Western Sydney’s 50 most powerful and influential people revealed
They play a role in shaping our everyday lives – whether in political arenas, on sporting fields or property development. But who are they? See the full list of Western Sydney’s most powerful people and find out why they are making an impact in the community.
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They play a role in shaping our everyday lives – whether in political arenas, on sporting fields or property development. But who are they? See the full list of Western Sydney’s most powerful people and find out why they are making an impact in the community.
1-2. Tony and Ron Perich – property developers and dairy farmers
With a family fortune estimated to be worth $1.8 billion, Perich brothers Tony and Ron hold significant sway in across Sydney’s southwest. The sons of Croatian immigrants, the family has built an almighty empire through a range of industries, including property development, dairy business and retail.
The family’s construction arm Greenfields Development Company, led by Tony’s son Mark, has delivered more than 10,000 lots in the fast-expanding suburb of Oran Park, while the clan also operate as one of the biggest dairy farmers in the country through their company Leppington Pastoral Company.
The family, which has a record of generously supporting their community and in recent times bushfire-affected farmers, are also part owners of major shopping precinct Narellan Town Centre.
The Perichs also have investments in transport, mining, wood shavings and fertiliser manufacturing.
3. Paul Lederer – Chairman and co-owner of Western Sydney Wanderers/former CEO of Primo
The billionaire co-owner of the Western Sydney Wanderers, Paul Lederer is a man with significant clout across Sydney’s west with tentacles across the food and property industry. The former CEO of Primo Smallgoods, launched by his uncle in 1985, Lederer has recently overseen the delivery of his proud A-League club’s ‘spiritual home’ – a Centre of Football in Rooty Hill. With the new Bankwest Stadium and a booming property portfolio, the Hungarian-born entrepreuner holds monumental power in Sydney’s golden west.
4. Graham Millett – chief executive of Western Sydney Airport
Leading a once-in-a-generation project that is set to bring massive benefits for western Sydney, Millett was appointed as chief executive of WSA Co in 2018.
Prior to landing the role, he accumulated more than 20 years’ experience in the aviation and telecommunications sectors, holding senior executive roles.
Tasked with overseeing the construction of the $5.3 billion new airport in Badgerys Creek, Millett knows the huge economic benefits the project will bring to western Sydney.
“As someone who grew up in western Sydney, this project is close to my heart and I’m proud to be on the team delivering an airport that will create so many opportunities for locals,” he said last year.
The airport is expected to support almost 28,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2031, five years after it opens.
“Every day, tens of thousands of western Sydney workers leave the region for work, spending hours commuting,” he said.
“This project will be a game-changer for people from western Sydney who want to work closer to home and have more time to spend with their families, not just in the construction phase, but for many decades to come.”
Millett has led the signing of a number of key agreements with companies including major airlines Qantas and Virgin Australia, and has also overseen construction milestones on the project.
5. Tanya Whitehouse OAM– advocate against domestic violence
A powerful figure leading the fight against the spiralling number of domestic violence incidents in southwest Sydney. The Camden resident has led the Macarthur Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service for 25-plus years, and has been instrumental in the establishment of a domestic violence shelter in the Camden area.
Ms Whitehouse was awarded an Order of Australia Medal this year, joining previous accolades receiving a Justice Medal and Ministerial Award from the Deputy Premier, as well as previously being named Camden Woman of the Year.
6. Western Sydney Business Chamber executive director David Borger
Before David Borger was the Western Sydney Business Chamber executive director, he entered public life in his 20s and was Parramatta’s Lord Mayor aged 30.
He was the youngest person to hold that office where he served for three terms. The North Parramatta resident was the Granville state Labor MP for one term from 2007 and served as the Western Sydney Minister and Roads Minister.
In the global financial crisis of 2009, he oversaw the construction of 9000 social housing dwellings.
Another achievement was successfully lobbying the federal government to approve Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek.
His roles have been driven on “trying to make governments realise that Parramatta has to work in terms of employment for western Sydney to work”.
He continues to lobby for better infrastructure in Parramatta including putting pressure on the NSW Government to deliver stage two of the Parramatta Light Rail.
Parramatta’s construction boom and projects such as Parramatta Square and Bankwest Stadium are showcasing the rapidly growing region to the rest of Sydney.
“Western Sydney is far more multicultural than it was when I was growing up,’’ Borger said.
