Genoa-born Franca migrated to Australia in 1959. She was the first woman from a non-English-speaking background elected to the NSW Parliament, and server as a member of the Australian Parliament for 17 years. Franca has been a crusader all her life championing such causes as rights for women, social justice, ethnic minorities and the protection of children. Her autobiography, Franca: My Story, tells of her amazing and inspirational life.