Maggie Emmett arrived in Australia in 1967, on the last boat through the Suez Canal during that Middle East War. She was educated at Grammar School in Berkshire, England. In her past working lives she was an Intensive Care Sister, a Casualty RN, and an academic at the Uni of Adelaide. Now, she runs an editing & communications business. She pays her social rent working on the Friendly St Board as their Publishing Officer, Liaison Officer with the Art Gallery of SA and the Radio Adelaide Coordinator. She has two daughters, three grandchildren and a poodle.
Gaetano Aiello is the current Convenor and Treasurer of Friendly St Poets Inc., roles he has assumed for three years. He comes from a migrant Italian family and is a first generation Australian. Educated at Campbelltown High School and the University of Adelaide. He is a legal practitioner specialising in the areas of Trust, Wills and Disputed Estates. He runs every day and competes in Athletics. He is President of the Western Districts Athletic Club and Chairperson of the Clubs Council of Athletics South Australia. He has been writing poetry since the age of sixteen and reads regularly at Friendly St meetings. He is happily married and has one son.