“It’s become super multicultural and I think Parramatta was hyped for many years but now we’re actually seeing people from the eastern suburbs coming here on the weekend to do things and coming here for jobs. It’s an overnight success that’s been 30 years in the making.’’
7. Greg Alexander – Panthers director/Australian selector
Greg ‘Brandy’ Alexander celebrated a 15-year career in first-grade and representative football, winning the illustrious Dally M Medal in 1985.
Alexander, who was known as the man who captained the Panthers to their first premiership, is now a commentator and analyst with Fox Sports during the NRL season.
He is a rugby league journalist, working on both television and radio audiences and delighting audiences with his knowledge not only of rugby league but of sport generally.
Year round he and another former international halfback, John Gibbs, present the weekly Sports Today program on Sydney radio station 2UE.
Alexander’s knowledge of rugby league and, indeed, all sports have made him one of the most popular and respected members of the sporting media.
8. Gino Marra – chairman of incoming A-League club Macarthur FC
The chairman of southwest Sydney’s football franchise, the Macarthur FC Bulls, Gino Marra holds significant clout within the grassroots football community. Leading the charge for the club to be granted an A-League licence in 2018, alongside football stalwart Sam Krslovic and Campbelltown City Council, the Gregory Hills man holds the fate of the national sporting franchise in his hands.
Mr Marra has also received recognition as a commercial financier, receiving industry awards such as ANZ NSW Commercial Broker of the Year and Australian Finance Group Commercial Broker of the Year.
9. Western Sydney Women founding director Amanda Rose
Amanda Rose is the founder and publisher of Business Woman Media, founding director of Western Sydney Women and Western Sydney Executive Women, managing director of Western Sydney Advisory and non-executive director at Excelsia College.
Western Sydney Women is the first and only organisation to advocate for all women from Sydney’s inner west, greater west, north west and south west. Rose said its mission is to be the voice and inspiration for all women living and working in the Western Sydney areas.
“We raise awareness and promote conversation, we supply the tools, support and information on a range of issues that impact women in order to facilitate positive change and economic independence,” she said. As one of the most influential people on LinkedIn, Rose has been quoted as an “internet winning blogger” by TIME.com.
“Western Sydney is the heart of Australia,” Rose said. “We are the most diverse region with more investment in infrastructure, which will result in more job opportunities than any other region.
“Even though we have experienced a negative stigma for growing up, living or working in Western Sydney, the community is united and strong. Things are starting to shift for my people and I am proud to be the voice of the western Sydney community. Watch this space.”
10. Jessica Fox – Olympic kayaker
She’s used to winning but in the space of just a few hours, but Penrith’s own Jessica Fox claimed two of her biggest honours in 2019 — confirmation of her Olympic selection and the top gong at the Australian Paddling awards.
French-born, Fox is an Australian world champion slalom canoeist who has competed at an international level since 2008. A proud resident of western Sydney, she qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where she made her Olympic debut winning a silver medal in the K1 event. She won a bronze medal in the same event four years later in Rio de Janeiro.
She won 15 medals at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships with ten golds and her seven gold medals in individual events make her the most successful paddler, male or female, in World Championship history.
Fox attended Blaxland High School, and finished her HSC year by being first in NSW in PDHPE in 2011 and had an ATAR score of 99.1. She is currently studying in the Elite Athlete Program at The University of Sydney where she is working on a degree in media/communications. She is studying a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) at Swinburne Online. She is bilingual in English and French.
11. John Vassallo – Celestino chief executive officer
As the head of development group Celestino, John Vassallo is a key brain behind some of western Sydney’s most anticipated developments. The Sydney Science Park, poised for Luddenham, is one Mr Vassallo’s major projects. The $5 billion project is set to revolutionise western Sydney, creating a ‘smart city’ with 12,000 smart jobs, 10,000 students and 3000 new homes. The first commercial buildings at the precinct are expected to open next year.
12. Amanda Larkin – South Western Sydney Local Health District chief executive
As head of one of the most culturally diverse local health districts in the state, stretching from Bankstown to Bowral, Larkin is also responsible for the $740 million redevelopment of Liverpool Hospital.
The game-changing project is set to deliver a world-class health and academic precinct by 2026.
She is also overseeing the $640 million redevelopment of Campbelltown Hospital.
Larkin provides strategic leadership and is responsible for all public health services across a massive region that includes Liverpool, Bankstown, Fairfield, Campbelltown and Bowral.
13. Professor Les Bokey – Institute Director at the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research
Considered a leading health expert, Professor Bokey also holds the title of Director of Research at South Western Sydney Local Health District, among other high-level positions.
