What region/town are you from in Italy? I was born in Adelaide, but both my parents lived in Italy until they migrated to Australia in the 1950’s. They came from villages close to Naples, Benevento and Avellino.

What year did you arrive in Australia? My father arrived in Australia in 1953 and my mother arrived in 1955.

Who did you come to Australia with and/or who did you leave behind? My father being the eldest male in his family (his father died during the war) left behind his mother and 5 siblings in Benevento. He travelled with friends to Australia and was met by my mother’s brother and his wife who had migrated and settled in Adelaide in early 1952. My mother left behind her father and mother (Nonna passed away 3 years after mum left her homeland and she never saw her mother again). She also left behind her brother and sister-in-law (they eventually immigrated to
Australia in the early 1960’s along with her father). She travelled with her younger brother and several friends making the month-long journey. Several of the women, like my mother travelled to
Australia to reunite with their husbands whom they had been apart from for some years.

Was Australia what you expected it to be like? If not, what surprised you the most? My father told me that it was very difficult for him and his friends (as some of their wives were still
in Italy) in coping with their daily lives. They went to work, and when they returned home had to cook for themselves, wash their dirty work clothes and get food ready for their next workday. As they worked 7 days per week, they had little time to socialise, but he said that when they did get the opportunity to do so, they would enjoy quite a few “beers”, playing cards or bocci.

Language was a huge barrier for both my parents and as there was no assistance from the Government, had to rely on family and friends to house and feed them until they were able to establish themselves. They both worked extremely hard (my father working 2 jobs) as my brother was born 10 months after mum arrived. Dad and mum bought their first house a few years later in Parkside, close to family and friends and I was born there in 1958. A wonderful Italian community was established and I’m always amazed when listening the “old stories” of the battles they faced through much adversity and to their triumphs enabling them to establish successful, satisfying and enjoyable lives.

What did you / do you miss the most about Italy? It’s so sad that I have not had the opportunity to visit Italy. I had booked to go in 2020 but then we were hit with COVID and that was the end of that? I am really hoping to travel there in the not-so-distant future.

My parents said they missed Italy as it was their birthplace, but because of the hard lives they endured growing up – they did not miss that side of it, but it would always be home and have a
special place in their hearts. They never had the opportunity of seeing much of the beauty that is Italy – my father went back twice and loved it, but my mother has never been back to her homeland.

My father’s family moved to England in the early 1960’s and his siblings and mother established lives there. My father visited them in 1965 and again in 1977. My mum had the opportunity of visiting
the UK in 1980.

Who had the greatest influence on you during your childhood and why? My Aunty Adelina, she was always so kind and generous in her encouragement and patience in teaching me to knit and crotchet. She always made time for me, nothing was ever too hard, and she always welcomed me with her beautiful smile and lots of hugs.

My Uncle Michael, he taught me to dance, and at every wedding (and there were lots when I was young) I would always get him up and he never refused my pestering him to dance with me. Dancing is something I truly love and enjoy doing (not that I get much practice these days) and I will always be grateful to him for teaching me.

First job you had in Australia My first job was working for the City of Unley – as a receptionist.

Which club do you volunteer at? Unley Italian Community Association – Unley Mensa.

What do you enjoy the most about volunteering at Unley Mensa? I really enjoy the interaction amongst our volunteer group and knowing that we are providing a service that I had a small part in establishing whilst working with the City of Unley and that it has continued for over 30 years.

Main reason for volunteering? I enjoy helping people and feel a sense of pride in being able to give back to our community. We

owe a great deal to our Italian pioneers who under much duress forged a better life for themselves
and in turn ensured a great life for future generations.

List a few words to describe yourself. Caring, happy, helpful, patient.

List a few words your friends would use to describe you. Loyal, hardworking, funny, enjoys a drink.

Favourite movie star / sport hero or singer growing up? Audrey Hepburn.

Who would play you in a movie? Sally Field.

Most proud moment and why? When I got my driver’s licence. It gave me a sense of freedom and independence, much to my
parent’s dismay!!!!

One thing about you that few people know about you? I can’t swim???