Mackay and District Italian Association Incorporated | Community organisation

Mackay and District Italian Association Incorporated

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24.01.2022 Virtually in Italy! (Pozza Family) Recoaro Terme, Vicenza, Veneto, Italy Bruno Pozza migrated from Recoaro Terme, Veneto in the early 1950s, temporarily leaving behind his wife, Lucia, and infant son, Primo. Bruno chose Mackay on the recommendation of his older brother, Costante, who was cutting cane at Walkerston.... Lucia Pozza (Pezzolato), also from Recoaro Terme, joined her husband in Australia in 1953. With her was the now three-year-old Primo. Recoaro Terme in the province of Vicenza, Veneto, Italy, is referred to as the ‘conca di smeraldo’ (‘the emerald basin’) and is surrounded by the Little Dolomites and borders Trentino-Alto Adige to the north. Recoaro’s natural mineral springs and spa has been a drawcard for visitors for centuries and even for Italian royalty. The Recoaro brand soft drink factory that produces, Chinotto, Gingerino and Aqua Frizzante is also an economic driver of the town. A ski lift operates from the piazza to Recoaro Mille (1000), 1000 m above sea level which in winter is a ski resort and summer a mountain bikers paradise. The pictures below are courtesy of some of our members who visited their ancestors’ birthplace during a holiday overseas back in 2015 and show the mountains around Recoaro, a scenic shot overlooking the thermal spa, the ski lift that operates from the piazza to Recoaro Mille, sampling of the local produce, and a map showing the approximate location of Recoaro Terme, Vicenza, Veneto, Italy.

23.01.2022 Hi everyone, this will be our last family story for the year. We hope that you have enjoyed them and if you would like to hear more about these stories, our book is available for purchase (just message us for further information and an order form). Happy Holidays to All! For a Better Life: Cristaldi... Salvatore (Sam) the youngest son of Giuseppe and Rosa, was born in Mascali, Catania, Sicily in 1912. His future wife Nunzia (Nancy) was born in the nearby village of Giarre in 1916. Sam had known Nancy’s family for some time before they were married in Giarre in 1937. Their first son Giuseppe (Joe) was born in 1938. After WWII in which Sam served, two more sons, Leonardo (Leo) was born in 1945 followed by Alfio (Fred) in 1947. In 1950 Sam, sponsored by Nancy’s uncle Giovanni Bonaventura, boarded the Surriento and left for Australia. Three years later Nancy and the boys boarded the Sydney to reunite the family. In 1954 their only daughter, Rosa (Rosie) was born. In 1966 Joe married Alfia Perna and they have two sons. Leo married Josephine Torrisi in 1971 and they have two sons. Fred married Carmela Perna in 1972 and they have two sons and a daughter. Rosie married Roy Brownsey in 1975 and they have three sons. The photos below include: - a photo of Sam on horseback; - a photo of Nancy and Sam; - a family photo with Sam, Leo, Rosie, Fred, Joe and Nancy; - a picture of the Crichton whole-stick harvester; - a picture of the Cristaldi sausages made for Joe’s wedding; - a map showing the approximate location of Mascali, Catania, Sicily.

23.01.2022 For a Better Life: Contessa Family (part 2 of Bertoldi & Contessa stories) The Contessa story involves two brothers, Luigi and Cosimo, and their cousin Domenic. Luigi born 1889 and Cosimo 1983 were born in Sernio, Sondrio. No records are available for Domenic. Luigi arrived in Australia in 1910 and returned to Italy to marry Domenica Marchesi. In 1922 he then left Domenica and their daughter Gina to return to Australia. Domenica and Gina followed him in 1925.... Cosimo meanwhile had also arrived in Australia in 1922 and he married Caterina Marchesi, Domenica’s sister. Domenic’s bride, Domenica Brassanelli, was also on the same ship as Domenica and Caterina and the three families set up house together Mt Martin. The photos below include a picture of the Domenica and Domenic, a picture of Caterina and Cosimo, a picture of Luigi and Domenica with their children (standing are Gina and Angiolina, sitting L-R are Anne, Domenica, Albina, Luigi and Assunta), the farmhouse at Mount Martin, a scenic photo of Sernio, Sondrio and lastly, a map showing the approximate location of Sernio, Sondrio.

