The 19th annual Co.As.It. (SA) Italian Community Volunteer Awards were held on Thursday 11th of May 2023 at Marche Club, Paradise. Around 250 attendees enjoyed a long lunch, vibrant music by “Fred”, exciting raffle prizes, and the company of our community volunteers.

This year’s guest speakers and special attendees included Adriano Stendardo, Consul of Italy, The Hon. Zoe Bettison, The Hon. Vincent Tarzia, Shadow Minister for Multicultural SA and Adriana Christopoulos, Chair of the South Australian Multicultural Commission.

Along with these special guests, the event involved other important members of the multicultural and volunteering community, which demonstrated the value placed on the hard work by all volunteers over the last year.
In total, 26 volunteers were nominated for awards across 3 categories, a tremendous effort on behalf of the Italian community. The winners of each award category are listed below:

Winner of the Aged Care Service Award is Rosa Matto

Rosa is a well-known SA Chef, loves food, cooking and the Italian Community.

She has passion for passing her knowledge of Italian food and traditions and volunteer her time and experience to help create fundraisers and weekly menus for clients and catering functions.

Rosa helps outside of Nonna’s Cucina with board awareness and connections within the SA Communities

Winner of the Community Service Award is Angela Cutri

Angela presents an informative and uplifting radio show at Radio Italia Uno. She is also chair of Radio Italia Uno social committee and president of Maria SS Di tulle le Grazie Committee. She also has previously volunteered ad Radio Italiana 531, Fresh Fm President.

She has been giving her time for over 20 years to the community organising many events, holding the older community in high regards. She is a selfless individual who is always ready to help putting the others first.

Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award is Giuseppe Mazzeo

Joe has been an ANFE Community Care Volunteer for more than 20 years, commencing his role in 1999. He is a traditional family man and send his time with his family and tending to his gardening when is not volunteering.

Joe spent his volunteering time at ANFE as bus driver and provided transport to and from our centres over the years. Joe’s involvement with the ANFE community Care has given an immeasurable amount of service users a satisfaction and joy that otherwise may have not experienced later in their lives.

By providing a safe, friendly and reliable transport service, food delivery and companionship each day, all conducted with an Italian – centric focus, Joe has made a big difference to those in the Italian aged community. He always went without fuss or hesitation helping the Italian community.

Co.As.It. (SA) is proud of this year’s nominees and award winners. Their dedication remains a shining example not just for volunteers but for all those who assist the Italian community.

Huge thank you to all the attendees

A special thank you to all our 2023 sponsors

Italian Community Volunteer Awards 2022

The 18^th annual Co.As.It. (SA) Italian Community Volunteer Awards were held on Thursday 12^th of May 2022 at The Grand Ballroom, Fulham Gardens. Around 200 attendees enjoyed a long lunch, vibrant music by the band “Friends”, exciting raffle prizes, and the company of our community volunteers.

This year’s guest speakers and special attendees included Adriano Stendardo, Consul of Italy, The Hon. Justin Hanson MLC, The Hon. Jing Lee MP, Shadow Minister for Multicultural SA and Adriana Christopoulos, Chair of the South Australian Multicultural Commission.

Along with these special guests, the event involved other important members of the multicultural and volunteering community, which demonstrated the value placed on the hard work by all volunteers over the last year.

In total, 20 volunteers were nominated for awards across 3 categories, a tremendous effort on behalf of the Italian community. The winners of each award category are listed below:

Winner of the Aged Care Service Award is Maria Corbo

Maria has been a dedicated volunteer for 12 years with CIC, helping with the day-care program 2 times per week, and has also helped with the CIC Fundraising Committee and Carnevale for the past 20 years. She is great at multitasking, often helping as a bus assistant and also helping with serving meals and assisting participants with their activities in a safe manner. With a background of working in aged care for 35 years, Maria understands people’s needs and goes out of her way to ensure that they are socially engaging in activities. She is very concerned with the patrons well-being, doing everything she can to help participants on a practical and emotional level. With her gentle nature and patience, she knows how to reach out to people with encouragement and comfort. She is well respected by her colleagues and participants and is a team player.

