Who are the powerbrokers of Campbelltown, the movers and shakers who have a massive input into all of the major decisions affecting our great town? The South West Voice has compiled an annual Top 10 list of our most influential people. They are:
Mayor of Campbelltown, currently Darcy Lound, two years into his first term, first elected to council in 2012. As Mayor, Darcy Lound gives council direction, both in the short term and the long term. He also advocates for Campbelltown by meeting Premiers and prime Ministers and other senior State and Federal Government representatives.
CEO of Campbelltown City Council, currently Lindy Deitz (pictured above), more than 11 years in the post. Ms Deitz oversees the operation side of Council, but also contributes to debates about the future of Campbelltown at various forums.
The Member for Macquarie Fields, Anoulack Chanthivong, a former councillor and one term mayor of Campbelltown. He was elected MP in 2015 and is serving as a minister in the Minns Government (Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Industry and Trade, Innovation, Science and Technology, Building, and Corrections), and also has a close relationship with the powers to be at Campbelltown Council.
The Member of Campbelltown in State Parliament, Greg Warren, first elected 2015, looks set to become a minister in a second Minns Ministry, if the NSW Labor Government is re-elected next March (2027); Mr Warren, who is currently a parliamentary secretary in three areas, also served on Camden Council, including a term as Mayor before being elected to state parliament. He also has a close relationship with Campbelltown Council, especially Mayor Darcy Lound.
Warren Morrison. Councillor since 2016, served as deputy mayor, and chairman of the charity juggernaut 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur. A former businessman (Sleeping Giant in Blaxland Road), Mr Morrison is also a great networker, and, most of all, advocates for Campbelltown at every opportunity.
Alan Buxton, chairman of Wests Group Macarthur, (Wests Leagues Leumeah, Campbelltown Tennis Club/The Sherwood, Lakeside golf course country club, Gledswood Country Club, and coming soon The Greens, a Greg Norman designed nine hole golf course with what looks like one of the best hospitality hubs in SW Sydney
Michel Lavorato, CEO, Campbelltown Catholic Club, who also run Campbelltown Bowling Club and Campbelltown Golf Course and clubhouse at Glen Alpine. The club also supports community causes such as charity Youth Solutions and the South West Sydney Academy of Sport. Mr Lavorato is pictured above (right) with academy athletes and general manager Martin Bullock.
Patrick Duffy. The principal of Duffy Law Group, a proud Campbelltonian, is a sponsor and patron of several local community and sports organisation. He is also a strong advocate for the protection of Campbelltown history and heritage.
Josh and Jessica Cotter, Campbelltown power couple through their charities, and Josh’s increasing influence in Campbelltown Council, where he leads the unofficial opposition to the ruling Labor faction that’s led by Mayor Darcy Lound.
When I informed some people a few months ago that I was compiling this list they urged me to include myself and the South West Voice. However, while it’s true that being the sole surviving local journalist in Campbelltown is enough reason to be in this list, humility prevents me from doing so. Thus I have selected Meg Oates, simply because next year this Labor councillor will celebrate 40 continuous years on Campbelltown Council. And while Cr Oates is not the driving force she once was, she still makes a worthwhile contribution to council, both at ordinary meetings and behind the scenes. I hope to see a big celebration put on by council in September 2027 in her honour.