23.01.2022 Virtually in Italy! Modica, Ragusa, Sicily We are back in Modica, Sicily today to look at a beautiful festival with photos courtesy of one of our members, Peter Aprile who visited in 2001.... There are many traditions and customs that Sicilians cherish. Easter is the time of the year when, in every town, Sicilian folklore is celebrated, and this results in an influx of tourists to the island. A festival in Modica which dates back to the '600 and has Spanish origins is the Madonna-Vasa Vasa (The Madonna kiss-kiss). Easter Sunday is celebrated with a procession of a Madonna-Vasa Vasa. Corso Umberto I, the main street of the town, is packed with locals and visitors waiting patiently to worship a statue of the Madonna. The statue, covered by a black veil, is in mourning for the loss of her son, Jesus. In the meantime, a statue of the Risen Jesus is carried through the streets of Modica, but in the opposite direction. At noon, in Piazza Municipio the two statues meet: this is when the Madonna, via a mechanical mechanism, drops the black cloak to show the classic light blue dress. This is the procession’s most anticipated moment: the Madonna, at the sight of the risen Christ, opens her arms and bends forward to embrace and kiss him, while dozens of white doves hover in the air to seal the happiness of this event.

22.01.2022 For a Better Life: Azzollini Molfetta is a city in the southern Italian region of Puglia on the Adriatic coast. It was here that brothers Mauro and Corrado Azzollini were born, Mauro in 1893 and Corrado in 1899. It was around 1920 when Mauro married Vincenza Altomare, also a molfettesi. In 1923 Mauro left Italy to find work in Argentina. After returning to Italy he decided to join Corrado in Australia, arriving in Fremantle in 1928. Vincenza remained in Italy until 1930 w...hen she and the two children, Maria (Mary) aged eight and Gaetana (Nina) two, left on the Orsova. Another daughter Margherita (Rita) was born in 1931. Mary married Herbert Bell in 1940, Nina married Joseph Zarb in 1951 and Rita married Giovanni Cabassi in 1953. Each of the couples had three children. Corrado arrived in Sydney in 1927 leaving behind his wife, Rosa De Simone, who he had married in 1925. Rosa did not join him until 1932. Corrado and Rosa returned to Italy in 1964 and never returned to Australia. The photos below include a photo of Corrado and Rosa Azzollini, a photo of Vincenza Azzollini (nee Altomare) with Maria (circa 1930), a family photo of Rita, Mary, Vincenza, Mauro and Nina Azzollini, a photo of Mauro Azzollini and Joe Zarb at Sybil Creek farm, and a map showing the approximate location of Molfetta.

22.01.2022 For a Better Life: Perna Vincenzo Perna was born in Maletto, Catania in 1912. At gatherings in Catania he met a young lady by the name of Anna Mauro, born 1914, who would become his wife. As her father would not agree to the marriage they eloped in September 1940. Their first child, Nunziantina (Nancy), arrived in 1941. Their second child, Alfia (Alvie) was born in 1943 and Antonio (Tony) arrived in 1947. An uncle living in Mackay sponsored Vincenzo and on 8 June 1949 Fli...ght NC1673 he landed in Sydney. News then arrived that another son, Salvatore (Sam) was born in September 1949. In April 1951 the family was reunited after Nancy and the children arrived on the Toscana. Another four children were born in Mackay over the following years. Nancy married Tony Germanotta and they had four children. Alvie married Joe Cristaldi and they had two children. Sam married Barbara Scott and they had two sons and Tony married Veronica Tweedie and raised two daughters. 13 more grandchildren were born from the marriages of Carmel, Frank, Mary and Joe. The photos below include: - a photo of Anna and Vincenzo; - a family photo with (back L-R) Alvie, Anna, Nancy, Vincenzo, Tony, (front L-R) Sam, Mary, Joey, Frank and Carmel; - a map showing the approximate location of Maletto, Catania in southern Italy.

22.01.2022 For a Better Life: Vardanega My name is Danilo (Denny) Vardanega. I was born in Possagno, Treviso in 1942. My parents were Antonio Vardanega born 1909, and Margherita Zanesco born 1908. I have one brother Renato (Ray) born 1946. Records indicate that Dad arrived in Sydney in 1949 and from there he travelled north. It was in 1951 that my mother, Ray and I left Italy to join him. In 1966 I married Jennifer Hardwick and we have two sons and Ray married Carol.... The photos below include: - a photo of Antonio in Italy; - a photo of Margherita in Italy; - Antonio’s farewell to Italy in August 1989; - a photo of Ray and Denny from 1991; - a photo of Jenny, Alex and Denny Vardanega; and - a map showing the approximate location of Possagno, Treviso in Italy.

22.01.2022 For a Better Life: Aprile Maria Mallia was born in 1926 in the hilltop town of Modica, Sicily. In 1950 she married Vincenzo Aprile who was born in the neighbouring town of Pozzallo in 1919. Vincenzo had migrated to Australia in 1934 at the age of 14 and had returned to Sicily for a holiday. After their marriage, the couple boarded the Surriento, arrived in Brisbane in October and travelled north. They settled on a farm at Dumbleton and had five children.... The photos below include a photo of Maria and Vincenzo on their wedding day (29 June 1950) in Modica, a picture of Vincenzo and Maria on board the Surriento in 1950, a family photo of Vincenzo, Maria and their five children (circa 1969), and a map showing the approximate location of Modica, Sicily.

