Women of Campbelltown
The Women of Campbelltown is an annual project collecting and sharing inspiring stories of local women, launched each year at Council’s International Women’s Day event.
Thank you to the women who have participated and our volunteer interviewers Di Booker and Katrina Spencer.
The Power of Passion: Stories as told by the Women of Campbelltown
In June 2023, Council launched the book 'The Power of Passion: stories as told by the Women of Campbelltown’. The book is a collection of 40 stories told by local women sharing achievements, challenges, connections and contributions underpinned by a passion for everything they do.
The Power of Passion: stories as told by the Women of Campbelltown (PDF)
Allison Hughes
'You meet people who are having their worst day and you want to help them in some way.'
Alli grew up in Tranmere and remains a proud local, having lived in Campbelltown for the past 19 years. She is a life-member with the Campbelltown SES, recognising her 30 years of dedicated volunteer service.
Cara Miller
'Choose to say yes more often than no.'
Cara's leadership journey is shaped by community, compassion, and a belief in opportunity. Raised on a mixed farm in the South Australian Mallee, she grew up in a family where education, resilience, and hard work were expected, and gender was never a limitation.
Di Sullivan
'Knowing your inner self enables you to know and understand the people and environment around you.'
Di is passionate about caring for the environment and building sustainable communities. She is deeply concerned about climate change and the future for her grandchildren.
Erika Von Elm
'Learn from the past and keep your eyes on the future.'
Erika’s life reflects her curiosity, commitment to learning and building community. Born in Darmstadt, Germany, her childhood was shaped by the war, shortages and separation from her father.
Gilda Campbell
'Life’s challenges and experiences result in resilience, self reflection and growth.'
Gilda migrated from Italy as a two year old with her family, settling in Campbelltown where she has always lived. She is a compassionate and community-driven leader with more than 40 years experience working across government, multicultural services, aged care and community development in South Australia.
Margaret Lee
'In the roller coaster of the ups and downs of life, find happiness always. A challenge today may well be the biggest blessing for the future.'
Margaret was born in Malaysia to a traditional Chinese family and as a young child was 'happiest with her hands', learning embroidery skills from her mother. Margaret is a passionate arts educator and asserts 'stitching isn’t academic', emphasising the integration of mind, body and spirit in her practice.
Nidhi Ramesh
'Stay safe and stay curious.'
Seventeen-year-old Nidhi brings global perspectives, creativity and advocacy to her new home in Campbelltown. Having lived across seven countries, she developed a deep curiosity about people and the issues that shape young lives.
RubinA
'Don’t give me what I ask for; give me what is best for me.'
Born in Chandigarh, India, RubinA grew up in a supportive, education-focused family and discovered her love of performance at an early age. Excelling in both academics and theatre, she built a successful career in acting, writing and teaching before migrating to Adelaide through a special arts pathway.
Solomia Onyskiv
'Putting time aside to do something quiet helps me to reset and is important for my mental health and wellness.'
Solomia is a motivated and talented 16-year old who is deeply connected to her Ukrainian heritage, culture and language. From a young age, Solomia has been actively involved with the Association of Ukrainians in South Australia.
Sandra Kanck
'Education is the key to addressing injustices.'
Sandra was born in Broken Hill, the eldest of seven children, it was here she became actively engaged in advocating for human rights. Sandra was elected to the South Australian Parliament as an Australian Democrats member in 1993, leading to 15 years service as a member of the Legislative Council.
Alicia Hammond
'Always be true to yourself and surround yourself with supportive and positive people.'
Alicia Hammond was born in 2005 and has always lived in the City of Campbelltown area. From an early age, she was passionate about performing, particularly singing. In year 7, she received a music and voice scholarship to attend St Ignatius College.
Charmaine Suares-Howard
'Lean into the uncomfortable spaces, they will stretch you.'
Charmaine is the Director of Paradise Kindergarten and a longstanding early childhood educator in Campbelltown. With Anglo-Indian heritage and a childhood shaped by travel, Charmaine’s diverse experiences fuel her outgoing nature and passion for community.
Claudia Callisto
'Take chances and live life to the fullest.'
Everyone has a story, but Claudia has turned her passion for cultural storytelling into an art form. Claudia wrote her first book, The Good Italian Girl, drawing on her experience as an Australian-born daughter of immigrant parents.
