Motions

Madonna di Montevergine Festa

The Hon. J.S. LEE (15:59): I move:

That this council—

1. Celebrates the 70^th anniversary of the Madonna di Montevergine Festa, held at St Francis of Assisi parish in Newton, recognising it as one of South Australia's most enduring and culturally significant religious festivals, reflecting the deep faith and traditions of the Italian-Australian community;

2. Acknowledges the historical origins of the Festa, first celebrated in 1955 by migrants from the Campania region of Italy, and its continued role in fostering intergenerational connection, cultural preservation, and community pride;

3. Commends the Holy Mary of Montevergine Association and the many volunteers and parishioners whose dedication and service have sustained the Festa for seven decades, ensuring its growth and relevance in contemporary multicultural South Australia;

4. Recognises the outstanding contribution of Mr Domenico Zollo OAM, long-serving President of the Festa, whose leadership and commitment have been instrumental in maintaining the event's legacy and strengthening ties within the Italian-Australian community; and

5. Congratulates Mr Zollo on being awarded the Italian honour of Cavaliere during the 70^th anniversary celebrations held on 28 September 2025, in recognition of his distinguished service to the community and his role in promoting cultural harmony and civic engagement.

It is a great honour to rise today to acknowledge and celebrate another significant milestone in South Australia's rich multicultural heritage, the 70^th anniversary of the Madonna di Montevergine Festa. Held at St Francis of Assisi parish in Newton each year, the Festa is one of South Australia's most enduring and culturally significant religious festivals. It reflects the deep faith, rich traditions and community spirit of our Italian-Australian community, particularly those who migrated from the Campania region of Italy.

Since its inception in 1955, the Festa has been a beloved cornerstone of South Australia's Italian community, bringing together generations of families in celebration of the Madonna di Montevergine, and fostering intergenerational connections, cultural preservation and community pride. I wish to take this opportunity to recognise the incredible dedication and efforts of the Holy Mary of Montevergine Association, and the countless volunteers, parishioners, supporters and sponsors who have sustained this event over the years.

In 1953, the founding members of the association gathered in the home of Mr Orlando Saccone, inspired to continue practising their faith, culture and tradition of pilgrimage in their new home in South Australia. The founding members asked permission from the Franciscan Fathers at the St Francis of Assisi Church to have a small painting of the Madonna, or Holy Mary, brought out from Italy in order to hold a traditional feast day procession and pilgrimage to celebrate their devotion to the Madonna. In doing so, they established a legacy that continues to thrive seven decades later, drawing thousands of devotees from across South Australia and interstate each year.

I wish to particularly commend Cavaliere Domenico Zollo OAM, whose leadership and commitment have been instrumental in maintaining the dream of those founding members and ensuring that Festa remains relevant and inclusive for all. Domenico has been involved in the Holy Mary of Montevergine Association for more than 45 years, and is the longest serving president of the association, having served in this role since 1988. In this role, Domenico has dedicated his time and passion for more than three decades to the growth and success of this important event. His tireless effort in securing sponsorship, government support and engaging younger generations have ensured the continual vitality and vibrancy of the Festa.

Domenico's contributions and leadership extend beyond this single event. He has served on the Festas committee of St Francis of Assisi Church since 1988, and has been actively involved with the Campania Sports and Social Club and Radio Italiana 531, earning life membership in both organisations for his significant contributions. In recognition of his outstanding service to the South Australian-Italian community, Mr Zollo was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2019.

It was an honour to attend the 70^th anniversary of the Festa on Sunday 28 September, and join the community in this iconic celebration alongside many dignitaries, community leaders and parliamentary colleagues. The event was made even more memorable by a very special award presentation. I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Domenico on receiving the Italian Order of Cavaliere during the 70^th anniversary celebrations. The prestigious recognition reflects his distinguished service to the Italian community of South Australia and his enduring commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between South Australia and Italy.

In reflecting on his involvement and memories of the Festa and the association over the years, Domenico highlighted that, while the founders of the association have all sadly passed away, their passion lives on through their sons, daughters, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren, who are now proudly involved in the Festa each year. It is a beautiful testament to the dedication, devotion and community spirit which has been passed on from generation to generation.

I recently hosted a special a reception in Parliament House for a number of multicultural community organisations celebrating milestone anniversaries this year. I asked each of the representatives to say a few words in reflection about their history and achievements. In his usual style, Domenico was extremely humble and highlighted unwavering support and outstanding contributions of the committee, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who have made the Festa over the decades.

Thank you once again to all those who have helped to preserve and honour the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Campania region and for their significant contributions to the South Australian-Italian community and the broader multicultural society of our wonderfully diverse state. Congratulations once again to the Holy Mary of Montevergine Association on this special milestone of their 70^th anniversary. I wish the Festa ongoing success and an even brighter future ahead. I commend the motion wholeheartedly. Grazie mille.

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