Former Canberra Raiders great Terry Campese will run for preselection for Labor in the NSW seat of Monaro.
Having previously captained the Raiders as well as representing NSW and Australia, Campese now continues to share his love of football with his home community of Monaro, serving as captain-coach of Queanbeyan Blues since 2017 and can be heard on local radio commentating Raiders games.
Campese has been heavily invloved in the local community throughout his playing career and since retirement. In 2012, he began the Terry Campese Foundation, a not for profit which is focused on building brighter futures for young people.
Campese has previously been an Ambassador for Canteen Cancer, the Ronald McDonald House and a Patron of Raising Hope Education Foundation. He continues to work with the NRL on their roads to regions projects.
During the bushfires which devastated the Monaro electorate, Campese served as a community recovery officer. He was also active in the fundraising campaign to bring the Queanbeyan sleep-bus to the area.
Today, he works closely with residents as the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council community program coordinator.
Campese said he loves the region and wants to further his committment to the Monaro community.
“I’m born and bred in Queanbeyan and the Monaro region,” said Campese.
“While I am proud to have represented our region, the state and Australia as a professional football player, the most important work I’ve done is as a community worker and with the Terry Campese Foundation.
“I am driven by working in and for the community and I want to take that commitment to the next level.
“I’m prepared to work with anyone and everyone to make Monaro a better region.
“It’s time for a fresh start in Monaro and I’m determined to ensure a Minns Labor Government delivers better schools and hospitals for our community.”
Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader, said that he is thrilled about Campese’s desire to run for preselection.
“Terry Campese is an outstanding individual who leads by example in putting the community first,” said Minns.
“While we all will miss Terry running around as captain-coach for the Queanbeyan Blues, his most important and valued work has always been his community and charitable works.
“Terry knows what the people of Monaro and Queanbeyan need in terms of service delivery and support, because he listens and delivers for them as a community worker each and every day.
“I am delighted that Terry has put his hand to take his community service to the next level, in public office.
