And now, after more than twenty years of tireless fundraising, Sutherland Hospital has officially recognised her extraordinary contribution with another commemorative plaque.
“I started on the Sutherland Hospital committee in 2002,” Simone says. “It’s been more than twenty years now.”
Over the years, Simone has raised funds for every department of the hospital: maternity, oncology, intensive care, medical equipment. She has also organised fundraisers for autism, dementia and many other causes.
“In the past three years alone, with the Order, we’ve raised around $160,000–170,000,” Simone says. “And over all these years of work, between the committee and my personal activities, we’ve exceeded $600,000.”
Lisa Blake, the hospital’s fundraising manager, wanted to provide a tangible recognition of this extraordinary effort. Today, there are four commemorative plaques at Sutherland Hospital: one dedicated personally to Simone, and three to the Order.
The first plaque for the Order is located at the Cancer Care Centre. The other two were recently unveiled on the beautiful donor wall at the hospital’s main entrance, bearing the names of Frank Mirabito, Grand Prior, and Frank Placanica, Deputy Grand Prior, alongside that of Simone, Dame Commander.
“As soon as you enter Sutherland Hospital, you see the donor wall,” Simone says proudly. “It’s a wonderful way to recognise those who have contributed.”
Her commitment goes back to a deep personal bond with the hospital and the Sutherland community.
“I was born there,” she explains. “My brother-in-law, my sister’s husband, was a doctor and worked there.
“He passed away when he was only 46. That hospital means so much to us. I was born there, my nieces and nephews were born there—everyone.”
The Simone family has deep roots in the Sutherland area. Simone’s father and her uncle Phil arrived from Roccella (Calabria) in the late 1940s.
For 60 years, the family ran businesses on Cronulla Street: a fruit and vegetable shop for 25 years, a fashion boutique run by Simone and her mother for 30 years, and even a beachfront restaurant.
“This is my home,” says Simone. “That’s why I ran for Sutherland Council and served as a councillor for ten years. I have an enormous passion for my community.”
And Simone has no intention of slowing down. “I’ll be organising another event for the hospital later this year or early next year,” she confirms. “At the moment I’m busy with the major event on June 14 for the homeless, which I’m organising with the other members of the Order.
“But I’ll definitely continue working for the hospital, especially for the Cancer Care Centre, which still needs support.”
Since being appointed a Dame in 2020—thanks to the sponsorship of Frank Placanica, who recognised her charitable work—every event Simone organises also represents the Order, an association of medieval origin founded with a mission of charity and healthcare for those in need.
“I organise the events and represent the Order, so they too receive recognition for what we do,” she explains.
The four plaques at Sutherland Hospital are not just a tribute—they’re a lasting reminder of how the dedication of one person, supported by her community and sometimes a medieval Order, can make a real difference in the lives of thousands of people.
