Entertainer Maria Venuti announced as Australia Day ambassador

Singer and actress Maria Venuti has been announced as Campbelltown’s 2022 Australia Day ambassador.

She will speak at the online civic awards ceremony on Australia Day.

Ms Venuti has carved out a unique career in more than 50 years as an entertainer, playing major venues in Australia and abroad, including the prestigious hotel circuit throughout Asia, as well as acting in television, film and stage productions.

“I am looking forward to welcoming Ms Venuti for our Australia Day activities,” Mayor George Greiss said.

“It will be interesting to hear about her work as an entertainer across the world, as well as her work with charitable organisations raising funds for medical research,” Cr Greiss said.

“I’m also excited to celebrate the fantastic achievements and community spirit displayed by people in our city when we present our Australia Day awards,” he said.

Ms Venuti started in television, appearing on iconic Australian programs such as Brian Henderson’s ‘Bandstand’, Graeme Kennedy’s ‘IMT’, the Don Lane Show, the Mike Walsh Show and hosting Variety Italian Style and many others.

After a lifetime in show business, she continues to perform regularly and was recently honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia for her work as a fundraiser for medical research charities.

The Australia Day Awards ceremony is assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council who also allocate Australia Day ambassadors.