JOE ALVARO

Joe Alvaro is a quintessential Burwood local committed to enhancing all aspects of local life for the community. Raised and educated in the area, Joe has called Burwood home for 34 years.

“I hope to make a difference in the way community organizations and volunteers are recognised and supported. The most effective way to solve the problems and attend to the challenges which face our society is through partnership between Government, community organizations and volunteers. Volunteers are our local unsung heroes, and as a regular volunteer with Lifeline I know the many challenges volunteers face. I will work to foster and value community participation and volunteerism in Burwood.”

Joe’s parents migrated from Italy to Australia in the 1960s and like all migrants they came to build a better life for themselves and their children. He wants to ensure that his children have the same or better opportunities available.

“Mum and Dad taught me the importance of hard work and reward for effort, based on their own challenging experiences as migrants to a new country with a different language.”

Joe attended Burwood Public School and Homebush Boys High School. He believes that with a good education, young people will be able to do whatever they want in life. His passion for education and lifelong learning led him to complete a Bachelor of Education (Secondary: Humanities) at the University of Sydney. For over 10 years Joe has taught Social Sciences in both NSW government and non-government schools, as well as overseas in China for one year.

A fluent Italian speaker, Joe teaches Italian to adults at the non-profit adult education organization, Sydney Community College and to children with the local Italian charity organisation, CO.AS.IT. (Italian Association of Assistance) to which he is a proud member.

“There are many benefits to be gained from learning languages. In particular, I believe it is important that young people speak the language of their parents and embrace their heritage. After all they are the future that will keep the language and culture alive.”

Joe has a deep commitment to help those in need in the community. A volunteer counsellor with Lifeline for over 10 years, he is proud to have been able to provide compassion, care and assistance to people during times of difficulty.

Joe’s leisure interests include reading, running and cycling.

Mobile: 0409 460 931