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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-11-12 Daily Xml
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Sicilia Social and Sports Club

The Hon. J.S. LEE (16:44): I move:

That this council—

1. Congratulates the Sicilia Social and Sports Club Inc. on reaching the remarkable milestone of its 50th anniversary in 2025;

2. Commends the founding members, current and past presidents and board members as well as staff, volunteers and community supporters for their dedication and service to South Australia's diverse Italian community;

3. Recognises that since its establishment in 1975 the Sicilia Club has played a vital role in promoting and preserving the cultural traditions and values of Italian migrants with Sicilian heritage and providing a supportive, social network for its members; and

4. Celebrates the Sicilia Club’s legacy and significant contributions to enhancing multiculturalism in our state and its ongoing efforts to support the Italian-Australian community to actively contribute to the economic, social and cultural life of South Australia.

It is a great honour to rise today to offer congratulations on and celebrate a remarkable milestone in South Australia's multicultural history, the 50th anniversary of the Sicilia Social and Sports Club. This is an extraordinary achievement that speaks volumes about the vision, resilience and community spirit of our Italian-Australian community. Since its establishment in 1975, the Sicilia Club, as it is fondly known, has been a vibrant hub for cultural exchange, friendship, and support, a place where traditions are cherished and passed down through generations.

Firstly, I would like to congratulate the Sicilia Social and Sports Club on reaching this 50-year milestone. Fifty years is not a number; it represents five decades of dedication, countless hours of volunteer service and an unwavering commitment to preserving the proud heritage of Italian migrants from Sicily who made South Australia their home.

I commend the founding members, past and present presidents, board members, staff, volunteers and community supporters who have worked tirelessly to ensure the club's success over the last five decades. Their efforts have created a welcoming space where Sicilian culture thrives and where members can celebrate their identity while embracing the opportunities of life in Australia.

I wish to pay special tribute to Mrs Rita Bianca Palumbo, who has served as the club's president since 2008. Rita is a force to be reckoned with, a warm and welcoming presence who has been very ably steering the club for more than 15 years. She is far too humble to sing her own praises, so I take this opportunity to do so. Under Rita's strong and capable leadership the Sicilia Club has undertaken major renovations, including the refurbishment of the beloved bocce courts in 2019.

I have a long association with the club and have certainly seen them successfully complete a stunning refurbishment of the club hall in 2022 under the Marshall Liberal government, modernising the hall to increase hire opportunities and further support the diverse multicultural communities of South Australia.

Rita's story is a testament to leadership and service. After emigrating to Australia at the age of 10, she became the first Italian secretary of the Good Neighbour Council of Australia at just 16 years of age. Over the years she has volunteered with many organisations, from the Italian Coral and Arts Society and Doppio Teatro's Pulcinella Troupe to pivotal roles in Australia Donna and PISA, now known as Nonna's Cucina. She also earned the golden mike award for her outstanding voluntary service at 5EBI ethnic broadcasters, where she trained and mentored others in radio production and broadcasting.

Under Rita's dedicated leadership the Sicilia Club has flourished, hosting countless wonderful events, from cultural festivals and sporting activities to monthly dinner dances, strengthening bonds within the Italian community as well as the broader Australian multicultural society.

Since 1975, the Sicilia Club has played a vital role in promoting and preserving the cultural traditions and values of Italian migrants with Sicilian heritage. Through music, dance, language and cuisine the club has ensured that younger generations remain connected to their roots while fostering pride in their identity.

The club's legacy extends beyond cultural preservation. It has provided a strong social network for its members—a place of belonging, friendship and mutual support. For many migrants this sense of community was essential in navigating the challenges of settling into a new country. Today that spirit of solidarity continues as the club welcomes people from diverse backgrounds and promotes inclusivity.

I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge and commend the pioneering founding members who first came together in 1973 to create a gathering place for the Sicilian migrants in South Australia. Their vision gave rise in 1975 to the Siculo club, which became the Sicilia Social and Sports Club in 1978. Through years of planning, fundraising and perseverance the club purchased its first premises in Camden Park in the 1980s before acquiring land in Klemzig where the current hall and clubrooms were constructed and opened in March 1992.

I also want to pay tribute to the leadership of past presidents including Francesco Augello, Angelo Dilena, Vincenzo Perrone, Angelo Dilena, Leonardo Perrone, Raffaele Brianni, Vincenzo Dilena, Giuseppe (Joe) La Scala and Biagio Barbaro, whose contributions shaped the club's proud history.

It was wonderful to reflect on these stories at the Sicilia Club at the 50th anniversary celebration on 25 October. Heartfelt congratulations to Rita, secretary Josie Galipo, the management committee and the many volunteers and supporters for their outstanding efforts organising the spectacular gala dinner. It was a night filled with warmth, music, great food of course, and lots of beautiful reflections.

The gala was a true testament to the club's enduring impact, a heartfelt tribute to those pioneers and a celebration of the generations who have continued to shape the club's success. Special thanks also to Galipo Food Company for its longstanding commitment to supporting the club and many events over the years, and to all the volunteers, sponsors and contributors who made the night so memorable.

Over the years, the Sicilia Club has become a cornerstone of the South Australian Italian community, serving not only as a home for migrants and descendants from Sicily but as a hub for multicultural events and intercultural connections. Its story reminds us that South Australia's strength lies in its diversity and in the contributions of communities like the Sicilia Club.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Sicilia Social and Sports Club on this significant 50th anniversary. May they grow stronger, may their friendships continue and may they always be the hub and the spirit of the Italian community from Sicily. I commend the motion to the chamber.

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

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