe in gender equity and genuinely want to empower the female leaders in the organisation to be their best leader self. Sitting around the table with our Board and Director group highlighted their personal investment in the program and I’m very grateful for that.” Katie Paull, General Manager Asset Management and program leader, said: “I think we have created something that is truly impactful for our female leaders and contributes to our diversity, equity and inclusion vision: Everyone Belongs.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gKWy2KQU Catherine Sherrington Sabrina Ali Hayley Brien Amy Matraszek Kari Hunt Liz Clark Suzanne Goodson Elise Holland Ashley Kerr Katharine Rowles Leanne Tompkins Kylie Doulman Nazha Daoud Simler Claudia Cassar Michelle Fong

In recognition of International Day of People with Disability for 2024, we are reminded of the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of the diverse experiences of people living with disabilities in our communities. Michele Lok, Senior Marketing Manager, Retail Partnerships said “In alignment with this mission, we are proud to highlight our support of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower - Australia & New Zealand. “This initiative, now present across all our Westfield destinations, features the globally-recognised Hidden Disabilities Sunflower symbol, which represents visible and non-visible disabilities, serving as a beacon of understanding and support or our people, and our customers.” Sally Pettet, Concierge Supervisor, Westfield Marion said “As we recognise International Day of People with Disability 2024, we continue to strive for inclusivity and support for all members of our community.   “Lottie Harkness (pictured), joined our Concierge Team earlier this year. By wearing her Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyard, we have seen her confidence grow immensely. "When a customer asks about her lanyard, Lottie is able to share that she has Autism, helping others understand and be more patient. This openness has helped improve awareness and fostered a supportive environment.”   See here for more information: https://shorturl.at/U1l0r

An important part of our culture is recognising, celebrating and thanking our people for their dedication, effort and achievements. This week, at an all-staff event, our CEO Elliott Rusanow celebrated 12 individuals nominated by their peers for their behaviours, words and actions that inspire us to be the best version of ourselves. Congratulations to all our finalists and our latest SCG Heroes: DNA and Inclusion Hero - Luke Caleo, Centre Manager Customer and Partner Heroes - Jovel Manlimos and Ash Caldwell, Services Attendants Safety Hero - Samuel Hudson, Security Supervisor Innovation Heroes - Mark Robinson, Head of Product & Design Customer and Michael Sheldrick, Group Manager Media Delivery #SCGHeroes #team #recognition

“I love you very much and thank you for being here” - Ariana Grande provides an exclusive shout out to her Westfield fans, as our ongoing relationship with Universal Pictures continues to offer unique opportunities for our customers and Westfield members.    In celebration of the highly anticipated release of Wicked, we partnered with Universal Pictures to launch a multi-phased campaign, supporting our business partners and providing two unique competitions for our Westfield members, amplified through activations in our Westfield destinations.      Emma Donaldson, Senior Marketing Manager, Brand Partnerships, said “This is another example of how we are creating unique experiences in our Westfield destinations for our customers, encouraging them to spend more time with us.”    “As a key partner, we continue to collaborate with Universal Pictures to offer highly sought after moments within the activations calendar, providing unforgettable experiences for our members while supporting our retailers.     “The overwhelming participation and positive feedback from our community is truly rewarding."  

Last week, we celebrated 50 years of Westfield West Lakes.  Kat Rowe, Centre Manager, Westfield West Lakes, said “Fifty years ago, in 1974, Westfield West Lakes opened its doors, marking the beginning for retail and community life in Adelaide’s Western Suburbs.  “From its humble beginnings as swamp lands, Westfield West Lakes has grown with our community, now welcoming over 200 retail stores and becoming a destination for generations of residents in surrounding suburbs.  “It has been a place where memories are made, friendships are forged, first jobs are secured and perhaps even driving lessons were conducted. “I feel proud to celebrate this significant milestone with those who have played a vital role in shaping our centre into what it is today.” Marking the 50th anniversary, our team delivered a week-long celebration, complete with an archival exhibition showcasing the centre’s vivid history, live entertainment, and by sharing the remarkable stories of our long-standing business partners who have contributed to the history of Westfield West lakes. 

We are proud to announce Molly Slaghuis, our trainee at Westfield Tea Tree Plaza, has been awarded the Maxima School Based Trainee of the year for 2024. Kate Cutler, Employee Experience Manager and lead of our RAP Working Group, said “As we continue our vision for reconciliation, we have partnered with the Maxima Group to welcome seven school based Indigenous student trainees to our business in 2024 and 2025. “Our long-standing partnership places year 11 or 12 students in a two year traineeship program across our Westfield destinations, within varied roles in our services, marketing, facilities and administration teams. “By being a part of this traineeship program, we will strengthen the connection with our communities, make a difference to the lives of our trainees and improve our overall team’s experience.” Amy-Jo Pickles, Facilities Coordinator and Molly’s supervisor, said “We are thrilled for Molly’s hard work and dedication to have been recognised through this award. “It has been inspiring to see Molly overcome personal and academic challenges to absolutely thrive and successfully complete her traineeship with us, as well as become a permanent member of our team, as Concierge.” “I have thoroughly enjoyed Molly’s growth and transformation, and am incredibly proud to be a part of her journey with Scentre Group” Pictured L-R: Molly Slaghuis, Shae Davies Davies, Molly’s student advisor from the Australian College Of Commerce & Management - RTO Code 1441 and pippa webb (GAICD), CEO, Maxima Group Australia.

Aotearoa’s hard of hearing community will have the opportunity to visit Westfield Newmarket in Auckland and Westfield Riccarton in Christchurch to enjoy their own dedicated New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Santa this festive season. Penelope Seator (Tsitsiras), our Regional Marketing Manager, New Zealand said: "We’re thrilled to introduce New Zealand Sign Language Santa to our Westfield destinations this Christmas, making the magical experience of meeting Santa more accessible to more families. “Sign Language Santa will hold special extended sessions with helpers and an interpreter on hand to facilitate, sharing the joy of the festive season with even more of our customers.”  NZSL Santa follows the introduction of popular Sensitive Santa sessions in New Zealand, which are available this Christmas season, as well as Australian Sign Language (Auslan) Santa, which has been introduced in selected Westfield destinations in Australia.

To connect our communities to essential services this Christmas, we have launched ‘Give the gift of connection‘, raising vital funds and awareness for our national partner, Lifeline Australia.   Bianca Hatton, Community Engagement Manager, said “Through our longstanding partnership with Lifeline Australia, we know Christmas is their busiest time of year, and when it comes to mental health, meaningful connections matter.   “Our 'Give the gift of connection' campaign provides our customers the opportunity tp donate directly to Lifeline via donation terminals available all Concierge desks within our Australian Westfield destinations. To maximise our support, we will match every donation made through the Customer Donation Terminals from 4 – 30 November, up to the value of $AUD15,000. “For our New Zealand customers, we have launched 'Shine a light on mental health', a donation drive which supports youth in crisis through our community partner, Youthline. We will also be matching online customer donations up to $NZD5,000. “We are proud to support these important organisations during Christmas as we continue to strengthen our connection to our community by providing access to vital services.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gX2-DQkV