With an interest in bowel cancer, robotics and automation in health, his work has made an impact internationally.
His contributions include introducing robotic surgery as an academic discipline at Liverpool Hospital.
14. Craig Donarksi – director of Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
Known for his quirky outfits and enthusiasm for the arts, Donarski has been credited with breathing new life into the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre.
The Casula arts facility has been transformed with regular new exhibitions, a fine dining restaurant, acclaimed shows and more under his leadership.
Donarski previously worked as a broadcast at the ABC, a marketing guru at Sydney Opera House and also took care of marketing for the Sydney Film Festival.
15. Ned Mannoun – former Liverpool mayor
As mayor of Liverpool from 2012 to 2016, Mannoun has left a lasting mark on the city.
At the age of 30, he was the youngest popularly elected mayor of Liverpool and went on to contest the seat of Werriwa in the 2016 federal election, but lost to Labor’s Anne Stanley.
His subsequent resignation from politics shocked many.
Mannoun’s legacy includes two major universities — Western Sydney University and Wollongong University — establishing campuses in Liverpool and the rebranding of the city as the Great South West. He remains a popular local figure.
16. Mark Webster – Managing director at Inglis
Having spent more than a decade at William Inglis and Sons as its managing director, Webster continues to play a major role in the family-owned operation, Australia’s largest and oldest bloodstock auctioneer.
Webster was one of the leading figures in the company’s relocation from its original Randwick home to Warwick Farm, where its headquarters are now based.
The $140 million Inglis Riverside Stables, located next to Warwick Farm Racecourse, opened in January 2018. Webster formerly held a senior position with News Limited.
17. Aras Labutis – Urban Transformations director at Coronation Property
In his role at Coronation Property, Labutis has certainly helped carve out a new vision of riverside living in Liverpool.
The former director of Mecone, a Sydney urban planning and development advisory firm, worked on one of Coronation Property’s boldest projects, the Paper Mill development on the banks of the Georges River.
The masterplanned site is now home to contemporary apartment buildings and a massive dining quarter.
18. Andy Favaloro – President of Southern Districts Soccer Football Association
The highly respected president of Southern Districts Soccer Football Association has dedicated more than 20 years to the Liverpool association and community football.
Favaloro is driven by an undying passion for the game and has been recognised for his contributions to the sport with Football NSW’s prestigious George Churchward Medal in 2017.
He has previously held roles at Fairfield Patrician Brothers Soccer Club.
19. Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller
A long-time Liverpool resident, Waller was the first woman to be elected mayor of Liverpool Council in 2008.
She was re-elected as mayor in 2016 and has led the city through major changes as it transforms itself into Sydney’s third CBD.
Major projects undertaken during her leadership include the revitalisation of Casula Parklands, the Western Sydney City Deal and the proposed Fifteenth Avenue Smart Transit Corridor to connect to the future Western Sydney International Airport.
Waller is also an executive member of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association NSW, has a masters in social administration and an executive certificate in local government from the University of Technology Sydney.
20. Clayton Ries – Taste tester at Macquarie Hotel
Armed with a vision to reinvigorate the dining and social scene in Liverpool, Ries and his business partner, celebrity chef and My Kitchen Rules judge Colin Fassnidge, took over the bistro at Macquarie Hotel in Liverpool back in 2017.
The pair have transformed the suburban pub with bold — and tasty — new menus and a family-friendly dining setting.
Ries, formerly of Metro Theatre and The Gaelic Club, has also been involved in planning Liverpool Council’s food and cultural festival Eat Your Heart Out.
21. Harry Hunt OAM – Motel mogul
A local legend, Harry Hunt is a familiar figure in Liverpool.
The Hunts Hotel Liverpool director is known for his wisdom, influence and generosity in the local tourism industry. Earlier this year he offered free accommodation to bushfire victims during the Black Summer fires.
Known as Mr Liverpool, Hunt has played a key role in raising Liverpool’s profile as a tourism destination. Hunt was formerly president of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce. He remains president of the South West Sydney Tourism Taskforce.
22. Jim Marsden – Senior partner of Marsdens Law Group
One of the leading legal figures southwest Sydney, long-time solicitor and head honcho of Marsdens Law Group, Jim Marsden, has no trouble in getting an audience when advocating for a cause. The legal eagle has been practising in powerbroker. Clients include the biggest property developers in the region and is constantly lobbying government and council on behalf of the since early 1970s with his clients now including some of west. region.