Winner of the Community Service Award is Paola Matta

Paola has always had a very positive and grateful mindset which is reflective in how she approaches her volunteering work. Paola spent most of her life working for St. Hilarion Aged Care, something she enjoyed so much that she decided to do volunteer work for the organisation outside of her rostered hours. Paola now volunteers her time at Radio Italiana 531, hosting 3 weekly shows centered around Italian culture, music and sport, which she has done over the past 12 years. She is also happy to volunteer herself to outside broadcasts for station sponsors as well as Italian festas. She is dedicated to providing information on issues which pertain to the Italian community and often invites special guests to her show including members of parliament and local councils from Italy to take part in her programs, helping to connect our Italian community to things that are happening in Italy, in real time. This is vital in maintaining strong connections for our listens with modern Italy. She has a positive impact on our listeners and always makes herself available in times of need. Her communication style has been acknowledged as one of the most positive and informative amongst Radio Italiana’s listeners, volunteers and committee members.

Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Pompeo Ranaldo

Pompeo is the founder of the Campania club and has been a volunteer since its inception at 1975. He has provided 47 years of service to the club and is currently the Vice President and still volunteers in the bistro, front of house and is the clubs Covid Marshall. He assists wherever he is needed, including events run by the club as well as bocce and tombola gatherings. He has a love and passion for community and he shows this through his involvement at the club, ensuring everyone is welcomed and happy. He volunteers his architectural skills in times of renovations to the club and his support and commitment are unwavering.

Co.As.It. (SA) is proud of this year’s nominees and award winners. Their dedication remains a shining example not just for volunteers but for all those who assist the Italian community.

On behalf of Co.As.It. (SA) we would like to give a huge thank you to all of our raffle prize sponsors on the day, Radio Italiana 531 FM and Radio Italia Uno Adelaide 87.6 FM for broadcasting live, our special guests and the Grand Ballroom.

We wish to thank our Co.As.It. (SA) Staff, Board Members and everyone else who helped make the day possible. Co.As.It. (SA) will continue to express its gratitude for the service given by all volunteers, as they are the heartbeat of our community. We look forward to celebrating again next year!

A special thank you to all our 2022 sponsors

The 2021 Co.As.It (SA) Italian Community Volunteer Awards were held on Thursday the 13th of May at The Grand Ballroom in Fulham Gardens. Despite the impact of Covid-19, we were grateful to host an event that reflects our usual proceedings for an awards day and this year’s celebration was truly a memorable one.

There were over 200 people in attendance to acknowledge and celebrate all individuals who volunteer their time to support the Italian Community. We’d like to thank guest speakers and special attendees including Adriano Stendardo, Consul of Italy, Peter Malinauskas, Leader of the Opposition, Joe Szackas, Member for Cheltenham and Antonietta Cocchiaro, Deputy Chair SAMEAC.

We were inundated with nominations for our three major award categories and whilst all nominees were certainly worthy of their achievements in the past year, our major award winners are as follows:

Aged Care Service Award
Pina DeGuisa

Pina has been a volunteer at St. Hilarion for 30 years. She is well respected among the residents, and enjoys cooking and baking biscuits and cakes for the residents, to bring a taste of home to them. She embodies the Italian culture through sharing the same beliefs and love of traditional Italian food and events with the residents. She also is involved with working with volunteers and festas especially the Carnevale and other feast days and is an active committee member of the St. Hilarion Society.

Congratulations on a fantastic achievement Pina!

Community Service Award
Dora Taddeo

Dora has volunteered for the Casa D'Abruzzo Club for 31 years. For the past 8 years she has coordinated Wednesday night exercise classes and Friday night Bocce for the older Italian ladies. She has helped successfully create a group whereby these women can exercise and socialise in a friendly environment, helping many who have struggled through the COVID pandemic with isolation. She extends herself to ensure that after each session there are refreshments for the groups, providing them with a time to talk and chat with other members from the group. Dora has a big heart a passion for helping vulnerable groups of people. She gives up her own personal time to ensure the wellbeing of her groups members and takes time out to personally get to know what makes each member happy.

Congratulations on your outstanding efforts Dora!

Lifetime Achievement Award
Carmel Stefano

Carmel has been an active member of the Society of St. Hilarion for over 25 years, and has been heavily involved in the executive committee for the Society, taking on many roles including religious coordinator. She is welcoming and ready to teach the next generation about St. Hilarion history, pastoral care and traditions. She has also dedicated 25 years service to the Western Adelaide Italian Community as Chair to Mater Christi Parish, but still serves as a Eucharist minister and provides support to the parish priest, sisters, ministers of the church and wider community. She always acts with good will and from the heart, and with such a great wealth of knowledge she is an irreplaceable member of the St. Hilarion and valued community member.

