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House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-10-30 Daily Xml
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Italian Community

Ms WORTLEY (Torrens) (15:37): As members of parliament, we are privileged to attend many events in our local communities. Today I would like to acknowledge two special celebrations I recently attended, celebrations of significant milestones for two wonderful Italian organisations. The Italian Historical Society of South Australia 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner celebration was not just a celebration of a milestone—the night was a tribute to the enduring legacy of Italian migration and its profound impact on our state. I would like to acknowledge and thank the president of the society, Giuseppe Geracitano, known to many as 'Joe', for the invitation and for his valuable contribution.

Since its founding in 2015, the Italian Historical Society has played a vital role in preserving the rich tapestry of Italian heritage in South Australia. Through the collection of primary sources—oral histories of first-generation migrants detailing reasons for emigrating and their challenges and successes upon arrival, letters, photographs and documents—the society has created a living archive, one that tells the story of courage, resilience and contribution.

The society's flagship publication La Partenza: Journey to a New Beginning showcases stories, research and articles on Italian migration. Its project 'A trunk full of dreams and a suitcase full of memories' makes primary data publicly accessible. In addition, the society interviews key figures who have contributed to South Australia in business, culture, sport and, of course, food.

The migrant stories of the Italian community are important chapters in South Australia's story and its postwar evolution as a multicultural state. From the earliest Italian migrants to more recent young arrivals, we will forever appreciate the legacy and the influence of those who made the journey halfway across the world to start a new life here in Australia. I am sure the Deputy Speaker will agree with me on that.

The first documented Italian migrant to our state, Antonio Giannoni, lived in High Street, Kensington, having arrived here in 1839. He started the first horse-drawn tram service in South Australia. Antonio's son, Peter, was the first Italian Australian to be elected mayor in South Australia, leading the then Town of Kensington and Norwood from 1920 to 1922. Preserving these stories is not just about looking back, it is about educating future generations, fostering understanding and strengthening our shared identity. Stories like Antonio's help shape the South Australian Italian story and, importantly, shape the South Australian story.

The contribution of the Italian community is being felt in every aspect of our society, particularly through the migration postwar period. The work of the society ensures that the voices and experiences of Italian South Australians are never forgotten. Congratulations to Joe and the Italian Historical Society of South Australia team for their incredible work documenting the history of our South Australian Italian community. Ten years of work through exhibitions, community programs and historical initiatives, ensuring Italian migration stories live on for generations to come, is truly worth celebrating.

The second event was the Sicilia Social and Sports Club Golden Jubilee Gala. It was a night to remember celebrating the past 50 years. President, Rita Palumbo, has been at the helm for the past 18 years doing an extraordinary job with her dedication to the South Australian Sicilian community, and the evening was testament to this. Of course, Rita has a hardworking committee to assist her, along with many selfless and dedicated volunteers. I acknowledge their valuable contribution today to the success of the club.

On the evening, recognition was given to the contribution of those who have gone before to help make the club what it is today, reflecting on early days when the first clubrooms were located at Camden Park before relocating to Klemzig in 1992. Like other cultural organisations, the Sicilia Social and Sports Club has humble beginnings, with pioneers leaving a proud legacy for those who follow, embracing the traditions of the past and working to ensure they were carried forward into the next generation.

Sicily played a significant role in the story of Italian migration to Australia, with many migrants from both the mainland and Sicily itself leaving from the port city of Messina to start a new life. These migrant journeys that started decades ago with sacrifice, struggle and ultimately success, both individually and collectively, are part of South Australia's Italian migration story. I congratulate the club on its golden jubilee and thank them for their valuable contribution to our South Australian community.

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