Donna Campbell, New Ross
Every morning when Donna Campbell’s son Liam wakes up, the first thing he says is ‘Time to call Ireland.’
‘He thinks it’s normal to Skype his Nana, Grandad and Auntie Kerrie while he’s having his breakfast,’ Donna says.
Having left Ireland in 2004 to take up a position with Tourism Ireland in Frankfurt, Donna subsequently moved on to Paris before landing in Sydney in 2008.
‘I moved to Sydney solo, but I quickly integrated myself into the thriving Irish-Australian community that exists here by volunteering my free time to organisations such as The Sydney St. Patrick’s Day Committee, The Rose of Tralee Committee and The Ireland Funds Australia,’ she says.
Now settled in a suburb in the Sutherland Shire – ‘I like to refer to myself as ShIrish’ – Donna and husband Andy have established their careers and built up a strong network of friends.
‘I feel a very strong connection to both Ireland and Australia, and both countries have their own positives and negatives. For now, home is definitely Australia.
‘I aim to go home at least once a year. Since buying a house here, we get a steady influx of visitors too.’
And during the recent fires which consumed large swathes of the country, Donna, in her role as chair of the Ireland Fund Australia Young Leaders, has been leading efforts to raise money for those affected by the disaster.
‘To try and see a positive side of it all, the bush fires have brought so many communities closer together in terms of awareness, support and fundraising.
‘The Irish-Australian community has also been very supportive in helping those in need, I’m currently working closely with our committee and other Irish community groups to organise an Irish-led fundraiser for the bushfires.’
You can learn more about Donna’s campaign at irelandfunds.org/bushfirerelief