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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2024-09-25 Daily Xml
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Nonna's Cucina

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. J.S. Lee:

That this council—

1. Congratulates Nonna's Cucina for reaching a special milestone of their 25th anniversary in 2024;

2. Recognises that Nonna's Cucina is a unique community-based meal service provider where all meals are prepared fresh daily by qualified chefs and a trained team, and these nutritional meals are delivered safely by culturally and linguistically friendly staff and volunteers to the doors and homes of the aged, people with disabilities and people who may have special needs, predominantly within the Italian community of South Australia;

3. Acknowledges the important work of founding members, current and past presidents, board members and volunteers of Nonna's Cucina for their hard work, dedication and contributions in delivering 25 years of outstanding community service in South Australia;

4. Commends Nonna's Cucina for working collaboratively with government agencies, corporate organisations and other multicultural community organisations to deliver meal services and support those in need to remain living in their own homes; and

5. Reflects on the many achievements of Nonna's Cucina over the past 25 years and recognises the impact of Nonna's Cucina and its contributions to enrich multicultural South Australia.

(Continued from 28 August 2024.)

The Hon. T.T. NGO (22:38): I rise to speak in support of this motion and acknowledge the 25th anniversary of Nonna's Cucina. Nonna's Cucina provides an important meals-on-wheels service to our Italian community. This highly valued not-for-profit organisation is funded through the federal health department. As has been acknowledged on many occasions in this chamber, our Italian community has been one of the most significant contributors to our state. Their sheer hard work, enterprise and many cultural contributions have benefited all South Australians.

Italian food culture is rich with rituals that have been shared over many decades. The process of preparing food, like making homemade pasta, bread or sauces, is done with great care and pride. Seasonal festivals, such as olive oil harvests, wine production and religious holidays, make food an integral part of Italian cultural celebrations. It is heartwarming to know that a community that has given so much to many South Australian communities is being looked after in their later years.

Originally established in 1999, the Italian home delivery of meals and services initially came under the auspices of Multicultural Aged Care, who provided services to SA's culturally and linguistically diverse communities. In 2004, Nonna's Cucina moved into their own premises at Firle, with a full kitchen allowing them to cook their own meals. It was in 2019 that Nonna's Cucina took on the name we all know them by, and in 2020 they identified with the wider community and created the Grandma Menu. This menu offers a new selection of dishes providing a wider choice of meals that cater to a variety of culinary experiences, allowing Nonna's Cucina to expand their reach to non-Italian members of the community.

Food holds a significant place in Italian culture. It has always been embedded in the celebration of community, fertility and land. Australians know how food is synonymous with family and community in many other cultures, too. Just as it is for the Italian community, food is a way of expressing love and hospitality.

For many seniors, social isolation can become a part of ageing as partners and long-term friendships are lost with the passing of time. The interaction clients get from volunteers can be vital for the health and wellbeing of those living alone and needing care. Nonna's Cucina staff are more than volunteers; I have been told that they often become friends and family to many of the clients.

Nonna's Cucina has recently purchased a facility in Holden Hill, which is five times bigger than their current premises. Food for our Italian community is much more than sustenance, it is an expression of cultural pride, regional identity and social connection. This new, bigger kitchen will be well used and the universal appeal of pasta, pizza and the other culinary delights produced by Nonna's Cucina will be enjoyed by many.

The importance of this organisation's community service is highly valued by this state government, which is why the Malinauskas Labor government has provided $170,000 to assist with the refrigeration units at Nonna's Cucina's new facility. Around 900 items of food for around 300 clients five days a week are delivered by more than 100 volunteers.

Italy's rich history and culinary diversity is part of Nonna's Cucina's vision. Special mention must go to Franca Antonello, Silvio Iaderola and Gosia Skalban, who were fundamental in establishing this vision. On behalf of the Labor Malinauskas government, I want to thank the current leadership of Nonna's Cucina: president, Rebecca Staltari; CEO, Marco Staltari; general manager, Dario Fabretto; and the entire executive team.

Special mention must also go to Rosa Matto, the patron, who I am told has been an unbelievable mentor, volunteer and chef. Also to the executive chef, Stefan Dimasi, and to the countless volunteers who brighten the lives of so many in the community, thank you. Finally, I thank the Hon. Jing Lee for bringing this motion to the chamber. Once again, on behalf of the Malinauskas government, we give it our full support.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (22:44): I would like to thank the Hon. Tung Ngo for his wonderful contribution and his unwavering support for multicultural communities, in this instance paying tribute to Nonna's Cucina for their 25th anniversary. I am sure Nonna's Cucina will really appreciate that deeper appreciation and the remarks by the Hon. Tung Ngo. With those comments, I commend the motion.

Motion carried.

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