From Naples
SPONSORED by Tony Piccolo MP Member for Light
From Naples to Ngadjuri
Tony has delivered plenty during his time serving the community, but politics isn’t the first thing people bring up when they see him.
Instead, it’s his latest Parkrun time, the quirky choice of shoes he’s sporting that day, or the long-awaited lawn report on his socials.
And, of course, there’s the anticipation waiting for him to slip in one of his signature dad jokes mid-conversation.
Beneath all that charm, he’s more than just another politician—he’s woven into the fabric of the community, a familiar face whose story is deeply entwined with the people and places he serves.
Tony’s journey actually begins thousands of kilometres away from South Australia.
Born in Naples, Italy, his life took a dramatic turn before he could even comprehend it as he spent his third birthday on a ship heading to Australia.
The very next day after they arrived in Gawler, his late father, Raffaele, started work at Holden and did so for more than 20 years until he retired due to poor health.
Growing up in Gawler, Tony was inspired by his father and drawn to the stories of pioneers, those who carved out their place in this country with resilience and grit.
It was those tales, along with his Christian faith, which shaped his own values of hard work, social justice and an unwavering belief in looking out for fellow Australians.
Attending the former Evanston Primary School and Gawler High School (now Gawler and District College), school was more than just education for Tony; it laid the foundation for his passion for service.
“School is where my passion for community grew,” Tony said.
“My favourite subjects were history and economics, and through that I learnt a lot about the inequality different communities faced throughout the years and how it impacts our communities even today.
“It’s even evident in schools as not every child had equal access to quality education to pursue their dreams and now I strive for that.”
Even today, Tony is the sponsor of two academic awards at Gawler and District College, in memory of his Year 11 and 12 Economics teacher, the late Mr John Chambers.
This sense of duty never wavered, as he transitioned from a student with a love for history and economics into a leader determined to use lessons of the past to guide communities into the future.
After school, Tony headed to Adelaide to study Economics at university, which he says gave him the confidence to become more involved in public life.
The completion of his first degree in 1981 was around the same time Tony was elected to his first role in local government – at the tender age of just 21 – as his advocacy for community began.
Starting at the Munno Para Council, before boundaries changed and he moved to the Town of Gawler, Tony was an elected member for over 25 years, even sitting as Mayor from 2000 to 2006.
“I do take pride in how we’ve helped people because it speaks to the reputation, trust and connection we’ve built with community members along the way.”
- TONY PICCOLO mp
Now, having sat as Member for Light for close to 20 years, Tony has built a vast contact base and networks in the government, not-for-profit and business sectors that aids his goal of delivering results for his community and residents.
“One of the biggest issues a lot of people run into is all the red tape and confusion that surrounds government and the range of processes in place,” Tony said.
“Over my 43 years across local and state government, I’ve learnt how to quickly find the right answers, understand what’s possible in certain situations, navigate a range of issues and take action.”
Tony’s reputation stretches far beyond the electorate of Light.
“Our office gets calls from all parts of the state, from Barossa, Far West and even as far as Mount Gambier, all through word-of-mouth,” Tony said.
“I do take pride in how we’ve helped people because it speaks to the reputation, trust and connection we’ve built with community members along the way.”
His ability to navigate the complexities of government—cutting through red tape, securing funding and pushing for change—has made him a go-to figure for countless South Australians.
Whether it’s improving road safety, advocating for better recreational facilities, introducing events to highlight community spirit, fighting for disability and sporting programs or simply standing up for individuals and issues they’re facing, Tony has built a reputation not just as a representative, but as someone who gets things done.
Everything Tony has achieved has stemmed from one fundamental approach—working alongside local communities, helping them drive their own success.
Now, Tony is ready for his next challenge taking that same spirit of partnership to a new frontier seeking to provide the same support he has become synonymous with to the mid-north and the electors of Ngadjuri.
While nearly one-third of the Ngadjuri electorate is set to include areas Tony has previously represented including Freeling and Wasleys, it is clear his reason to run for this new seat after all these years is to ensure every community has the opportunity to thrive.
“Just because the Adelaide Plains and Mid-North areas are classified as more rural areas doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be afforded the same amenities and resources,” Tony said.
“There are so many communities in the area, each with their own unique histories, goals and issues.
“If I’m elected, what I would be really keen to do is make sure I’m able to walk alongside every community and support them in what they do.”
Tony’s leadership style isn’t about dictating what should be done—it’s about listening, asking questions and helping communities unlock their strengths.
As he takes on a new challenge, his legacy of service, humour and unwavering dedication remains his compass.
Tony Piccolo MP
Member for Light
Labor Duty Member for Frome
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148 Murray Street
Gawler, SA, 5118