20 August 2017

Faces of Canberra: Ann-Marie Pesticcio

| Rachel Moore
Start the conversation

AnnMarie Pesticcio and Emma Webster selfie

Emma Webster and Ann-Marie Pesticcio selfie.

Each week Rachel Moore is on the hunt to find out what makes Canberra special to all the wonderful folks who live here.

Canberra, (and Australia) Ann-Marie Pesticcio wants to know why at the age of 46 you get to decide any details on her private and personal relationships? Ann-Marie is a passionate advocate for change not just in the Canberra community, but for all of Australia. The former public servant understands the politics of change, because she used to part of the teams that make this country spin.

For twenty-five years Ann-Marie worked in various local and federal government departments with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, youth and disabilities. All areas have a common theme of making our community in this great country a better place. This zealous advocate for change has a few ideas on the upcoming postal vote for marriage equality and her views are not only sensible, but highlight the fact that common sense, is not that common!

Ann-Marie wants everyone who might be on the fence about voting yes to consider if they indeed have all the facts about the impacts on daily life a same-sex couple will face if the legalisation of same-sex marriage doesn’t go ahead. Currently, if Ann-Marie were to pass away, she would not be able to name her beautiful partner, Emma, as her wife. Her family does not hold the same rights as others in the community purely because she happens to love a woman.

Ann-Marie thinks that the postal vote is really sad. She believes our government was voted to power by the people and are beyond aware that Australians as a whole support marriage equality. The thing that makes Ann-Marie and her family the saddest is that all the money that has been spent campaigning, that will be spent on this postal vote, could have gone to folks in this country that really need it. People like our ever-increasing homeless population, employment for young people and our health care systems.

Recently a friend of Ann-Marie heard a small child asking their parent “Mummy, will Mummy go to jail if Australia votes no?”. It is understandable that she and her partner Emma are frustrated that with so many things in this world to focus and shift our collective concerns too, that basic human rights and marriage equality are one of them!

Ann-Marie would like people to understand that her family is just as real and legitimate as a traditional marriage. Ann-Marie and her partner Emma would love to stand up in front of all their family, friends and the community and say “We love each other, till death do us part”.

Unlike every previous Faces of Canberra, Ann-Marie doesn’t want to ask you a question ACT, she wanted to thank you. Thank you for providing a supportive community that makes her certain there is nowhere else she would rather be.

Ann-Marie Pesticcio Emma Webster Zavier Pesticcio-Stanford

Emma Webster, Ann-Marie Pesticcio and Zavier Pesticcio-Stanford.

Name – Ann-Marie Pesticcio.

Age – 46.

Occupation – Stakeholder Relations Manager for Mental Illness Education ACT.

How long have you lived in Canberra – 44 years.

North, South or Q-town – North but have done South.

Most memorable event attended in the ACT – I’ve been so lucky to attend so many events, openings of galleries, concerts, new restaurants and fundraiser nights. Growing up here there was always something to attend, the Canberra Festival that had the Birdman Rally was so much fun – so much to see and do and the sense of community was huge. I think it tuned into the Food and Wine Frolic and the Multicultural Festival.

Things you love about Da Berra – Small city big events, great café culture (now) our parks, snow and beach so close!

Ann-Marie Pesticcio selfie

Ann-Marie Pesticcio – selfie.

What you loathe about the city – Bad drivers, in particular in the wet.

Most cherished memory in the capital – Fireworks as a child. I just wish I could still buy my own!

Which Canberra local do you most admire and why – Sylvie Stern. I can’t remember the first time I met Sylvie but she made a silent impression first and then through the years of attending galleries events and hangouts I got to become an admirer of her. I remember one time sitting for hours at a dinner party talking about everything, and then another spending hours selling CD’s together at the National Folk Festival. Her passion for music, visual arts and theatre inspired me and helped me into radio, Bentlenses and Event management. Sylvie created Canberra’s Gay culture (for me anyway and I’m guessing thousands of others), Sylvie made me feel like I mattered and what I felt I needed I could and should have in my community. Hands down anyone who would have met her – she would have left her mark (or hug).

Ann-Marie Pesticcio and Zavier Pesticcio-Standford photo taken by Lisa Mattiazzi

Ann-Marie Pesticcio and Zavier Pesticcio-Standford. Photo: Lisa Mattiazzi.

Most precious item you own – my Dad’s cufflinks and ties. When my Dad passed my Mum offered me a few of my Dad’s things – My Dad was a snappy dresser, when an event was on my Dad would always dress to the Nines… I look forward to sharing my memories and these precious items with my son.

First Canberra kiss and where – I’m too old to remember my first legitimate kiss, but maybe a boy called PJ in the 4th grade at the back of our primary school.

Most delicious Berra place you adore eating at – So so many I have a favourite that can last years, however, the one that always comes back or I go back to is Sammy’s.

What do you want to be when you grow up – An architect and a professional DJ. I’d love to design Event halls and get the acoustics just right for the bestest ever parties.

What is a question you would like to ask everyone in Canberra – I don’t think I have a question I would want the answer from everyone in Canberra. If I could say something to every Canberrian – It would be – thank you!! Thank you for making Canberra a great place to live and for creating Canberra’s big heart!

Start the conversation

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.