The Migration Heritage Project committee have been elected to ensure that it runs smoothly and its vision and mission are achieved, on behalf of all who are associated with us. It’s made up of people with a mix of knowledge, skills, and experience.
All committee members of the Migration Heritage Project are part of the
Museum of People Country and Industry sub-committee.
Franca is a founding member and Chairperson of the Migration Heritage Project. Born in Wollongong to Italian migrants, she built a 38year public health career in senior leadership roles and was a 2017 NSW Health Awards finalist. She also serves on multiple community boards, reflecting her commitment to improving community wellbeing.
Fidelia is a founding member of the Migration Heritage Project, serving as Secretary, Treasurer and Public Officer and taking on roles including Treasurer, Membership, Newsletter, Website and Social Media. Born in Wollongong to Italian migrant heritage, she served 21 years in the Royal Australian Navy before working in administration and WHS. A genealogist and historian, she researches postWW2 migration to the Illawarra.
Gregor Cullen, a founding member of the Migration Heritage Project, is a retired UOW graphic design lecturer with 35 years experience in social impact design, printmaking and community engagement. He has created exhibitions, publications and branding for MHP, undertaken major public art commissions, and his work appears in national collections. Gregor now contributes to the MPCI working group and continues producing community-focused design.
Darinka’s experience as the child of migrants shapes her commitment to MHP and her understanding of settlement challenges. She holds a Special Education degree from UNSW and a Masters in Human Geography from UOW. Her career spans teaching, refugee support, seniors programs, research and Community Development at Wollongong City Council, where she advocates for inclusion and connection across diverse communities.
Zofia Laba grew up in postwar Poland and earned a Master’s in History from Jagiellonian University plus a Library Diploma from TAFE NSW. She migrated to Australia in 1988 and settled in Wollongong. Since 1994 she has worked at TAFE NSW in administrative and library roles. Her passion for history led her to MHP, researching early Illawarra migrants and sharing her findings with the community.
Loan Nittel, a key member of the Migration Heritage Project, arrived in Australia as a Vietnamese refugee. She holds degrees in Psychology and HR Management and has over 20 years’ experience in community services and disability employment. Active in local networks, she teaches at TAFE NSW and advocates for inclusion, challenging misconceptions about refugees and migrants.
Founder of Lost Wollongong, David Bottin launched the page in 2013, gaining 1,000 followers in a week and now over 80,000 members. Raised in Towradgi in the 1980s, he’s long passionate about industrial and railway history, volunteering with heritage trains since age 12. David is Marketing Manager for The Picnic Train, a committee member of the Illawarra Historical Society and on Council’s Heritage Reference Group.
Colette Raverty is a Senior Project and Program Manager with over 10 years experience delivering complex projects nationally. She is Senior Program Manager at Bureau Veritas, specialising in social infrastructure and cultural projects. Holding a BSc (Project Management), she manages the WSIG Program at Campbelltown City Council and has led major cultural infrastructure work, including with the NGV. She brings strong governance and delivery expertise.
David Laing is a Principal Planner with 35 years’ experience and qualifications in natural resources, planning and environmental law. He has worked in local government, private practice and major consultancies across strategic studies, impact assessment, transport and land use, regulatory reform and mining. A respected strategist, he has held senior roles with PIA and the Property Council and continues to advocate for the Illawarra region.
Patricia O’Brien has over twentyfive years in strategic and business risk management. She developed industryspecific courses accredited through Monash University before selling her National Management Education Centre to a multinational. She later consulted across private, Commonwealth and ACT agencies. Patricia now aims to support the Museum of Illawarra’s People and Industry Working Group in securing funding for an inspired regional museum.
Jeremy Lasek has over 45 years experience in journalism, media, marketing, events and protocol, and is a former chief of staff to the ACT Chief Minister. He worked across newspapers, radio and TV, winning journalism and photography awards. He later led ACT Government communications, delivered Canberra’s Centenary, headed the National Australia Day Council and led AFP communications. Now semiretired, he reports for The Illawarra Flame.
Craig Nealon began his steel industry career as a metallurgist at John Lysaght in 1979. After roles in industry, 15 years at UOW and managing the steelworks visitor centre for Inside Industry, he joined its board and the BlueScopeWIN Community Partners committee. At BlueScope he is a custodian of company history and is writing a book ahead of the 2028 centenary. Craig is also a national hockey champion and life member of regional hockey organisations.
With 40 years in the coal mining industry, Chris is a dedicated mining engineer whose career spans operations, safety, planning and sustainability. He values the people and history of mining and is committed to preserving its heritage. Through community engagement, historical projects and support for museums and heritage groups, Chris works to ensure the stories and legacy of coal mining are remembered for future generations.
