Tony Pietropiccolo AM is a well-known figure in the Australian social services sector, dedicated to promoting the wellbeing of all Australians. With over 40+ years of experience, he has tirelessly worked to protect the integrity and standards of community service organisations, enabling them to maximise their contribution to the community.
His achievements and impact on the sector are impressive: Director of Centrecare (since 1989); Founder of the Valuing Children Initiative (since 2016); Co-founder of Community Employers WA; Adjunct Professor at the University of Notre Dame Australia (since 2019); catalyst for the establishment of Stellar Living; Past President of WACOSS; Past Chairperson of the State Homelessness Taskforce; Former Board member of FRSA; and Committee member of the Ministerial Advisory Council on Child Protection.
Tony's dedication has earned him numerous awards and recognition: Individual Leader at the WA Community Services Industry Awards in 2006; Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2012; and Finalist for the 2023 West Australian of the Year (Community Category).
In April 2024, Tony and the Valuing Children Initiative launched the End Child Poverty Campaign, advocating for an Australian Child Poverty Reduction Act. Tony's unwavering commitment to the intrinsic worth of all people continues to inspire positive change, making a lasting impact on the lives of many Australians. In Tony’s words: "I feel an obligation to work towards creating a fair and just society where all, especially the most vulnerable, have an opportunity to thrive … and after 40+ years, my passion for the work has not diminished. There's still so much more to do."
Sarah is an award-winning journalist turned community campaigner, who for the past 20 years, has worked across politics for government Ministers and Senators, not for profits, a union, peak bodies and did a stint as a councillor at the Town of Bassendean.
Sarah has a deep sense of social justice and is passionate achieving political outcomes on issues including public education, children getting the right start to life, housing and homelessness, suicide prevention and mental health.
Sarah now runs the Valuing Children Initiative where she manages the End Child Poverty campaign and has developed a program that values the rights of children in decision making through child centred workshops.
Sarah’s job is being mum to a 9-year-old human with ADHD, who teaches her to truly value children to be their best selves.
Mana is a research officer and currently a PhD candidate at ECU’s School Arts and Humanities (Creative Arts). She graduated with a Masters of Arts in 2021 from the American University in Cairo - with a focus on gender representation studies and visual communication. Her love for arts led to an undertaking of research in the screen industries sector.
Mana's work has been presented at prestigious venues including AEJMC and the International Communication Association (ICA) annual conventions. She hopes to use her skills to champion children's voices in her role at the VCI.
