Maria is a dedicated and passionate advocate for the Berkeley community, and after a decades-long commitment to the community is showing no signs of slowing down.

Maria first began working in the Berkeley community in 2012, taking up a position with the Berkeley Development Association. At the time, the association operated out of a small office which was closed to the public.

Recognising that Berkeley is one of the more vulnerable communities in Wollongong, Maria has since managed to create a much-needed and well-loved community hub for local residents. The Berkeley Neighbourhood Centre, as it is now known, provides a safe space and positive support for the local community.

Thanks to Maria’s enduring passion for enriching the lives of people in the Berkeley area, the Berkeley Neighbourhood Centre is now a thriving community asset. The Centre is a hive of activity, hosting a number of regular local community programs, activities, social inclusion and multicultural groups, children’s playgroups and so much more. Maria is always there offering a warm welcome to anyone who visits the centre.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Maria was a strong voice for the most vulnerable people in the community, fighting to ensure that everybody got equal access to support, resources and vaccinations.

In her spare time, Maria volunteers with the Italian Association supporting the local Italian community in Wollongong. She was also on the steering committee that successfully lobbied for the upgrade of Unanderra Train Station and is currently a Board Member of the Warrawong Residents Forum.

She also developed the Friends (AMICI) Illawarra Association, a social group for lonely and isolated residents in the region. The group meets on a bi-monthly basis and stay connected by attending local social events.

Quotes attributable to Paul Scully MP, Member for Wollongong:

“I’d like to congratulate Maria on this well-deserved honour.

“Over several years I have gotten to know Maria and the work she does. She goes above and beyond for her community and this is a fitting recognition of her community work but also her work in supporting women of all ages, often when they need it most.

“Maria was 17 years of age when she immigrated to Australia, after her mother passed away. Having overcome adversity at such a young age, Maria has since gone on to dedicate her life to helping others.

“She does this work, without any expectations and was completely shocked to find out that she was nominated as this year’s Local Woman of the Year.

“She encapsulates every quality befitting of this level of recognition and Maria absolutely deserves the title of Wollongong Local Woman of the Year for 2024.”

Quotes attributable to Maria Di Carlo, 2024 Wollongong Electorate Local Woman of the Year:

“I’m beyond thrilled to be named the 2024 Wollongong Electorates Woman of the Year.

“I did not expect this recognition and I would like to thank Mr Scully for nominating me.

“I want to dedicate this award to the communities that I have served, both past and present.

“From the moment I stepped into the community service sector, I knew it was where I was meant to be from the very beginning. It’s been such an honour to serve my local community all these years and I hope to continue to do so in the future.”