SOCIETÀ ISOLE EOLIE MELBOURNE
836 LYGON STREET, CARLTON NORTH, VIC. 3054 AUSTRALIA

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Eolie Melbourne

Home of the Società Isole Eolie Melbourne

Events

Children’s Christmas Party & Free Members BBQ

Children's Christmas Party & FREE Member's BBQ

Our Children’s Christmas Party & Member’s BBQ is now the Mercato: Festa Eoliana
on Sunday 19th November 2023
Please click HERE to find out more 
The event is still FREE for Members

SOME OF OUR EVENTS

Aeolian Genealogy Seminar
Aeolian Genealogy Seminar/Webinar
Annual Keast Park Picnic
Annual Keast Park Picnic
Children's Christmas Party & Free Members BBQ
Children’s Christmas Party & Free Members BBQ
Festa di San Bartolomeo
Festa di San Bartolomeo
Mercato: Festa Eoliana
Mercato: Festa Eoliana

Mercato: Festa Eoliana

Mercato: Festa Eoliana

(Formally Market Day & Children’s Christmas Party & Members BBQ)

Sunday 10th November 2024 | 9 am to 4 pm
Eolian Hall, 836 Lygon Street Carlton North
Program of the Day:

9 am – 3 pm Market Stalls are open
10:30 am Public BBQ at the front of Eolian Hall opens (Cost displayed on the day)
12 pm BBQ and Salads Available  (Free for Members)
3 pm -4 pm Children’s Entertainment, Book Reading, Santa & La Befana visit. 

Open All Day – Upstairs Museo Società Isole Eolie and Resource Centre

EVERYONE (MEMBERS & NON MEMBERS/GENERAL PUBLIC) ARE WELCOME.

12pm BBQ & Salad Lunch

SIE MEMBERS: FREE Mercato: Festa Eoliana has taken over the annual Children’s Christmas Party & Members BBQ.
We welcome Members to enjoy a Free BBQ and Salads.

GENERAL PUBLIC/ NON-MEMBERS: Are very welcome to enjoy the BBQ and Salads at the prices indicated or are welcome to become members of the SIE for $30 per year.

On the day there will be Tea/Coffee as well as other foods that can be purchased.

STALL SPACES AVAILABLE

Stall spaces are available to showcase your clothes, arts & crafts, jewellery cakes, fruit and vegetables, biscuits, jams, bric-a-brac, and more.

Various-sized stalls are available. Stall spaces start at $30. 

On the day there will be delicious food & coffee, a sausage sizzle, popcorn, a Lucky Chance Spinning Wheel game, Face Painting, a Raffle, and Eolian Food Specialities.

Please contact Bernard Mandile on 0412 035 490 or fill out the form to enquire about a stall space.

RULES & REGULATIONS FOR STALL HOLDERS

1)     Stall fees are $30 per stall (standard size is 2000 x 2400) or $50 for two or $20 for half a stall.

2)     Stall sites are allocated at the Market Committee’s discretion.

3)     Stall trestles may be hired at $10 each. (1 weeks notice needed)

4)     Send your Stallholder Application form and fee/s to: Bernard Mandile PO Box 431 Albert Park 3206 VIC. Cheques payable to Society Isole Eolie or by internet transfer.

5)     Stall holders must provide their own insurance and the Market Committee will not accept any liability for damaged products or products that may be defected.

6)     Raffle tickets may NOT be sold.

7)     Stall holders must confine their displays and signs to the stall site and keep walkways clear.

8)     Stall holders are responsible for keeping their site clean and tidy.

9)     It is the responsibility of the stallholder to trade in accordance with State and Local Government regulations.

10)  It is the responsibility of the stallholder to ensure they conform to any Australian standards pertaining to their product.

11)  Smoking is not permitted in the hall.

12)  Loud product promotion by stallholders is not permitted.

13)  Stalls may not pack up until the advertising closing time, unless prior permission has been sought from the Market Committee.

14)  Società Isole Eolie has no responsibility for damages to persons or goods.

15)  The Market Committee has the right to reject any stallholder who they believe does not comply with the stated regulations.

16)  In the interest of health and safety, no animals are permitted in the Eolian Hall.

17)  Payment of fees must be paid by Friday the 16th of November and stalls are not confirmed until payments are received.

18)  14 day notice is required for a refund either by email, fax or post.

Once clicked the form will automatically download to your computer.

If you have any questions or would like to enquire about the possibility of having a stall space please fill in your details below. Multiple stall spaces are available.

MEMBERS ATTENDANCE & CHILD GIFT NOMINATION FORM

Click the button below to RSVP your attendance to the FREE BBQ or/and to nominate and pay for a Child or multiple children to receive a gift from Santa at our Festa Eoliana.

The Free Member’s BBQ Lunch will be at 12 pm. Non-members are welcome and pay a small fee.

Santa will be arriving at 3 pm on the day. Please make sure the child is present to receive a gift.
For a child to receive a gift the cost is $25 per Child.

RSVP Closes Tuesday 5th of November.