Congratulations on an excellent achievement Carmel!

On behalf of Co.As.It (SA), we would like to extend our thanks to everyone who assisted in taking the Italian Community Volunteer Awards to new heights. A special thank you to all of our sponsors on the day, Radio Italiana 531 FM and Radio Italia Uno Adelaide 87.6 FM for their live broadcastings, The Grand Ballroom for their hospitality and all Co.As.It (SA) staff for their dedicated efforts in the coordination of the event. We look forward to celebrating with you all again next year.

A special Thank you to all our 2021 sponsors

The 16th annual Co.As.It (SA) Italian Community Volunteer Awards were held on Friday 13th of November 2020 at the Noel Lothian Hall, Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Although this year’s event was a little different from our usual awards ceremony due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, we were still extremely proud to be able to celebrate and thank all our wonderful volunteers for their support to the Italian Community.

This year’s guest speakers and special attendees included Adriano Stendardo, Consul of Italy, The Honourable Jing Lee MLC, representing Premier of SA, Steven Marshall MP, Assistant Minister to the Premier and Dr Susan Close MP, representing Leader of the Opposition, Peter Malinauskas MP, Deputy Leader of the Opposition.

Along with these special guests, the event involved other important members of the multicultural and volunteering community, which demonstrated the value placed on the hard work done by all volunteers over the last year.

In total, 21 volunteers were nominated for awards across 3 categories, a tremendous effort on behalf of the Italian community. The winners of each award category are listed below:

Aged Care Service Award
Rocco and Ann Agostino

Rocco and Ann began volunteering with ANFE in 2011 and currently assist in the Day Care Program and Community Visitors Scheme. As part of the Day Care Program, Rocco drives the transport buses with Ann as his assistant. They both assist in the preparation and serving of food and coffees whilst also connecting socially with clients through group activities, card games and gentle exercises. Italian people in the community benefit greatly from the time and generosity donated by this husband and wife team and Ann and Rocco have always volunteered out of the goodness of their hearts, never expecting a reward for their great work.

Community Service Award
Pasquale Tedesco

Pasquale has volunteered at the Italian Pensioners of Thebarton Social Support group for the past 6 years. He also volunteers for Nonna’s Cucina delivering meals and visits residents at Ananda Aged Care Nursing Home. Pasquale is a dedicated volunteer who assists consumers at Thebarton Seniors Group playing Bocce, Cards, Billiards and Tombola. He deserves to be recognised as he gives his time, skills and energy into volunteering and is always there to help in any way he can.

Lifetime Achievement Award
Silvio Iadarola

Silvio has volunteered for over 20 years for organisations such as CIC, Bene Aged Care, MCCSA, Co.As.It.(SA), Nonna’s Cucina and the Carnevale. He is hands on whether in the kitchen, setting up venues, cleaning up, even driving the bus when needed. He deserves to be recognised for his undying devotion to the Italian elderly and his selfless efforts make a real difference to our community. His friendly and compassionate nature is known and respected by the community. Silvio is humble, he never expects to be recognised, and helping others is who he is.

Co.As.It. (SA) is proud of this year’s nominees and award winners. Their dedication remains a shining example not just for volunteers but for all those who assist the Italian community.

We wish to thank our Co.As.It. (SA) Staff, Board Members and everyone else who helped make the day possible. Co.As. It. (SA) again thanks all volunteers for their tireless work in the community and we look forward to celebrating again next year!

The 15th Annual Co.As.It. (SA) Italian Community Volunteer Awards were held on Friday 10th May 2019 at the Carrington Function Centre. Around 300 attendees enjoyed a long lunch, vibrant music by the band “Friends”, exciting raffle prizes, and the company of our community volunteers. This year, guest speakers and special attendees included: the Honourable Vincent Tarzia MP, representing Premier of South Australia, Mr Steven Marshall MP, Speaker of the House Assembly and Member for Hartley; the Honourable Katrine Hildyard MP, representing Mr Peter Malinauskas MP, Leader of the opposition, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs; Mrs Antonietta Cocchiaro OAM, Deputy Chair of SAMEAC; and Mr Steve Georganas MP, Member for Hindmarsh - just to name a few. Along with these special guests, the event involved other important members of the multicultural and volunteering community, which demonstrated the value placed on the hard work done by all volunteers over the last year.