Over the years Jim Marsden has been involved in many charitable, civic and sporting organisations.
23. Lindy Deitz – general manager of Campbelltown City Council
The well-connected public servant, general manager of Campbelltown City Council Lindy Deitz has been at the helm of ‘reimagining’ the city and creating a new identity to showcase the region’s potential. Since hopping in the hot seat in 2014 as the council’s first ever female boss, she has been a shining light in advancing the city as a future health and educational capital.
At the time of her appointment as general manager she said the city was “on the cusp of change and growth so I will work strategically with the council to shape the city” and few would argue she has failed at her mission.
24. McMahon federal Labor MP and shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen:
A senior Labor Right figure, Chris Bowen has been serving as Shadow Minister for Health since 2019, and has served as MP for McMahon since 2010 after his seat of Prospect was abolished, a seat he held since 2004. Bowen served as Treasurer of Australia in 2013, and was a Cabinet Minister in the Rudd and Gillard governments from 2007 to 2013.
Bowen previously served as Shadow Treasurer from 2013 to 2019, and was briefly the interim Leader of the Labor Party and Leader of the Opposition in 2013 after the 2013 federal election. He previously served as Minister for Financial Services, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, and Treasurer. A proud resident of western Sydney, Bowen lives in Smithfield where he grew up, with his family.
25. Greg Warren– shadow Minister for Western Sydney
A rising Labor powerbroker and Shadow Minister for Western Sydney, the former veteran and truck driver has been building power in political circles in recent years. Touted as a future Premier, the popular Member for Campbelltown and former Camden Mayor is known for his hardworking philosophy, frequently spotted before sunrise speaking to his constituents at the local train station. One of the leading figures of the Labor Party’s right faction.
26. Penrith state Liberal MP Stuart Ayres:
Penrith MP Stuart Ayres is Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney. The Leonay resident has been in state politics for 10 years, previously serving as the Minister for Sport and as the Minister for WestConnex.
He settled in Penrith in 1993 and went to St Dominic’s College in Kingswood. He graduated in 1999 with a degree in sports business from the Australian College of Physical Education and worked as a development officer for the Australian Football League before joining the staff of Lindsay MP Jackie Kelly, in her capacity as the then Minister for Sport and Tourism and the Minister assisting the Prime Minister for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Ayres has been heavily involved in the administration of local sport in western Sydney where he has been a board member of the Penrith Australian Football Club for 10 years and was also the founding secretary of the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation.
27. Arnold Vittoco – property developer
At times touted as the ‘family that built Liverpool’, property developer Arnold Vitocco is responsible for a huge portion of the major developments in the Camden area. The Bringelly man, with an reported worth of $746 million, is the other co-owner of the bustling Narellan Town Centre. The charitable family, recently donating $300,000 to a southwest Sydney-based medical research organisation, recently entered new industries as one of the buyers of the Max Brenner cafe chain.
28. Adriana Care – lawyer and chairwoman of Camden Region Economic Taskforce
The face and principal solicitor of the Coutts Solicitors & Conveyancers, Adriana towering influence expanding business network southwest Sydney. The chairwoman of Economic Taskforce and The Greater Chamber of Commerce, Mrs Care is a leading figure in the Macarthur region.former president of the greater Narellan chamber and other Sydney boards.
29. Steve Wisbey OAM – owner of Camden’s Upstairs @ Freds
The ever-charming Steve “Wiz” Wisbey OAM, also known as the voice of Camden, is one of the big personalities of the southwest Sydney. With a catalogue of careers including marketing guru, entrepreneur, radio announcer, television personality, MC, community advocate, local charity supporter, owner of award-winning restaurants and all-round good guy, Wisbey’s influence in the region has been significant.
A key figure in the formation of the 7th Light Horse Regiment Menangle Historical Troop and Battle of Beersheba Memorial at the entrance of Menangle Racecourse, Wiz continues to honour and celebrate the history and heritage of the district
30. Ricardo Lonza – animal advocate
Fierce animal activist Ricardo Lonza has long campaigned to protect the natural homes koalas in the outskirts of Sydney’southwest. The man behind Help Save the Wildlife and Bushlands in Campbelltown Facebook page, Mr Lonza is the first port of call for anyone who finds an injured koala on a road and has been known to travel out in the dead of night to get animals to a vet. A strong fighter against the housing sprawl threatening Campbelltown’s chlamydia-free koala colony.the areas native animals
31. Paula Zrilic – founder of Our Community Pantry
Heartbeat of the Wollondilly area’s Our Community Pantry, to support families or individuals suffering hardship. The food rescue project diverts food destined for landfill and makes it available and affordable to those in need, with about 1000 families benefiting from the service across the Wollondilly area.the domestic violence.
