Faces of the 2019 Festival

Giovanna – known to her friends as Vittoria, understands what it’s like to start a new life. Volunteering on the CO.AS.IT Visitation program, she has a big heart to share with people.

Small in stature but big in spirit Gloria lives her life with a deep sense of social justice. Known as ‘the terrier’, by work colleagues, Gloria is a fearless advocate for many.

A proud Gunai woman, Helen and a group of visionary Aboriginal women founded the Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative in Bairnsdale in 1971

Ian’s passion for radio and broadcasting runs deep, and it now extends to writing books and being engaged in a wide range of community projects.

Kevin has travelled the world playing the bag pipes. Many years ago he’d never heard of the band AC/DC – yet he soon found himself performing their hit song “It’s a long way to the Top” with them on the back of a truck for their video clip being recorded on Swanston Street in the Melbourne CBD.

Marie Pietersz says age is just a number and that it does not define who we are.

Mary has an inspiring story. Recovering from being critically ill, Mary honours the gift of the life from the liver she was donated from a younger woman by dedicating her life to others.

Nita Jawary is an artist who is sustained by beauty - the beauty of the natural world and the beauty she finds in the goodness of others

Tom is a Vietnam Veteran from Ballarat who struggled with PTSD for thirty years before using it as a catalyst for speaking openly about his wartime experiences.

Ron is an avid North Melbourne fan and remembers a time when they were known as ‘shin boners’ because of the history of North Melbourne and its abattoirs. With a twinkle in his eye he is a natural raconteur.