This year, 24 volunteers were nominated for awards, across three new award categories! The winners of each award category are listed below:

Community Service Award – Antonia Zotti Antonia is a volunteer console operator for Radio Italiana 531. Antonia conducts six programs per week and is the foundation of many popular programs that provide information and entertainment to thousands of Italians each week. She has also developed her own Italian language skills over her time as a volunteer and trains new console operators from start to finish.

Aged Care Service Award – Matilde Gallina Matilde is a volunteer with The Society of St Hilarion. Being a hairdresser by trade, she volunteers her time to do the residents’ hair. She is also a member of the Executive Committee and volunteers her time for the Feast Day of St Hilarion, the Italian Carnevale and other functions. She frequently visits the residents and takes them on outings. The Italian people benefit from having Matilde spend time with someone who speaks their language and understands their customs and traditions.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Teresa Dall’Acqua Leonardi Teresa has been a volunteer within many Italian organisations for over 20 years. Teresa’s association with many Italian Clubs, Associations and welfare organisations has enabled her to be at the forefront of issues the Italian Community have and are facing in an Australian society. Teresa has touched the heart of many people across the community and gives relentlessly of her time and expertise to everyone who needs support. Teresa has always put the interests of others before her own, assisting those in the community who are less able to speak for themselves especially migrant women.

On behalf of Co.As.It. (SA) we would like to give a huge thank you to all of our raffle prize sponsors on the day, Radio Italiana 531 FM and Radio Italia Uno Adelaide 87.6 FM for broadcasting live, our special guests and the Carrington Function Centre. A special mention to the Co.As.It. (SA) staff, in particular Ada Giglio who was instrumental in helping to organise her 6th Volunteer Event, together with a wonderful team of staff and Co.As.It. (SA) volunteers. We look forward to celebrating again next year, as Co.As.It. (SA) will continue to express its gratitude for the service given by all volunteers, as they are the heartbeat of our community

This year’s Italian Community Volunteer Awards event was another fantastic celebration of volunteering throughout our community. Held at the Carrington Function Centre, the day saw a record number of volunteers nominated and two worthy winners in both the Senior and Youth category.

The 2018 youth winner Mr Mario Fimiani, has been volunteering with ANFE for 5 years. His understanding of the community’s cultural needs had assisted ANFE in meeting the changing and challenging landscape of the aged care sector. Some highlights of his volunteering efforts included the start-up of ANFE's Home Gardening service and his role as Treasurer on ANFE’s Board of Management. Both ANFE and Co.As.It. (SA) valued his contribution, particularly as a young person who is passionate about serving his community.

The 2018 Senior Volunteer of the Year award was Mrs Rosa Colmagro who had over 30 years experience volunteering with both ANFE and Bene Aged Care. This was not the first time Rosa had been nominated and she has long been admired for her tireless work as a volunteer. Her volunteer roles have included the preparation of meals, language support as well as being a constant pillar of support for staff members, other volunteers and clients.

Co.As.It. (SA) is proud of this year’s nominees and award winners. Their dedication remains a shining example not just for volunteers but for all those who assist the Italian community. We wish to thank all of our volunteers and sponsors for the event, of which there are far too many to name, but we appreciate every one of you. Next year, Co.As.It. (SA) may look at modifying the format of the awards to mark the 15th year anniversary of the event!

