2022 Women of Campbelltown
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.