In this episode of The Keys to Macarthur, we're joined by David Funnell OAM, a name synonymous with both business and community service in Camden.

David founded Funnells Electrical back in 1969, when Camden was still a small rural township. More than five decades on, Funnells Electrical has grown into the trusted name in electrical service and maintenance across greater southwest Sydney, now employing over two dozen electricians with radio-controlled mobile vans, servicing commercial, industrial and residential clients throughout the region.

Beyond business, David has spent decades giving back to the area that shaped him. He served for years as a Councillor and Deputy Mayor on Camden Council, sat as a community representative on both the Camden Bicentennial Park and Camden Town Farm committees, and was named Camden Citizen of the Year in 2018 in recognition of his long-standing dedication to the region.

Most recently, David was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours List, for his service to local government and the Camden community — capping off more than 50 years of contribution to the place he calls home.

We talk about what's changed in Camden, building a business that's lasted generations, and what community service has meant to him along the way.

Whether you're a local business owner, long-time Camden local, or new to the area — this one's a great look at the people who've helped shape Macarthur into what it is today.

In the debut episode of The Keys to Macarthur, we sit down with Camden Mayor Therese Fedeli — one of the most influential figures shaping the future of Sydney's southwest.

Cr Fedeli has served on Camden Council since 2012 and has been Mayor since 2019. A trailblazer in regional governance, she recently made history as the elected Chair of the Western Parkland Councils' Mayoral Forum — a unique alliance of eight councils operating in partnership with the NSW and Australian governments under the Western Sydney City Deal.

In this conversation, we explore what it takes to lead one of Australia's fastest-growing regions — from major infrastructure challenges like the Oran Park rail line and Spring Farm Parkway, to community moments like the Menangle Store fire. Mayor Fedeli also opens up about her Italian heritage, her passion for getting younger people involved in local government through Rotary, and her vision for Camden over the next five years.

Whether you're a local resident, a business owner, or simply curious about what drives growth in Sydney's southwest — this episode is your inside look at the people and decisions shaping the Macarthur region.

Timestamps:

00:00 — Introduction
01:28 — Meet Therese Fedeli
02:02 — Which ward does she represent?
02:34 — Is local government political?
03:21 — Why run for Mayor a second time?
04:07 — Rotary Club & engaging younger people in local government
05:30 — A passion for local government
06:32 — What's changed in Camden during her second term?
08:10 — The case for a rail line to Oran Park and Narellan
09:07 — Tackling parking in Camden
11:08 — A day in the life of the Mayor & the importance of family
14:40 — Italian heritage & identity
16:07 — Key council milestones for 2026
18:45 — Where will Camden be in five years?
20:39 — Growth, change & Western Sydney Airport infrastructure
22:12 — The Nurses Quarters on Menangle Road — are there council plans?
23:08 — The Spring Farm Parkway issue
24:34 — The Menangle Store fire & advocating for community support
26:19 — Outro