Diana Badalyan
'Push your limits, put in the work and enjoy every point of the process.'
Diana lives in Hectorville with her family, born in Australia to Russian and Armenian parents. At 16 years old she is currently ranked 364 in the world in junior women’s tennis.
Helen Nichols
'Be prepared to go against the flow if that’s what you really believe.'
Helen Nichols is a former Campbelltown Council Elected Member and a passionate advocate for arts, culture, and social justice. With a background in social work and law, she has held diverse roles as a solicitor, barrister, and public service leader.
Judy Parker
'Choose not to accept your destiny, work hard; change may be an opportunity, not a threat.'
Judy has lived in the City of Campbelltown since 2008 and is a co-founding member of Ripples Community Arts at Lochiel Park. As a child, Judy loved to sew and create. After receiving a scholarship to study Junior Primary teaching, she worked in disadvantaged schools as an advisor/support teacher. She was also a university tutor championing, advocating and developing specialised literacy programs.
Lisa Innis
'Everything works out in the end, and if it hasn’t… it’s not the end.'
As a child Lisa always loved to sing and dance. At 3 years old she moved to the City of Campbelltown where she attended Rostrevor Kindy, Thorndon Park Primary School and later, Morialta High School. In 1995, Lisa established the Innis Performing Arts Academy, now known as Innis Dance Studios.
Sue-Anne Badawee
'There will be highs and lows in life, but you will find the strength to keep moving forward.'
For Sue-Anne, a local Hectorville resident and one of the owners of the Rezz Hotel, running a business and particularly a hotel is part of her soul. From a child she watched her parents start and run successful businesses, including hotels around Adelaide.
The Honourable Carmel Zollo
'Regardless of your age, you can take a path to achieve your ambitions.'
Carmel was the first Italian-born woman elected to the South Australian Legislative Council and served as a Cabinet Minister from 2005-2009. Born in Italy, she migrated to Australia as a child, growing up in Payneham and later settling in Campbelltown, where she and her husband Lou have lived for over 50 years.
Vas Dolman
'Don’t get caught up in things that don’t matter.'
Vas Dolman, coordinator of Campbelltown Repair Café, is a dedicated volunteer in Campbelltown’s community programs. Vas developed a passion for special education from an early age and went on to earn degrees in special education and sensory loss, advancing to roles as a regional coordinator and assistant principal supporting students with additional needs to pursue their goals.
Anna Leombruno
'Never doubt yourself, you can do more than you think you can.'
Anna‘s grandparents migrated to South Australia from Italy in the early 1950s, where the family established a market garden in Athelstone. In 2010, Anna was elected as Councillor for the Campbelltown Council, and has remained a committed member of the Council ever since.
Audrey Emery
'Listen to your inner voice and follow your passion.'
Audrey is a dedicated artist who has spent over 40 years inspiring young minds through her weekly children’s art classes. While at Art School, she discovered purpose in working with students to explore their creativity.
Dr Geeta Trehan
'Taking advantage of educational opportunities is critical to future success.'
Geeta is a specialist General Practitioner and experienced medical educator, with fellowships of the Royal College of General Practitioners and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. Her practice is based in Campbelltown with specialties in geriatrics and chronic diseases.
Izzy Vincent
'Acknowledge your successes and let others see the possibilities.'
At 15, Isabella (Izzy) Vincent was the youngest athlete on the Australian Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Team. She won a silver medal with the Women’s Freestyle Relay, and a bronze medal with the Women’s Medley Relay. Izzy also represented Australia at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Judi Brown
'I believe in the power of women to achieve amazing things.'
Judi studied to be a nurse in Brisbane in 1964-68, but it was her further studies in neonatology and midwifery at the Queen Victoria Hospital in Adelaide that would set her on the most extraordinary path taking her across Australia and overseas to the UK, South Africa, Netherlands, Poland and Middle East.
Kristy Schirmer
'Don’t limit yourself, aim high, be ambitious.'
Kristy, a dedicated public health professional, founded Thorndon Junior parkrun, South Australia’s first Junior parkrun event for 4–14-year-olds and their families, held every Sunday morning at Thorndon Park.
Marianne Riccio
'When all the world is a hopeless jumble, let music fill your soul.'
Marianne’s life took a whole new turn when she wanted to learn to sing two love songs to surprise her husband on their 40th wedding anniversary. This led her on the most remarkable journey to find her voice and start a 20 year career in singing and performing.