21.01.2022 For a Better Life: Bulgarelli The Bulgarelli story begins in the northern Italian province of Mantova. Amedeo (1888), his wife Irma Begozzi (1891) and their three boys, Giovanni (1913), Ezio (1915) and Silvio (1920) were all born in the small town of Ostiglia. In 1924 Amedeo, wishing for a better life for his family, left for Australia. Irma and the boys followed in 1928. After settling on their farm at Brightley their daughter Bruna (1937-1943) was born.... The next chapter of the Bulgarelli story continues with the boys getting married. It is here that the north meets the south. In 1941 Giovanni (John) married Concetta (Christina) Corsaro and they had three children. Christina was born in 1922 in Ficarazzi, Catania, Sicily and arrived in Australia at the age of three. Ezio (Doc) married Maria (Mary) Aprile in 1952 and they had two children. Mary, born in 1924, was also Sicilian born but from Pozzallo in the southern province of Ragusa. She arrived in Australia in 1934 with her mother, Giuseppa and two older brothers, Michele (1918) and Vincenzo (1919). Silvio married Josephine Rao and they had three children. Josie was the eldest child of Sicilian born parents Salvatore Rao and Agata Scuderi. The photos below include: - a photo of the Bulgarelli family circa 1921 (Irma, Silvio, Giovanni, Amedeo with Ezio in front); - John and Christina’s wedding photo (Lena and Giuseppe Corsaro, Christina, John and Doc Bulgarelli, flowergirls: Christina Corsaro, Nora Capra, Katie Vigliante); - Doc and Mary’s wedding photo (Connie Aprile, Frank Civello, Don Aprile, Gloria Bulgarelli, Doc and Mary Bulgarelli, Mick Aprile, Santo Corsaro and Margaret Aprile); - Silvio and Josephine’s wedding photo (Agata Rao, Irma Bulgarelli, Gloria Bulgarelli (flowergirl), Silvio and Josie Bulgarelli, Rose Rao, Doc Bulgarelli); - a map showing the approximate location of Ostiglia, Mantova in Northern Italy.

20.01.2022 For a Better Life: De Boni Guido De Boni, one of nine children, came into this world in 1934 in Era, Samolaco, in the province of Sondrio. Era, a quiet little village, is nestled in a valley surrounded by 12,000 feet high snow-capped mountains. Aged seventeen, and with the sponsorship of his uncle Giovanni De Boni in Western Australia, Guido boarded the Surriento in mid-1952. After five years in WA he then made his way to Mackay where his sister, Severina Baretta lived.... On a trip back home in 1965 Guido met Franca Pedraglio. Franca, one of ten children, was born in Vigazzolo, a village about 5 mins drive from Era. The couple was married at Era in June 1967 and in September boarded the Angelina Lauro bound for Australia. The photos below include: - a photo of Guido with a Massey Ferguson tractor and whole-stick planter; - a photo of Guido and Franca with their daughter Karen; - a photo from their daughter’s wedding day with Franca, Guido, Karen and her husband Matthew Rankin; - a map showing the approximate location of Era, Samolaco in Italy.

20.01.2022 For a Better Life: Veronese Crespano del Grappa is a city in the province of Treviso in the Veneto region of northern Italy. Giuseppe (Joe) Filippo Veronese was born there in 1898. Seeking work, Joe came to Australia in 1927, worked in South Australia for a time and came to the Mackay district the following year. In 1935 he returned to Crespano to marry his fiancée, Maria Pierina Bortolazzo, born 1898 and they returned to Australia later that same year. The couple had one... daughter. Joe’s cousin, Giovanni Sebastiano (Jack) Veronese also lived in the Mackay area. He was born in 1902 in Crespano and arrived in Australia in 1926 leaving his wife Maria Angela Orso and son, Bortolo Giovanni (Dino) born 1925, behind. The family was not reunited until January 1935 when Maria and ten-year-old Dino arrived on the Remo. Their joy was short-lived however when Maria passed away months later. Dino married Elena Maria Andreatta who was born in 1925 and was also a native of Crespano. They had four daughters. The photos below include: - a photo of Giuseppe Veronese and his sisters in Italy during the 1920s; - a photo of Maria and Giuseppe circa 1926; - a photo of Maria and Giuseppe at Sunnyside Farm during the 1930s; - a photo of Giovanni and Dino Veronese; - a photo of Candido and Danilo Bortolazzo, Giovanni, Elena and Dino Veronese circa 1946; and - a map showing the approximate location of Crespano del Grappa, Treviso in northern Italy