SOME OF OUR EVENTS

Aeolian Genealogy Seminar
Aeolian Genealogy Seminar/Webinar
Annual Keast Park Picnic
Annual Keast Park Picnic
Children's Christmas Party & Free Members BBQ
Children’s Christmas Party & Free Members BBQ
Festa di San Bartolomeo
Festa di San Bartolomeo
Mercato: Festa Eoliana
Mercato: Festa Eoliana

Annual Keast Park Picnic

Annual Keast Park Picnic - Sunday 4th February 2024

Join us for a day out enjoyed by generations over the years…
Everyone and anyone is welcome to attend and participate.

Spend a day out near the beach with the whole family and don’t forget to bring your yummy panini and cotolette.
The fun-filled day consists of:
  • running races for all ages – with ribbons & medals to be won,
  • egg and spoon races,
  • sack races’
  • 3-legged races
  • our traditional watermelon eating contest,
  • Men and  Women Tug of War competition,
  • Miss and Mr Isole Eolie Quest,
  • Entertainment
  • FREE watermelon,
  • a raffle and soo much more…….

No Bookings are required for this event. 

PARKING
Onsite Parking organised by the SIE is available on-site. We kindly suggest a $25 donation per car upon entry to help go towards the picnic expenses. Each person in the car will receive a wristband and a copy of the picnic brochure.

WALK-INS
Guests can come and go as they please during the day. We kindly suggest a $5 donation per person upon entry to help go towards the picnic expenses. Each person will receive a wristband and a copy of the picnic brochure.

TENTS
Tent space is limited at Keast Park so we do suggest coming early before 9 am to set up your tent. We will provide assistance where you can setup your tent. Normally a 3x3m area can be allocated for you, with a maximum of a 3x6m space.

TABLE, CHAIRS, UMBRELLAS, ETC
We welcome you to bring your own portable tables, chairs and umbrellas.

FOOD & DRINKS
Please bring your own food and drinks. Some years we have gelato carts and other various food carts. Onsite there is the Crackerjack Restaurant with sit-down and takeaway meals and drinks.

RESTROOMS
Onsite restrooms are present under the CrackerJack Restaurant.

WANT TO SPONSOR ONE OF OUR RACES?

Name a race on behalf of yourself, your family or a passed loved one for only $100. 

Contact Us in January to put your name as part of a race.

LIST OF EVENTS

  1. MEN’S WATERMELON EATING COMPETITION
  2. WOMEN’S WATERMELON EATING COMPETITION
  3. BOYS’ WATERMELON EATING COMPETITION
  4. GIRLS’ WATERMELON EATING COMPETITION
  5. BOYS’ TINY TOTS – UNDER 3 YEARS SPRINT
  6. GIRLS’ TINY TOTS – UNDER 3 YEARS SPRINT
  7. BOYS’ UNDER 5 SPRINT
  8. GIRLS’ UNDER 5 SPRINT
  9. BOYS’ UNDER 7 SPRINT
  10. GIRLS’ UNDER 7 SPRINT
  11. BOYS’ UNDER 9 SPRINT
  12. GIRLS’ UNDER 9 SPRINT
  13. BOYS’ UNDER 11 SPRINT
  14. GIRLS’ UNDER 11 SPRINT
  15. BOYS’ UNDER 13 SPRINT
  16. GIRLS’ UNDER 13 SPRINT
  17. BOYS’ EGG & SPOON RACE
  18. GIRLS’ EGG & SPOON RACE
  19. MEN’S EGG & SPOON RACE
  20. WOMEN’S EGG & SPOON RACE
  21. BOYS’ 3-LEGGED RACE
  22. GIRLS’ 3-LEGGED RACE
  23. MEN’S 3-LEGGED RACE
  24. WOMEN’S 3-LEGGED RACE
  25. BOYS’ SACK RACE
  26. GIRLS’ SACK RACE
  27. WOMEN’S SACK RACE
  28. MEN’S SACK RACE
  29. WOMEN’S OPEN TUG-OF-WAR
  30. MEN’S OPEN TUG-OF-WAR

1955 Annual Picnic

2019 70th Anniversary of the Annual Picnic

2020 Keast Park Annual Picnic

A History of our Annual Picnic
1929 – Today

Since its beginning, our community gathers on the first Sunday of February for the annual Società Isole Eolie Family Picnic. A celebration of our cultural heritage, the picnic brings the Aeolian people together and signals the start of a new year of club activities.

The first official event was held in 1929 at Aspendale Racecourse and later moved to Seaford; eventually returning to Aspendale where it remained until the outbreak of World War II.

After the close of the war, the SMSIE officially reconvened in 1948. Meetings were held at the Cavour Club in Cecil Street, South Melbourne. The Tradition of the annual family picnic was restored at Keast Park in Seaford.

At the beginning of the 1950s, the annual family picnic was restored to its pre-war levels of vigour and enthusiasm. Aeolian families once again swarmed to the annual picnic to enjoy a day filled with wholesome fun by sharing homemade Aeolian Foods and participating in the many games and events, such as running races, egg and spoon race, a watermelon-eating competition, a tug-of-war, three-legged race (called Siamese race at one time), jumping sack race, a spaghetti-eating contest and even a little bit of old-fashioned boxing.