The 13^th annual COASIT Italian Community Volunteer Awards were held on Tuesday 9^th May 2017 at the Carrington Function Centre, an iconic venue for the Italian community in South Australia. The event was a huge success with over 300 attendees enjoying lunch, great music and joyful celebrations for the efforts of our community volunteers. Guest speakers and special attendees on the day included his Excellency the Governor of South Australia Hieu Van Le, Mrs Dana Wortley MP Member for Torrens, Ms Rachel Sanderson MP Member for Adelaide, Vincent Tarzia MP Member for Hartley and Antonio Accorso Vice Consul of Italy to South Australia. The appreciation shown by the mentioned special guests and other important members of the ageing, multicultural and volunteering community emphasised the value placed on the work done by all volunteers. In total, 37 volunteers were nominated for awards, a tremendous effort on behalf of the Italian community. Special length of service recognition was given to longstanding volunteers that included Mrs Antonietta Battistella, Mrs Vincenza De Sanctis, Mrs Esterina Quarantiello, Mrs Carmela Di Maria, Mrs Lucia Menechella, Tina Morcombe, Maria Russo and Wanda Cavaiuolo. Life Membership was also awarded to Mrs Franca Antonello, of which more information is provided later in this newsletter. The Youth Volunteer Award for 2017 was awarded to Mr Eddie Maio, who has been volunteering with PISA for 18 years. His role includes delivering meals to the elderly and he is dedicated to helping the community. He is caring and conscientious, but it is his tireless dedication to the community that inspires others around him. COASIT is extremely proud to recognise Eddie as a much deserving winner The Volunteer of the Year Award 2017 was awarded to Mrs Genoveffa Paradiso, who has been volunteering with Bene Aged Care for the past 7 years. She volunteers weekly for church service at the Italian Village and dedicates her life, her heart and her time to assisting with the Catholic service for residents. Without revealing her age, Genoveffa is Bene’s oldest volunteer and an inspiration for us all. She sets an example for all of us that anyone of any age can contribute to their community. During the event, guests were serenaded by the wonderful sounds of the band ‘Friends’. Many people got involved in their performance by showing off their moves on the dancefloor! In addition, the famous COASIT raffle saw around 30 lucky people win prizes donated by our fantastic sponsors. A huge thank you to all COASIT sponsors who made this possible by donating generously. Radio Italiana 531 and Radio Italia Uno Adelaide both broadcast live from the event on the day and COASIT thanks both radio stations for their support. A final huge thank you to all of our special guests, sponsors, the Carrington Function Centre, volunteers, COASIT members and everyone else who helped make the day possible. COASIT again thanks all volunteers for their tireless work in the community and we look forward to celebrating again next year!

The 12^th annual COASIT Italian Community Volunteer Awards were held on Thursday 12^th May 2016 at Sfera’s Function Centre. The event was a huge success with around 350 attendees enjoying an afternoon of good food, great music and joyful celebrations for the efforts of our community volunteers. Guest speakers and special attendees on the day included his Excellency the Governor of South Australia Hieu Van Le, Zoe Bettison Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Rachel Sanderson Shadow Minister for Volunteers, Dr Roberta Ronzitti Consul of Italy to South Australia, Vincent Tarzia MP and Tony Zappia MP. The appreciation shown by the mentioned special guests and other important members of the ageing, multicultural and volunteering community emphasised the value placed on the work done by volunteers in the Italian community. In all 27 volunteers were nominated for awards, a tremendous effort on behalf of the Italian community. Pasquale Minichello, Luisa Mirolo, Vera Perin, Peter Rossi and Pasquale Russo also received a recognition award on behalf of both CIC and COASIT for their 30 years of volunteer service. The Youth Volunteer Award for 2016 was won by Angel Manzella, an inspirational young lady who has dedicated much of her time at Villa St Hilarion since she was 7 years old. Angel has assisted with activities, serving food, taking residents for walks, going on outings and talking and singing to residents in Italian. The Senior Volunteer Award for 2016 was won by dual winners Peter and Sandra Doyle, who have given up much of their weeks for the past 8 years in volunteering at Bene Aged Care. Their assistance has included transportation, meals, arts and crafts, activities and conversing with clients. Although they do not speak Italian both Peter and Sandra have shown amazing interest and compassion for the people they work with. During the event, guests were serenaded by the wonderful sounds of the band ‘Friends’. Many people got involved in their performance by showing off their moves on the dancefloor! In addition, the famous COASIT raffle saw around 30 lucky people win prizes donated by our fantastic sponsors. A huge to all COASIT sponsors who made this possible by donating generously. Radio Italiana 531 and Radio Italia Uno Adelaide both broadcast live from the event on the day and COASIT thanks both radio stations for their support. A final huge thank you to all of our special guests, sponsors, Sfera’s function centre, volunteers, COASIT members and everyone else who helped make the day possible. COASIT again thanks all volunteers for their tireless work in the community and we look forward to celebrating again next year!

Donato volunteers with the Madonna di Montevergine association and is currently their public relations officer. He is passionate about promoting Italian culture and events. Donato is an outstanding ambassador for young volunteers, who supports the many Italian feasts and functions weekly. Those in the Italian community benefit from people like Donato supporting and promoting Italian cultural and religious events. Today we would like to thank Donato for all his support and endless time dedicated to the Italian community.