Reeva Brice
'There are no such words as I can’t, because you CAN.'
Reeva has more than 40 years’ experience in the natural therapies industry as a remedial and sports masseur, yoga instructor, Principal of her own training college and as a WEA tutor.
Teresa Marona
'Listen to your inner voice and follow your passion.'
Teresa Marona, is a respected Campbelltown businesswoman and accomplished entrepreneur. She traces her journey from a small Italian village to becoming a prominent figure in the local community.
Thea Matto
'Be yourself because everyone else is taken.'
Thea and her parents and brothers arrived in Adelaide in 1958 from the Netherlands, settling in Kensington Park. Her love for fashion led to a career in the retail industry including assisting breast cancer survivors and women of all ages and abilities to select their most appropriate intimate apparel; a position she held for 25 years.
Dr Margaret Bakker
'It's important for females to take advantage of every opportunity; stay focused and be positive.'
Dr Margaret Bakker is Principal Barrister and Solicitor of Bakker Vagnarelli Lawyers, and for more than 30 years has been Organist and Musical Director of Italian Mass at the Church of the Annunciation, Hectorville.
Giovanna Marmorale
'Nothing comes from the sky, make opportunities for yourself.'
Giovanna and her husband Pino established and have run the La Vera Cheese Company for the past 38 years. La Vera is an award-winning company making 33 cheese varieties located in Newton. Their cheese shop on Hamilton Terrace features on the Campbelltown Food Trail.
Gul Zehra
'Surround yourself with the types of people you aspire to be.'
Gul migrated as a child with her family to Australia from Pakistan, where they were a targeted minority group. She has embraced all of the opportunities this move provided and has been a keen community participant and active volunteer on the Campbelltown Youth Advisory Committee and featured in the multicultural ‘This is my Campbelltown’ project.
Jenny Bates
'The wisdom of crowds is critical to achieving successful community activities.'
Jenny was elected as the inaugural President of the Lochiel Park Community Garden, a role she has now held for more than 10 years. Jenny’s enthusiasm, leadership and commitment has been an inspiration to the membership and to meeting their aims of growing fruit and vegetables in a sustainable way, sharing knowledge with the community and ensuring the garden becomes a focal point in the community.
Joan Stone OAM
'You get more out of volunteering than you give.'
Joan has flourished in her ‘third age career’ working as a volunteer, board member and chair on a range of age advocacy and aged rights groups. She has been an influential voice for the development and direction of the policies and design of retirement villages.
Kathy Lilis
'Build confidence in yourself and your abilities and keep moving forward.'
Kathy has dedicated her life to supporting women and their children find safety and support during and after experiencing domestic and family violence. She has built a 24 year career in the sector and is now the program manager of the Eastern Adelaide Domestic Violence Services, a program of Women’s Safety Services SA.
Lisa De Vizio
'Believe in yourself, be strong, be resilient.'
Lisa and her husband have been operating Panini Brothers for over 18 years with all of their products made on premises. They have come to be known as a neighbourhood legend, a family-operated business who passionately believe in supporting local businesses by sourcing ingredients locally.
Liz Milner
'Everyone needs a wild place.'
Liz has travelled the world and developed a passion for protecting native flora and fauna. She was awarded the Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award in 2021 for South Australia which acknowledged her as ‘one of the most highly regarded volunteers in the region producing remarkable bushcare work that spans over 1,464 ha of high quality native bushland, all the while engaging encouraging and inspiring the community.
Lyn Robins
'Life is made up of the people you meet along the way.'
A multi-award winning artist and jeweller, Lyn has participated in many exhibitions and 25 solo shows. She is a versatile artist, working with a wide range of subjects and mediums.
Mia Fantasia-Copley
'Activate the best in other's hearts.'
Mia is an active community volunteer and office manager of the Turkindi organisation, the Aboriginal Information Network of SA. Mia has been involved with this group since its inception in 2000 sending out daily emails to connect, inform and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to find meaningful employment, training or information.
Reverend Linda Driver
'Have faith that your paths will lead you to the place you were uniquely made for.'
Linda is the Minister of the Athelstone Uniting Church and has a long history of involvement in community events, managing stage and musical activities and opportunities for youth. As a Minister, her focus is to build connections between the church, its members and the wider community to create a positive impact in the community.
