The Chatelaine
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After being in the corporate world as a national CEO and as the 2004 Qld Telstra Businesswoman of the Year, Hanworth’s Chatelaine, Marisa Vecchio AM, took a break to develop accommodation and in 2012 took on her biggest challenge, the restoration of historic Hanworth House, one of Brisbane’s oldest properties which was bought and restored in honour of her beautiful mother, Romana Preston, who passed away the same year from ovarian cancer.
Just weeks from opening in March 2013 an arson attack destroyed 80% of this magnificent house. The journey started again.
Hanworth has already played host to significant events including corporate dinners, balls, weddings, charity functions and is the subject of the 2015 documentary “Heart of Hanworth”. Its main role is providing more than a place to stay – safe and secure accommodation
and an instant sense of community. Marisa and her family open Hanworth regularly in order to share it with the community.
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Marisa believes that business has only one obligation - and that is to build a better community. Marisa is committed to supporting women in business, is committed to the advancement of women especially through her philanthropic work - She is a proud supporter of of the arts in Queensland, an advocate for ovarian and breast cancer research at the Mater Hospital and proud Ambassador for Women’s Legal Service Qld (WLSQ).
In 2017 Marisa took out the Dancing CEOs Fundraising Award and in 2024 took the stage again for the 10th anniversary of Dancing CEOs in a records breaking year which saw the gala raise $1.3m for WLSQ.
Hanworth's signature charity event LABELS ON THE LAWN has itself raised more then $1.1m for WLSQ where Queensland closets are cleansed for this great cause
In 2017, Marisa was recognised for her corporate and philanthropic works - being awarded both the Queensland Community Foundation Philanthropist of the Year and also gaining an Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Team Hanworth
Marisa is the vision and heart behind Hanworth, supported by a dedicated team and a remarkable network of volunteers who share a deep love for the House and help bring each event to life. The community that surrounds Hanworth House stands as a testament to Marisa’s passion, generosity, and enduring commitment to fostering a spirit of connection and philanthropy.
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