19.01.2022 For a Better Life: Vitali Natale Vitali was born in 1906 in Bianzone, Sondrio. The family was poor and life was hard. Encouraged by his uncle, Natale bid farewell to his family and travelled on the Taomina to seek life in a new country. On his arrival in Adelaide in 1928 he was met by his Uncle Luigi who started the San Remo spaghetti company. In 1929 he met and married Maria Pozzi. Maria, born in Mazzo di Valtellina, Sondrio in 1911, had arrived in Adelaide in 1926 with ...her widowed mother. In 1931 and 1933 the couple’s son and first daughter were born. As the Depression worsened Natale and Maria, after receiving a letter from relatives in Finch Hatton, boarded a train and headed to Finch Hatton, the end of the earth according to Maria. Two daughters were born there in 1935 and 1936. The photos below include: - a photo of Maria Pozzi with her mother in Italy; - a photo of Natale in Italy; - Natale and Maria on their wedding day 29 November 1929; - a photo of Natale and Maria in 1949; - a picture of the Vitali children; and - a map showing the approximate location of Bianzone, Sondrio, in Northern Italy.

19.01.2022 For a Better Life: Stroppiana Giuseppe (Joe) Stroppiana was born in 1899 at Cortandone D’Asti in Piedmonte. When Joe was thirteen, his aunt from Sydney made a visit to Italy. With the promise of a better life and more opportunities, Joe and his younger sister Giuseppina (Josephine) were given permission by their parents to move to Australia. While Josephine stayed for seven years, Joe never returned to Italy. Joe sponsored a younger brother Giovanni in 1924. In 1922 Joe marr...ied Maud Andersen. Joe and Maud lived to celebrate 70 years or marriage. The photos below include a family picture (standing at the back are Giuseppina and Giuseppe Jnr, seated are Maria and Giuseppe Snr and in front are Luigina and Antonio, circa 1911), a photo of Joe and Maud on their engagement, a photo from their wedding (L to R: Minni Shuttlewood, Billy Blumb, Giuseppe Stroppiana, Maud Andersen, Oscar Hansen and Yolanda Willadsen) and a map showing the approximate location of Cortandone D’Asti in Piedmonte.

18.01.2022 For a Better Life: Bertoldi Family (part 1 of Bertoldi & Contessa stories) Guerino Bertoldi and his wife Rozina Brognara were both born in Ostilgia, Mantova in1890. Following an altercation with members of the Italian Youth, Guerino left Italy in 1925. Rozina and three of their four children: Renato (Roy) born 1918, Elsa 1920 and Sergio 1925 did not follow Guerino until 1934. The oldest son, Alfio born 1915, had left to join his father in 1928.... The photos below include a picture of the old Bertoldi family house in Ostilgia (taken in 1981), a picture of Rozina and the four children in Italy, a picture of Guerino and Rozina and a map showing the approximate location of Ostilgia, Mantova.

17.01.2022 Students who competed in Mackay State High School's inaugural Junior Italian Speaking Competition were recently presented with certificates of recognition for their efforts. Overall winners will be announced at a later date but all students should be proud of their submissions. Well done!

17.01.2022 For a Better Life: Bonaventura Giarre, Sicily, was the hometown of Angelo Bonaventura who was born there in 1887. Giarre is also where he met and married Orazia Marano in 1911. Orazia had been born there in 1889 and their two children, Maria born 1911 and Salvatore 1913 were also Giarre born. Orazia’s brother, Giuseppe, had migrated to Australia in 1912 and sent word that many opportunities awaited in this new country. Subsequently, in January 1914 Angelo, Orazia, Maria an...d Salvatore arrived in Australia. The family settled at Hut Creek near Mt Larcom where their next two children, Alfio (1915) and Mario (1919) were born. After the premature death of Orazia in 1926 the family moved to Bundaberg. Angelo then married Nunzia Fiamingo, born 1892, shortly after her arrival from Italy in 1928. The next year the family moved to Mackay where a son, Tony was born in 1933. Maria Bonaventura married Vito Fiamingo, Nunzia’s brother, in 1929. In 1938 Angelo, Nunzia and Tony joined Alfio who had purchased a farm at Habana. Salvatore and Mario also lived there. On his return from military service, Salvatore purchased a cane farm in Habana and in 1949 married a local girl, Jessie Vella. They had two sons. The photos below include: - a photo of Angelo and Orazia with Mario, Maria, Sam and Alfio circa 1920; - a group photo with (back row) Palmina Crimelo, Angelina and Josephine Fichera, Mary, Alf and Grace Bonaventura and (front) Anthony Fichera, Laurence and Peter Bonaventura; - a family photo with Mario, Sam, Alf and Tony Bonaventura at Habana in 1976; - a photo of Mary Crimelo sitting on a motorbike with her father Lorenzo (Mary married Alf years later and the couple are included in the group photo mentioned above); - a map showing the approximate location of Giarre, Sicily.