Ann Whitby
'Listen to your heart and always believe in yourself and know you are enough just the way you are.'
Ann has been involved with the Campbelltown ArtHouse since its establishment in 2016. She was Secretary for four years and is the current President. She is a regular exhibitor during South Australia Living Artists (SALA) and Adelaide Fringe Festival exhibitions. Ann is passionate about the ability of community art projects to build an inclusive creative community.
Giovanna (Jill) De Cianni
'I encourage young women to study hard as knowledge opens your opportunities and choices.'
Jill was born in San Giovanni, Ceppaloni, Benevento, Italy, where her family had lived for generations growing wheat, corn, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and animals. As a first born Jill cared for her brother Giovanni, the sheep, did sewing, chores and school. Her grandmother was a big influence with her love of walking, nature and community.
Janet Durden
'Have a try, you might surprise yourself.'
Janet is the designer of the Links Wall Hanging; funded by the City of Campbelltown, in the Campbelltown Library, to celebrate the Centenary of Federation in 2001. Janet’s design incorporates many features unique to the area, its history and its future. Janet drew on her memories of growing up and living in the Campbelltown area in addition to the stories of her early pioneering families.
Judith Black
'Our experiences and the people we meet provide the strength, resilience and courage to start anew.'
Judith was a City of Campbelltown Councillor from May 1997 to November 2010 and was Deputy Mayor from 2003 to 2005. Her community involvement has been wide reaching and her passion remains encouraging women to be involved in all levels of management and government. Judith’s family was closely involved in politics, which set the scene for Judith’s involvement with the Council.
Kathy Pfeiffer
'Don’t take life too seriously or worry about tomorrow; run with today as nothing stays the same forever or starts perfectly.'
Kathy was born in Adelaide but moved to Mt Compass when her father bought a dairy farm. The family moved to Victor Harbor where Kathy did her schooling, and her father tried poultry farming while her mother taught (this caused some bullying for Kathy as she was an ‘old school’ teacher).
Lyn Lovegrove-Niemz
'Do not be intimidated by the world, be brave and daring despite what life brings to your door.'
Lyn is a talented artist and proud Ngarrindjeri woman who was born in Swan Hill Victoria. Her father, a Ngarrindjeri man was from Raukkan (Point McLeay Mission) and her mother Fremantle WA, where they met when he was working with a travelling show.
Meredith Burgess
'Follow your dreams, make sure they are big enough and then go hard.'
Meredith was born in Lameroo on a sheep and wheat farm, completing her education at Murray Bridge. She was the only woman in her TAFE motor mechanics and metal fabrication pre-apprenticeship class and then joined the Army Apprentice School at Albury-Wodonga in the second class of female trainees where only 4 out of 13 graduated.
Sandi Itropico
'Trust yourself and be confident in your ability.'
Sandi has been involved in the catering industry for more than 40 years. Her passion for food and cooking and the desire to be independent developed while she was in her late teenage years. Sandi has connections to Campbelltown reaching back to her early years..
Sonia Bruno
'Remember to make time for yourself, regardless of what the world throws at you.'
Magill has been home to Sonia and the Viscione family for over 50 years, since the family migrated from Italy in the late 1960’s. Their values of being connected to a community of family and friends, has been the foundation for Continental Taralli Biscuits.
Sue Lloyd
'Collaborative projects provide opportunities for people to make use of existing resources, to give their time and add value and also to hand on skills to others.'
Sue’s involvement in community volunteer activities was inspired by the role modelling of her parents. She believes a supportive partner has been vital in enabling her to follow her interests and to take advantage of the many, often unexpected, rewards that community involvement brings.
Cathy Papandrea
'Always see the good in people.'
Cathy migrated to Campbelltown from the Marche region of Italy when she was 16.5 years old. From hairdressing to managing salons and a restaurant Cathy’s warmth, love of people and desire to help people has shaped her career and her life. She has managed the Marche Club in Paradise for 30 years.
Cheryl Axleby
'We need to support Aboriginal people with further training and development in management to run their own organisations.'
Cheryl Axleby is a proud Narungga woman and has held the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement since 2012. Throughout her career, Cheryl has worked to promote social justice and inclusion of Aboriginal people and perspectives throughout the community and Government.
Di Booker
'Success is not the ‘headline events’ and career achievements but rather finding satisfaction with your own life choices.'