32. Vince Foti – Chairman of Marconi FC
Marconi Stallions are a semi-professional football club out of Fairfield in the NPL comp, won the National Soccer League title a record four times.
33. Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone
Frank Carbone is the first popularly-elected independent mayor of Fairfield. He was popularly elected for the top job in the 2012 and then again in 2016 local election. Cr Carbone was born and raised in Fairfield and ran a local business for almost 20 years, working closely with the community and businesses.
34. Marise Payne, Minister for Foreign Affairs
A western Sydney local, Marise Payne has been involved in politics for almost four decades. She has served as Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs since 2018 and has been a NSW Senator since 1997. She is a former Minister for Human Services and Minister for Defence and has held several shadow ministries. After joining the Liberal Party in 1982, she served on the NSW State Executive for a decade and was the first female president of the Young Liberals. Her partner is fellow politician Stuart Ayres, the current Penrith state MP for The Liberal Party and Minister Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney.
35. Blacktown state Labor MP Stephen Bali
Raised in Doonside, Stephen Bali is the current Blacktown state MP for Labor. Mr Bali served on Blacktown Council for 15 years, with five of those years as mayor, before resigning in October 2019. Before entering politics, Mr Bali was a prominent figure with the Australian Workers’ Union. His late father, Charlie, was the former deputy mayor of Blacktown. Mr Bali was elected to state parliament in 2017 and has been central in the fight for lifts at Doonside station.
36. Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler
A long-term resident of Penrith, Ross Fowler was first elected to local council in 1991. In this time, he has served as Mayor for four terms, after last being elected to the role in 2018. He was a key figure in Penrith securing the whitewater venue in the lead up to the 2000 Sydney Olympics. A qualified accountant, Mr Fowler has been prominent on a string of boards, including CivicRiskWest, Penrith Whitewater Stadium and Penrith Performing and Visual Arts. Politics runs in Mr Fowler’s veins, with his late father, Bernie, serving as Penrith City Mayor and his grandfather, John, an alderman on Mulgoa Council.
37. Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer
Long-time councillor Bob Dwyer is helming a city that is growing at breakneck speed. He is passionate about showcasing “Sydney’s Central River City”’ to NSW and even the world, with projects such as Parramatta Square, the Powerhouse precinct and the Metro train line in the pipeline. Parramatta Council has recently rebranded its image with the Where it’s AT campaign. “We’re living in exciting times in Parramatta and this brand sets the scene for us and the exciting progress we’re going through at the moment,’’ Cr Dwyer said.
38. Brian Fletcher – Panthers Group CEO
Brian Fletcher is a powerhouse in the western Sydney sporting community and has been at the helm of Panthers Group since 2016. A former chairman of the club board, Mr Fletcher is also a key figure in the racing community and served as the chief executive of Hawkesbury Race Club for more than 25 years. He was applauded for his work in freeing the club of its $1 million debt in just three years. Prior to that role, Mr Fletcher worked at Coonamble Shire Council in Central NSW.
39. Mark Geyer – former NRL player, now Triple M presenter
Mark Geyer established himself as an NRL legend in the 1980s and 1990s, playing for the Panthers, Tigers and Western Reds as well as representing Australia and NSW. He won a premiership with the Panthers during his time with the club in 1991. Since retiring from the sport in 2000, Geyer has become a prominent media personality, presenting on the Triple M breakfast and drive shows. A self-professed “ambassador for the west’’, he is a regular panellist on various NRL shows and on Fox Sports and proudly calls South Penrith home.
40. Property Council of Australia western Sydney regional director Ross Grove
At 26, Ross Grove became the youngest mayor and first Liberal elected to the helm of Holroyd (now known as Cumberland) Council in 2012. The young gun, who was also a
senior policy adviser with Parramatta Council, stood down as a Cumberland councillor last July to take up the role with the Property Council of Australia.
41. Walker Corporation general manager Nathan Campbell
Walker Corporation is behind the colossal $3.2 billion Parramatta Square redevelopment, which will accommodate 35,000 workers once the four towers are completed in 2022. Mr Campbell will oversee the largest commercial project in Australia, that will include four towers and provide western Sydney with a landmark civic and commercial hub.