16.01.2022 For a Better Life: Bertoldi & Contessa Family (part 3) Renato (Roy) Bertoldi was born in Ostilia, Mantova in 1918. He came to Australia with his mother and two younger siblings in 1934 and was reunited with his father Guerino and older brother Alfio. In 1945 Roy married Rita Contessa. Rita was daughter of migrants Domenic Contessa and Domenica Brassinelli.... The photos below include a picture of Roy and Rita on their wedding day in 1945, a school photo of Rita (2nd row last on the right) at Mt Martin School, a handwritten list of all of the students in the Mt Martin school photo, a picture of Roy in the family business R. Bertoldi & Co in 1952, a picture of Roy and his father-in-law Domenic Contessa at the show and lastly, a map showing the approximate location of Ostilia, Mantova.

16.01.2022 Great work by Andrea and Chris especially when things became challenging during the pandemic this year. Tune into 107.5FM 4CRM Community Radio on Sundays between 3-4pm to listen to Ma Che Dici?!

15.01.2022 For a Better Life: Patamisi Caraffa del Bianco, Reggio Calabria, was the birthplace of Antonio Patamisi in 1901. He married Maria Ficara, born 1903, in Reggio, the largest city and most populated comune of Calabria. In 1927 Antionio migrated to Australia to make a better life for his family leaving behind Maria and their young children, Natalina (Lena) born 1924 and twins Rocco and Domenico (Mick) 1926. Maria and the children sailed into Sydney in 1934. A fourth child, Ann... as born in 1937. Lena married Battista Della Vedova born 1921 in Tirano, and they had two children. Rocco married Olga Liberale and they have three daughters. The photos below include: - a family photo with Louie (Antonio's brother), Mick, Ann, Lena, Maria, Antonio with Rocco seated in front; - a photo of Mick Patamisi; - a photo of Olga and Rocco and another on their wedding day; - a photo of Antonio and Maria; and - a map showing the approximate location of Caraffa del Bianco, Reggio Calabria in southern Italy.

15.01.2022 For a Better Life: Raffaldi Luigi Pietro Raffaldi was born in 1927 in the village of Conzano, Monferrato, Alessandria. At 21 years of age Luigi, along with his brother Egidio, migrated to Australia and headed to Edmonton where they found work cutting cane. Another brother, Deograzia joined them later. As Deograzia and Luigi were qualified bricklayers and plasterers and were not keen to cut cane again they decided to move to Mackay where they worked on building the Paradise... Guest House for Don Capra. It was in Mackay that Luigi met Joyce Atley and they were married in 1954. In 2014 Luigi and Joyce celebrated 60 years of marriage. Egidio returned to Italy in 1955 and married, as did Deograzia in 1958. Deograzia returned to Australia with his wife and lived there until 1963 when he and his wife returned to Italy. The photos below include a photo of Luigi, Egidio and Deograzia with Luigi's first car, Luigi and Joyce’s wedding day (20 February 1954), Luigi cutting cane with Jim Gaviglio in 1954, a photo of Conzano, Monferrato and a map showing the approximate location of Conzano, Monferrato, Alessandria.

15.01.2022 Lest We Forget Members of our Association were in attendance at the local ANZAC Day service this morning to lay a wreath on our behalf. Thanks to patron, Aldo Rover and member, David Caracciolo and the other members in attendance for helping us to honour the ANZACs and the sacrifices they made for Australia.

13.01.2022 During the year we have shared over 30 short summaries about some of the families profiled in our book ‘For A Better Life’. If you have been enjoying these snippets and would like to read more, we still have copies of our book available for sale. With just over 5 weeks until Christmas, this book would make a great gift for yourself or a loved one. If you are interested in purchasing a copy of our book and live in Mackay, the book is available from the Canegrowers Building on Wood Street for $40 (please bring cash). Alternatively, you can send us a message/email and we can send you an order form to complete. If you require the book to be posted, there will be an additional charge for postage which can be advised at the time of ordering.