Di worked extensively nationally and internationally on the quality standards for tertiary courses. As a librarian Di is passionate about providing information in accessible ways. She is an active volunteer across several Campbelltown City Council projects.
Dr Madeline Melrose
'Music has been my safe place, my contentment and confidence in troubled times.'
Madeline is an accomplished violinist and music educator, establishing successful music schools since her teenage years that have supported many students achieve their musical dreams.
Katrina Spencer
'Create the community where you want to live.'
Katrina has worked extensively in education as a teacher, counsellor, principal and education director. She is the founding chairperson of the Athelstone Community Garden.
Kerrie Smith
'Take advantage of your opportunities and do your best.'
Kerrie has been a teacher throughout her career and following retirement has remained committed to providing learning opportunities for all ages, particularly through her involvement with U3ASA and U3A Campbelltown.
Luci Blackborough
'Plant the seeds for progress.'
Luci was elected to Campbelltown City Council at the age of 18 during the 2018 Local Government elections, making her SA’s youngest Councillor.
Shelley Scales
'When you love something it doesn’t feel like a chore.'
Volunteering and netball has always been part of Shelley’s life. She has been involved on the Committee of Campbelltown Comets Netball Club since she was 18 years old. She joined at a time the Club was really struggling and literally took to the streets to revive it.
Vicki de Wit
'Helping the wider community begins with maintaining extended family relationships.'
Vicki’s commitment to helping the people of Vanuatu earned her the honour of 2011 Campbelltown Citizen of the Year. Vicki is also an enthusiastic volunteer in the City of Campbelltown area, providing hair and beauty services for more than 39 years to the residents at Resthaven, Paradise. She also teaches teddy bear making at Rostrevor Baptist Church where she has personally handmade over 700 bears.
Harshani Jayasinghe
'There is no goal too big'.
Harshani was a finalist in the Channel 9 Young Achievers Award and the Australia Day Awards Young Citizen of the Year in 2016. She is actively pursuing a career in health and policy, aiming to improve the lives of people through health initiatives.
Imma Caporaso
'Follow your passion and do what you believe in with all your heart whatever you do.'
Imma Caporaso has been a prominent local businesswoman in Campbelltown having established several businesses including the renowned Mercato known for quality local and imported fine foods and café.
Jenny Paradiso
'Find your tribe and get support early; support from people at your level and at higher levels, seek out mentors and coaches.'
Jenny Paradiso heads the solar and battery storage company, Suntrix - a business she grew from her kitchen table to a multi-million-dollar company focused on renewable energy.
Jill Whittaker OAM
'Think globally, act locally.'
Jill is a long-standing elected member of the City of Campbelltown Council and the first female Mayor of Campbelltown in 150 years.
Marie Skrodzki
'You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.'
Marie was elected to Campbelltown Council as a ward representative at the age of 21 after having been a member of the Campbelltown Youth Advisory Committee for several years.
Mary Centofanti
'Believe in yourself and be prepared to work hard.'
Mary Centofanti commenced her working life in Dresslier, the same hair products company, founded in 1930, that she and her husband John now own and manage. She has lived and worked in Campbelltown for more than 20 years and still lives in the area, managing her international business from Campbelltown.
Paddy McKay
'Education breaks the cycle.'
Paddy believes in the power of volunteering in all aspects of the Campbelltown City area. She is a passionate advocate for promoting youth education and violence prevention programs in schools and the community.
Pam Schartner
'Find and maintain your own personal values; those things that sustain you and give life meaning.'
Pam is the South Australian branch leader of the Australian Knit4Charities group, Adelaide Knit and Natter. Pam has been the driving force in establishing the SA group that now has around 800 members from across the state.
Val Amber
'The family is the centre of my life – the happy memories and enjoying being with family are critical factors in my life.'
Val has lived in the City of Campbelltown for more than 60 years, bringing up three children and supporting her husband Max as Mayoress.
Vale Pederson
'As one door closes, another opens and taking advantage of the opportunities that have taken my life in different directions have been key factors in my life.'
Vale has a strong commitment to the Campbelltown City area and was awarded the Campbelltown Citizen of the Year in 2016 for her 25 years of service to the Campbelltown Landcare Group, including as Secretary of the Group and her roles with Campbelltown University of the Third Age, including President.