42. Western Sydney Parklands Trust executive director Suellen Fitzgerald
Western Sydney is Australia’s third largest economy and home to 2.2 million people. When we’re not building commercial hubs and driving the nation’s commerce, residents need green space and Ms Fitzgerald overlooks the lungs of the region with more than 5280 hectares of “Sydney’s biggest backyard”. Ms Fitzgerald, a former landscape architect, oversees parks including Parramatta Park, Lizard Log at Abbotsbury, Bungarribee Park and Nurragingy Reserve at Doonside.
43. Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor – Barney Glover
Appointed the university’s fourth vice-chancellor I 2014, Mr Glover became an Officer of the order of Australia (AO) in 2019 for distinguished service to tertiary education and cultural organisations. He is driving the institution as it strives to keep expanding its international student base while consolidating its role advocating for the greater western Sydney region and its people.
44. North Parramatta Residents’ Action Group spokeswoman Suzette Meade
NPRAG is a powerful lobby group filled with passionate supporters who lobby for Parramatta’s heritage, including the retention of 1870s-built Willow Grove and St George’s Terrace, which are slated for demolition to make way for the Powerhouse Museum. Ms Meade is at the heart of campaigns such as a petition calling for UNESCO to give the Parramatta Female Factory world heritage listing.
45. Parra Parents’ Kellie Darley
Voted Parramatta’s NSW Women of the Year, Kellie Darley is a prolific parent and is at the forefront of community life thanks to her role with ParraParents.
The mother of two loves highlighting the community’s attractions, from bushwalking trails to exploring suburbs along the Parramatta River. Despite feeling fortunate to live in the Parramatta area, she would like to see the community stop copping “the short end of the stick”. She campaigns for a healthy Parramatta River with more safe spots to swim, extra shade at playgrounds, cleaner parks and waterways, bigger play spaces in schools, more water playgrounds, a buzzing Riverside Theatre that is accessible to more local families, better commuter parking and more reliable buses.
46. Blacktown City Council Mayor Tony Bleasdale
Tony Bleasdale is the Mayor of Blacktown City and long-time councillor. The western Sydney resident was the former Deputy Mayor and has served on council for more than 18 years. Mr Bleasdale was born in England and migrated to Australia as a teenager before working as a bricklayer. He later became involved with the union movement, working as a trade union leader and in industrial relations before starting his own business in the construction industry. He took on the role of Mayor last October after the resignation of Stephen Bali.
47. Harry Burkitt – Give a Dam chairman – No raising of the wall for Warragamba Dam
Harry Burkitt may only be in his 20s but is already a prominent environmental activist in Sydney. Mr Burkitt is the campaign manager for the Colong Foundation’s Give a Dam campaign, which is committed to protecting the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area from the raising of the Warragamba Dam Wall. When he’s not campaigning, he is studying political history and geology at the University of Sydney. He was awarded Australia’s Young Environmentalist of the Year in 2018.
48. Erik Horrie – an Australian wheelchair basketball player and a five-time world champion rower
Penrith local Erik Horrie was just 21 when a car accident left him a paraplegic. However, despite the tragedy, Horrie was determined to succeed in the sporting arena. In 2009 he began playing wheelchair basketball and in the same year represented Australia at the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation Championships. Two years later, he made the transition to rowing and won bronze at the world championships. He competed at his first Paralympic Games in London in 2012 and won silver.
49. Ross Hutchison: Rotary and charity, Ross Hutchison Foundation
The ever-colourful Ross Hutchison is a man of many hats. The Vintage FM announcer is the former president of Penrith Rotary Club and has his own charity organisation, the Ross Hutchison Foundation, which has been helping the Penrith Community for more than 25 years. His work in television, theatre, film, cabaret and radio has been seen and heard all around Australia and the world. He was a dancer and choreographer on Bandstand, both for Brian Henderson and The Darryl Somers series. He was also choreographer and dancer for Benny Hill. The massage therapist, ballet dancer and gymnast is a regular at nursing homes in the area and has been involved in charity work for more than 50 years.
50. Wayne Wilmington – Vintage FM local radio, president of Luddenham Show
Wayne Willmington owns Vintage FM radio station and was Penrith City’s 2016 Citizen of the Year. A Luddenham resident, Mr Willmington’s ties to the region date back to 1850. Mr Willmington started at Vintage FM more than 10 years ago. He is also the president of the Luddenham Show Society.