13.01.2022 Do you know someone who would be great at this job? Please share the link with them.

13.01.2022 https://ilglobo.com//italian-comes-to-mackay-state-high-/

12.01.2022 Earlier this year we shared this post about Mackay State High School who held their inaugural Italian Speaking Competition at that time and we advised that the winners would be announced at a later date. Recently the school celebrated World Italian Language Week and during the week also announced the speaking competition winners. Congratulations to Nicole Librero (Year 7) and Timofrey Craig (Year 8)! For further information, please check out the MSHS newsletter on this link: https://mackayshs.schoolzineplus.com/newsletter/69457

12.01.2022 For a Better Life: Dal Broi Antonio (Tony) Dal Broi was born in 1931 in Possagno, Treviso. At the age of fourteen Tony began an apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker and after five years was a qualified tradesman. He left Italy for Australia in 1950. On his arrival in Mackay he worked in his trade until 1953 when he began cutting cane during the crush and going back to his trade in the off season. In 1956 he married Rachel Dunsmore and had two children. Life became difficult f...or Tony when the marriage broke down and the children were left in his care. This created many difficulties as he had to juggle work with caring for the children. In 1970 Tony married Rosaria Bjelic who had three children of her own, so they formed a seven-member family. The photos below include: - a family photo of Olga and Luigi Dal Broi with children Giovanna, Rina, Gemma and Antonio in Italy; - a photo of Antonio as a young adult; - a photo of Antonio with Louis Icardi and Tinto Zanesco; - a photo of Antonio with his children Gino and Michelle; - a photo of Antonio later in life; and - a map showing the approximate location of Possagno, Treviso in northern Italy.

11.01.2022 Hi everyone, if you enjoy a good game of rugby league and will be in the Tully area next weekend (10 October), the Tully Tigers Rugby League Club will be hosting their annual Heritage Cup matches. Games will include Ivanhoes vs Centrals Townsville (3pm), Northern Pride vs Italy (4:30pm), Under 12's Tully vs Cairns Brothers (6pm), Italy vs Samoa (7pm).

10.01.2022 Hi everyone, If your ancestors were featured in our book and you would like a family profile posted on Facebook (similar to what we have done with other families over the last year and a bit) then we need your permission. Please email the Association advising your migrant family name as well as your own name and advising that you give consent to the Association to post the story (and use any additional photos if you have supplied any). We only have a couple of weeks of stori...es left to share so please send your permission emails asap! Additionally, if you have any other suggestions or comments about what you would like to see on our page in the future, please also email us. We have something a little different to our usual family stories this week and we are hoping that some of our members might be about to help. Daniel’s Story... My name is Daniel and I am trying to discover if I have any living relatives in Mt Martin/Mackay region. I am a descendant of the Contessa and Piazzola family located in Perth, WA. My great grandmother (Bisnonna) Lucia Maria Contessa, born 13 August 1899, married Angelo Pietro Piazzola, born 11 October 1898 in Sernio, Italy in 1920. In about 1922 Angelo moved from Sernio to Australia and adopted my Nonna (Nellie) at the age of one. Originally Angelo and Lucia established a life within Kalgoorlie but during the war were interned. Once released, they pursued a life operating a gold mine and worked on the woodlines before later moving to Perth. Unfortunately, our family history and language were never passed onto my mother or her siblings nor was my Nonna told of her adoption. I came across a shipping list at the national archives which shows my Nonna and Bisnonna heading to Mt Martin to visit, I presume, some Contessa relatives. This visit/s were never mentioned to my mum or her siblings growing up. I have found the surnames Rinaldi/Marchesi/Bettini in the BDM records in Mackay which is interesting as my mum recalls meeting these families, or their relatives, in Perth. I travelled to Sernio (during COVID) in January 2020 to try and find any relatives. I was unsuccessful in finding any Piazzolas. However, as Contessa is a very common surname in Sernio, I was unable to establish any connections. If you think you can help Daniel, can you please reach out to us. Daniel has included the following pictures as part of his story: - a photo of Angelo Pietro Piazzola; - a photo of Lucia Maria Contessa; and - a copy of the Orama Passenger Record from 23 June 1936 with Nellie and Lucia’s names.

10.01.2022 We all know how much Italians love a good coffee and chat and this week we got together not once but twice! A lovely Monday morning catch up was held at Stella Rossa Mount Pleasant (see our photos included with this post) as well as our Friday evening monthly Italian Chat and Coffee at Coco Cubano in Mackay CBD. Due to COVID, our regular monthly catchups weren't able to happen during the year but keep an eye out in 2021 as we bring back our monthly catchups and look forward to seeing you all again soon!

10.01.2022 Students at Mackay State High School were cooking up a storm in their Italian class during their last week of term thanks to teachers (and members of Mackay and District Italian Association Inc) Andrea Pozza and Chris Pozza.

