Sonia grew up in Housing Commission in Edgeworth and Windale, before moving into rented accommodation in Wallsend and West Wallsend. Starting work as a teenager, she has been a long time member of her union. Sonia studied teaching at the University of Newcastle to begin her career as a high school History teacher in NSW public schools, where she taught at schools in Walgett, Kempsey and in the Hunter, followed by working at Hunter Brain Injury Respite Options and in the Army Reserves. Determined to put her community first and to serve people more fully, she moved towards public office.
Sonia was awarded the Newcastle History Prize in 2002 for her History Honours thesis, and was an Elected Councillor at Newcastle City Council (2002-2008) before being elected to NSW Parliament. She works effectively with Opposition parties, understands that her community’s expectations are high, and that her job is to deliver results.
Sonia’s interests are resolutely community-based. She is zealous in her support of the vulnerable, under-privileged and under-represented, and therefore takes a keen interest in jobs, infrastructure, affordable public housing, quality public education and healthcare. She makes regular personal community contributions, including to the Rotary Club of Wallsend-Maryland, the Lions Club of Lambton-New Lambton Auxiliary, the Wallsend Heritage Group, and various sporting clubs. Sonia believes in personal health and fitness, and in her limited spare time she enjoys swimming, reading and plays the piano and the ukulele in the Newcastle group Ukestra.
