Bene Aged Care

The Hon. J.S. LEE (17:30): I move:

That this council—

1. Congratulates the Italian Benevolent Foundation (SA) and Bene Aged Care for celebrating the special milestone of the 50th anniversary of its incorporation in 2025;

2. Notes that Bene Aged Care was founded by a passionate group of local doctors, business owners and community leaders within South Australia's Italian community and has evolved to expand its quality aged-care services to the wider community;

3. Acknowledges the founding members, current and past chairpersons, board members, executive management team, staff, sponsors and volunteers of Bene Aged Care for their dedication and contribution to serving ageing and retired individuals with multicultural backgrounds in South Australia;

4. Recognises the foundation continues to celebrate its heritage and remains committed to the notion that there is no greater privilege than being able to bring joy and a holistic approach to wellness to older people in South Australian communities through independence and wellbeing so that everyone can enjoy life to the fullest across home care, residential care and retirement villages; and

5. Commends Bene Aged Care for its strong commitment to supporting and enriching multicultural South Australia and the ageing community through wellbeing support that encompasses the physical, mental, social and spiritual concerns of each individual.

It is a great honour today to move this motion to congratulate the Italian Benevolent Foundation (SA) and Bene Aged Care on reaching the remarkable milestone of the 50^th anniversary of their incorporation in December 1974. This milestone is a testament not only to the organisation's longevity and community service but also to its unwavering commitment to the community.

Bene Aged Care had humble beginnings. It began in 1935 as the Italian Village Incorporated, later known as the Adelaide Senior Citizen Village Incorporated, later known as the Adelaide Senior Citizen Village Incorporated and, more recently, the Italian Benevolent Foundation (SA), trading as Bene Aged Care.

The need for this service was identified by a passionate group of local doctors, business owners and community leaders from within the South Australian Italian community. At that time, culturally appropriate nursing homes did not exist. The journey to create this organisation was a long and arduous one that called on all founding members to push forward against many obstacles and barriers.

I was privileged to attend the Governor's reception and the gala dinner to honour Bene and the team at their 50^th anniversary this year. Both events certainly highlighted the incredible contributions by Bene and the level of hard work, fundraising effort and commitment the founding members put into the very first aged-care facility for South Australia's Italian community, which opened in March 1982. Many dug deep into their own pockets, committed to the vision of culturally appropriate care for Italian Australians.

There were many people who influenced this journey, but I would like to highlight Dr Carmine De Pasquale, who migrated to Adelaide in August 1962 with very limited English. Despite the language barrier, he completed a medical course in 1969 and continued his learning, commencing psychiatric training in 1971. Eventually, Dr De Pasquale became the Director of Psychiatry at the Beaufort community clinic in Woodville. At Beaufort Clinic he introduced the innovative and groundbreaking concept of 'hospital at home' for Italians with severe psychiatric disorders. This concept of providing culturally sensitive care in a familiar environment greatly benefited the Italian community.

Dr De Pasquale's vision extended beyond his medical practice. In the years between the foundation being incorporated and the opening of the first centre, Dr Carmine De Pasquale worked with other Italo-Australian doctors, galvanising overwhelming support for an Italian aged-care facility. This commitment by all the founding members to provide culturally appropriate care has been a cornerstone of Bene's philosophy ever since. I would like to note that during the Government House reception hosted by Her Excellency Frances Adamson, Dr De Pasquale was presented with an outstanding community service award.

Bene, for those who do not know Italian, means 'good' or 'well'. Bene is built upon the values of honesty, respect, integrity, family, trust and time. Whether someone is in need of the security of regular care, a little assistance here and there, or other lifestyle requirements—whether it is lifestyle, wellbeing, social activities, home care for independent living, residential care or respite care—Bene provides a way for individuals to live in a very respectful way.

The first Italian village in St Agnes has been joined over the years by more centres in Campbelltown, St Clair, Woodville North and, more recently, Hahndorf. The services provided by Bene continue to expand, with Bene now offering short stay day care as well as in-home care. Employing over 700 people, Bene services 500 residential aged-care residents each year, provides over 900 individuals with community care and, more recently, has acquired 70 independent retirement units, providing a cohesive and connected village for over 80 residents.

They are also proud of their financial stability. I note that at the gala dinner it was highlighted that seven in 10 nursing homes in South Australia operate in the red; however, Bene does not. It stands out as a shining light because of its very stable board and competent management team. Bene's impact extends beyond providing essential services. It has fostered a sense of community and belonging amongst residents and their families. These services are a testament to the organisation's ongoing commitment to serving the cultural, spiritual and lifestyle needs of their community.

As we celebrate this significant 50^th anniversary milestone, it is important to acknowledge the contributions of all those who have been a part of Bene's journey. From the founding members to the current staff and volunteers, each person has played a crucial role in shaping the organisation into what it is today.

Under the current and very strong stewardship of Chairman Cavaliere Dr Antonio Cocchiaro AM and Vice Chairman Mr Silvio Iadarola, along with Chief Executive Officer Andrew McFarlane, Bene Aged Care continues to thrive and expand its services, ensuring the highest quality of care for the community. Dr Cocchiaro has led Bene as the Chair, along with the board, for almost three years. He is a well known, well regarded and highly respected community leader. He still works full-time as a GP at the medical practice that he and his brother set up over 40 years ago in Adelaide's west, and he brings solid life experience and expertise to Bene.

In 2004, Dr Cocchiaro received an Order of Australia medal for his service to the development of multiculturalism in South Australia through community organisations and his work to support the social and cultural interests of the Italian community. Dr Cocchiaro is also an honorary life member of the Multicultural Communities Council and served as the president of Radio Italiana from 2012 to 2019, among many other roles he has played within the state, advocating for not only the Italian community but all multicultural communities.

Tony Cocchiaro and his wife, Toni Cocchiaro—the husband and wife team have almost identical names and sometimes people do confuse them—are both beautiful people who are passionate about cultural diversity and fostering communities where people of cultural and linguistic diversity feel very well connected and valued in the South Australian community.

The Italian Benevolent Foundation's 50^th anniversary is a testament to the vision, dedication and hard work of everyone involved. It would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the board, staff and volunteers, whose leadership has helped guide this organisation over the past five decades.

Looking ahead, the Italian Benevolent Foundation remains committed to its mission of providing exceptional care and support to the Italian South Australian community through Bene Aged Care. The organisation continues to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of its residents and embracing new opportunities to enhance its services. It is a great honour to be able to move this motion today to recognise the Italian Benevolent Foundation and Bene Aged Care. We wish them a very happy 50^th anniversary and another 50 successful years ahead. With those remarks, I commend the motion.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. I.K. Hunter.