09.01.2022 For a Better Life: Begozzi Luigi Begozzi was born in Ostiglia, Mantova in 1890. On his arrival in Australia in 1914 he worked in canecutting gangs in Ingham where her met and later married Dusolina Sgiarovello (Scuntaro). Dusolina was born in Lusevera, Udine in 1891 and had followed her first husband to Australia in 1914 with their two children, Antonio (Tony) born 1910 and Luigi Giuseppe (Joe) 1912, and a step-daughter, Angela aged thirteen. A third son, Charlie, was born... in Australia in 1915. Luigi and Dusolina had their daughter Zina in 1920 while still living in Halifax. In 1926 the family moved to Mackay and bought acreage at Barrie Lane, Eton where they stayed until 1950. The photos below include: - a photo from 1928 of Luigi and Dusolina at the old farmhouse Eton; - a photo of Tony, Joe, Charlie and Dusolina; - a photo of Luigi and Dusolina with Luigi's sister Irma Bulgarelli, Bruna and Amedeo Bulgarelli circa 1940s; - a photo from Zina’s wedding (standing - Charlie, Luigi and Zina Begozzi, Joe Silingardi, Tony Begozzi, seated - Iris Cunial, Dusolina and Joe Begozzi) in 1940; - Luigi and Dusolina at their Sydney Street home in the 1960s; and - a map showing the approximate location of Ostiglia, Mantova in Italy.

09.01.2022 For a Better Life: Silingardi Giuseppe (Joe) Silingardi, born 1909, only spent the first twelve years of his life in his birthplace, Ostiglia, a small town on the banks of the River Po in Mantova, before setting out for his new life in Australia. Along with his sister Alice, born 1899, and mother, Teresa Ganzerla, the trio were to join his father, Guelfo, and older brother Nino who had migrated in 1913. Guelfo and Nino were joined in 1920 by Joe’s eighteen-year-old brother,... Aldo. In 1940, Joe married Zina Begozzi and had two children. Aldo married Olimpia Fabbro who was born in Germany to Italian parents and had two children. Alice married Paul Cunial, born 1900 in Possagno, and they raised five children. The photos below include: - a photo of Alice, Giuseppe (on horse) and Aldo Silingardi (child at front unknown); - Charlie Rovelli and Giuseppe Silingardi; - Elsa and Ray Bertoldi, Costante Barbi and Giuseppe Silingardi; - Joe and Zina Silingardi; - a picture of the old Silingardi Store on Holland Street; and - a map showing the approximate location of Ostiglia, Mantova in Northern Italy.

07.01.2022 For a Better Life: Bella Leonardo and Maria Di Bella aka Bella of Acireale, Catania, Sicily had four children. Their oldest son, Salvatore (Sam), was born in 1917. In 1943 he married Rosaria (Sarina) Strano, born 1920, at Rosaria’s birthplace, Guardia Mangano, approx. 7 kms north of Acireale. They had two children, Maria Pia born in Ionia, Catania in 1944 and Orazia (Iris) born in Mascali, Catania in 1947. In 1949 Salvatore left Sicily to come to Australia. In 1950 Rozari...a and the children boarded the Ugolino Vivaldi and disembarked in Sydney in March 1951. In 1952 a daughter, Geralda, was born in Mackay and in 1957 a son, Dino. Maria married Tony Bonaventura and they have three children. Iris married Lucio Grasso and they have two children. Geralda married David Synnott and they raised two children. The photos below include: - Salvatore (Sam) Bella (snipped from NAA Document 3088310 Page 13); - Maria, Orazia (Iris) and Rosaria (Sarina) (snipped from NAA Document 3088310 Page 100); - a family photo from 1957 with (L-R) Maria, Sarina holding Dino, Sam, Gerry and Iris at the front; - Sam standing beside his first car 1957 with Dino on bonnet; - a family photo from from 2010 with Gerry (Synnott), Dino, Sarina, Iris (Grasso) and Maria (Bonaventura); and - a map showing the approximate location of Acireale, Catania, Sicily.

06.01.2022 For a Better Life: Zamparutti Luigi (born 1890), Francesco (1895) and Giovanni (1898) Zamparutti were born in Nimis, Udine, a town near the border with Slovenia. It is located at the foot of Mount Bernadia, home to a WWI Italian fort and a sweet white wine called Ramandolo. Francesco and Giovanni were conscripted, Francesco as a Carabinieri and Giovanni as an Alpini and both served during WWI. In 1925 Francesco boarded the Citta di Genova and set sail for Australia. In 192...7 he wrote to a lady friend asking if she would migrate with the prospect of marriage. Lucia Grassi of San Gervasio, Nimis said yes and became his wife two weeks after her arrival in July of that year. Giovanni also set sail for Australia arriving in 1926. He married by proxy, Maria Grassi (no relation to Lucia) who was born in Nimis in 1905. Maria arrived on the Viminale in 1934. Back home, Luigi also made plans to migrate, leaving behind his wife, Maria, and children, Rita born 1920 and Antonio 1925 and arrived on the Maria Cristina in 1929. Luigi went back to Italy with the intention of returning to Australia with his family but with migration halted as WWII broke out, he never returned. His two children, Remo and Licia, however migrated to Melbourne in the 1950s. The photos below include a photo of Francesco, a photo of Lucia, a photo of Luigi and Maria, a photo of Giovanni with Maria and family, a Zamparutti family photo and a map showing the approximate location of Nimis, Udine in North-Eastern Italy.

