Why I’m Running for Liverpool Council

As a devoted wife and proud mother of two wonderful sons, family is at the core of everything I do. But beyond my family, I wear many hats with pride – I am an Entrepreneur, Early Childhood Educator, and passionate advocate for community building. I own two businesses: Decorati and the Business Mums Society, both of which were born out of my passion for nurturing and empowering others.

Through Decorati, I have crafted enriching learning adventures for children, igniting curiosity and fostering a love of learning through carefully curated activities. From cooking classes to sensory experiences, I’ve worked tirelessly to create joyful moments for kids and lasting memories for their families. My work has been a journey of love, and it has allowed me to contribute to my community in meaningful ways.

In addition to my work in education, I founded the Business Mums Society to support entrepreneurial mothers in thriving both personally and professionally. Drawing from my own experiences as a business owner, I understand the unique challenges mothers face in balancing family and business. Through this society, I aim to empower women, foster connections, and provide resources that help them succeed on their entrepreneurial journeys. Huge thank you to my members featured in this photo Badrie Kammoun-Liberty Adviser- Mortgage broker Passive Income via Strategic Property Investing and Vivienne Fam ⭐ captured by Karem Nunez - you ladies inspire me everyday!

Philanthropy is close to my heart. In 2009, I started hosting fundraisers to support kids' health and women's cancer charities. Having gone through my own battle with thyroid cancer, I have a positive outlook on life, incorporating meditation, workouts, and mindfulness into my daily routine. I co-founded the Ladies Like to Lunch charity group in 2014, and while I’ve retired from that role, the ladies are doing an amazing job for the community. It fills me with pride to see how far the organisation has come and how it continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. It’s inspiring to see how they have leveraged the foundation we built to make an even greater impact in our community, and I will always remain a proud supporter of their ongoing efforts. Well done Antoinette Sulfaro @grace gullo and team.

Article from The Daily Telegraph back in 2014.

My dedication and contributions have been recognized over the years. In 2020, I was honored as a Westfield Local Hero finalist, and more recently, I was a finalist in the AusMumpreneur Awards in 2022 and 2023. Decorati itself has received recognition as a finalist for local business awards, reflecting our strong commitment to community and excellence in children's education.

https://greekherald.com.au/community/greek-australians-named-finalists-westfield-local-heroes-2020/

I’ve lived in Liverpool for the past 18 years, and while I’ve always wanted to see improvements in the area, I never got involved – I procrastinated. I’ve watched our community evolve, but it still feels divided, especially when it comes to the poorer demographic areas in our LGA. I love Liverpool, but I believe more can be done to uplift and unify all parts of our community, ensuring everyone feels equally represented and supported.

Despite my hesitation to fully immerse myself in community leadership earlier, there were moments where I stepped in to help when it mattered most. In 2013, I took the lead in organizing a bushfire appeal, packing cars full of food donations with the help of my sons. We were among many who responded to support families in need during a devastating time. This initiative not only provided immediate relief to those affected but also underscored the importance of community-driven leadership in times of crisis. It was a moment of clarity for me, showing how a single initiative, powered by collective effort, could make a lasting impact.

David Giammetta

Community leadership isn’t about waiting for others to act – it’s about stepping forward, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. My experience with the bushfire appeal revealed that there is always room for more action, and I believe that local leaders must take responsibility for fostering unity and equality. Through small acts of leadership, like this appeal, I learned the power of bringing people together for a common cause and how meaningful change starts with a single step.

I’ve since realized that our community needs more initiatives that focus on the inclusion and empowerment of everyone, particularly in the underrepresented areas. I want to lead initiatives that not only address immediate concerns but also create long-term opportunities for growth, equality, and collaboration. My vision for Liverpool is one where community leaders take proactive roles in uniting and strengthening every neighborhood, making sure that resources, opportunities, and support are accessible to all, regardless of background or socioeconomic status.

When the first COVID lockdown hit in 2020, like many, I felt the impact on my businesses. With financial loans looming and work grinding to a halt, I did what I do best – I pivoted. I reached out to the local council, researched ways to keep my business going, and, determined not to give up, I hosted online classes, created kits for kids, and continued working tirelessly to serve families during such uncertain times. My resilience during this period led to Decorati thriving and earning a reputation for its impactful events and sustainable policies.

Over the past two years, we’ve grown in clients, staff, and digital presence. Decorati now has a strong online platform, including our YouTube channel, which has allowed us to reach even more families with our educational content. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and I am proud of the environmental policies we’ve put in place. Our work has been featured in various media outlets, including @ABC news for our innovative approach during the pandemic.

I have been told to run for council many times by numerous community leaders. At first, I hesitated. Politics was never something I pursued – I always saw myself as a community advocate, working on the ground to make a difference. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that being in council would give me the platform to make a broader impact.

After attending numerous meetings, speaking with community members, and reflecting on how I could best serve, I decided to join the Independent Team for Liverpool. This weekend, as pre-polls commenced, I’ve been working closely with Councillor Karess Rhodes and my fellow team members, learning and growing along the way.

I remain the same friendly, approachable person who is passionate about making a difference in our community. As I run for council, my focus is on building a stronger, more inclusive Liverpool – one where community, families, and future generations can thrive.

I remain the same friendly, approachable person who is passionate about making a difference in our community. As I run for council, my focus is on building a stronger, more inclusive Liverpool – one where community, families, and future generations can thrive. I am continuing to attend the pre-polls, actively advocating for the Independent Team, engaging with community members, and listening to their concerns and hopes for our future.

My commitment is to serve Liverpool with integrity, inclusiveness, and a clear vision for positive change. Whether it’s standing up for fairer distribution of resources, creating more opportunities for our youth, or ensuring that every voice is heard, I am dedicated to representing our community. Together, we can build a Liverpool that thrives – for everyone.