03.01.2022 Virtually in Italy! Catania, Sicily Today we are visiting the province of Catania in Sicily, courtesy of the Pace family who have kindly shared some of their holiday snaps from a previous trip in 2015. ... Maletto, a small rural village not far from Mt Etna in Sicily is the birthplace of the Pace family. The village is approximately an hour drive from both Catania, the second largest city in Sicily, and Taormina, a popular tourist destination. Members of the Pace family have returned to Sicily, and other parts of Italy over the years, not only to visit relatives, but also to be one of the estimated 94 million tourists who flock to Italy every year to soak up the Italian experience. Thank you to Anna Checuti (Pace) for sharing her lovely photo which include: - The family sharing in one of their favourite meals pasta!; - The view of Mount Etna from a relative’s house near Catania; - Some scenic pictures of Taormina; and - A map showing the approximate location of Maletto. As a bonus, Anna has also shared some beautiful photos of Venice in North East Italy as the family enjoyed some other sight seeing during their holiday. We hope that you enjoy these pictures and look forward to when we will be able to travel to some of these beautiful locations again!

02.01.2022 For a Better Life: D’Anna The D’Anna family’s Mackay story began when the small family of Giuseppe and Angela (Pontillo), with their six-month old daughter Carmela (Carmen) left their family farm in Caserta-Marcianise, Campagna, southern Italy. The farm grew a variety of crops, but it was the canapa (hemp) that was their main yield. The hemp was sent to England and converted into fabric which was used in high quality men’s suits, sheets and tablecloths. Giuseppe, Angela and... Carmen boarded the Flaminia in 1961 and landed in Melbourne and from there travelled north. Two daughters, Rosie and Lina, and a son, Manny, were later born in Mackay. Carmen married Constable Don Brown in 1979 and they have three children. The small D’Anna family has now, in 2017, grown to over forty-five. The photos below include: - a photo of Angela, Carmen and Giuseppe on arrival in Melbourne; - a photo of Angela and Carmen at their first home at Rosella; - some photos of a hemp crop harvesting the hemp, submerging the harvested hemp in water and getting the hemp bales ready for shipping; and - a map showing the approximate location of Caserta-Marcianise, Campagna in southern Italy.

01.01.2022 For a Better Life: Ribaldone The village of Lu which is east of Turin was the birthplace of Oreste Ribaldone, his four siblings and their extended family. Born in 1896, Oreste served 2 years in WW1 before being captured and sent to a POW camp in the Ukraine for 13 months. In 1924 he made the big decision to migrate to Australia and along with Franco Gargano and Paolo Demartini arrived on the Re d’Italia in December. In 1934, with his Australian Citizenship Certificate in ha...nd, Oreste returned to Italy where he met and married Rosmina Giuseppina Maria Devecchi. Rosmina, one of six children, was born in 1899 lived in the frazione or small town of Casale Monferrato. Soon after their marriage Oreste and Rosmina set sail for Australia. The photos below include a family photo of Oreste and Rosmina with their children Mary and Peter (circa 1948), Oreste and Rosmina on their farm, a gathering of friends at Homebusy (Rosmina and son Peter front left and Oreste seated centre front), a copy of a postcard sent through the Red Cross from Russia when Oreste was a POW, and a map showing the approximate location of Oreste’s birthplace, Lu.

01.01.2022 For a Better Life: Caracciolo Maggiorino (Mick) Caracciolo was born in 1894 in Montegrosso d’Asti, Piedmont. Mick worked in the USA, was drafted into the Italian army, and did a return trip to the USA before heading back to Asti in 1920. In 1922 he married Maria Cotto born 1898. A big event followed in 1923 with the birth of identical twins, Angela and Ester. Determined to build a better future for his family, Mick left for Australia in 1924. Early in 1926 he sent for his... wife and daughters. A son, Charles Louis (Lou), was born in 1927. Angela married Jim Gaviglio in 1941 and they had four children. Ester wed Pietro Baiano in 1946 and they had three children. Lou and his wife, Daphne (Caddy), had four sons. The photos below include: - a photo of Maria holding Ester and Angela; - a family photo of Maggiorino, Maria, Angela, Ester and Lou; - a photo of Maggiorino and Maria; - a photo of Ester, Lou and Angela; and - a map showing the approximate location of Montegrosso d’Asti, Piedmont in Italy.