Although Keast Park has undergone many face-lifts since the 1950’s the picnic contests continue to be a focus for each new generation. While most of the traditional events continue to feature each year, the tug-of-war, boxing and the spaghetti-eating contests were abandoned at some point. For instance, the tug-of-war was discontinued after a feud developed disputing its winner.

To celebrate the Anniversary of the 70th picnic held at Keast Park in 2019, the tug-of-war and the spaghetti-eating contests were reinstated for the first time in decades.

During the 60s, the popularity of the SMSIE family picnic continued to grow. A whopping 1500 people were recorded to have attended the annual picnic at Keast Park on Sunday, February 9 in 1962.

During a meeting held at the Cavour Club in 1967, the SMSIE committee agrees to the introduction of a Miss Isole Eolie guest to the annual picnic’s proceedings.

The first Miss Isole Eolie was elected in the summer of 1968, but unfortunately, as with many of the following years’ winners, the actual name of ‘La Bella Signorina’, as noted in the committee minutes, was never recorded.

The first recorded winner, Lisa Caponio was elected in 1970 on Sunday the 22nd of February at Keast Park.

In 1971, the quest finished controversially when a non-Italian was declared the winner. The results fuelled a heated discussion at the following general election.

The title of Miss Isole Eolie became a highly-regarded position. The 1976 winner, Rosina Fonti, instigated the visiting of patients at the Royal Children’s Hospital and the 1980 winner Teresa Luca went on to win the Italian Community Miss Charity Princess of that same year.

Unfortunately, in some years bad weather prevented the quest from taking place and a winner was never elected.

The Mr Isole Eolie Contest was introduced in 1996.

In 2011, the construction of the community pavilion at Keast Park required the annual picnic to be transferred to an alternative venue, Elwood Beach. Consequently, a Miss and Mr Isole Eolie were not elected.

Again, in 2016, Keast Park underwent further redevelopment which included improvements to the playground and general park facilities. Though the annual picnic is able to continue, the diminished availability of clear space now provides challenges to the staging of some of the picnic traditional events.

EXPLORE

1934 Members
1934 Members
Bob Dimattina & Antonio Bongiorno Acland St St Kilda c.1920s
Aeolian Fruiterers
Aeolian Genealogy Seminar
Aeolian Genealogy Seminar/Webinar
Cudduri Di Pasqua
Aeolian Recipes
Annual Keast Park Picnic
Annual Keast Park Picnic
Children's Christmas Party & Free Members BBQ
Children’s Christmas Party & Free Members BBQ
Aeolian Genealogy Seminar
Discovering My Aeolian History: Video Series
Festa di San Bartolomeo
Festa di San Bartolomeo
From Volcanoes, We Sailed
From Volcanoes We Sailed
Historical Photo Archive
Historical Photo Archive
History of Eolian Hall
History of Eolian Hall
Honour Board
Honour Board
1970 Societa Mutuo Soccorso Isole Eolie Committee Meeting
In Memoriam
Mercato: Festa Eoliana
Mercato: Festa Eoliana
Miss and Mr Isole Eolie 2019
Miss and Mr Isole Eolie
Museo Società Isole Eolie and Resource Centre
Museo Società Isole Eolie and Resource Centre
Notable Aeolian-Australians
Notable Aeolian-Australians
Supporters Wall
Supporters Wall

Festa di San Bartolomeo

Festa di San Bartolomeo

San Bartolomeo is the Patron Saint of Aeolians and le Isole Eolie, whose feast day (festa) is celebrated on the 24th of August.

As religion and festivals were an integral part of Italian-life, newly arrived Aeolians sought to
re-create an environment similar to that of their motherland, so religious confraternities were formed to upkeep the devotion to patron saints of their hometown.

The first religious Aeolian confraternity in Melbourne was that of the Madonna del Terzito in Hawthorn in the early 1960s. In the next few years, some of the members of the then S.M.S.I.E founded other confraternities in honour of their Patron Saints: Santo Stefano, San Lorenzo and Madonna della Catena.

It was on the 26 May 1966, through the initiative of Chaplain Padre Don Vincenzo D’Amico, that the Confraternita San Bartolomeo was constituted. The first five annual meetings were held in private houses until the 28th of September in 1971 when they were moved to the Eolian Hall.

The first executive committee consisted of:
President – Bartolo Natoli
Secretary – Antonino Molinia
Treasurer – Marino Casamento;
Chaplain – Padre Vincenzo D’Amico.

In Melbourne, the Festa had beginnings before World War Two at St. Ignatius’ Church in Richmond.
After the war, it was transferred to the former St. George’s Church in Carlton until 1973 when it was decided that it would be held at the Santuario di Sant’Antonio in Hawthorn where San Bartolomeo already had an alter and niche for over ten years.  It is still celebrated to this day at the Santuario di Sant’Antonio in Hawthorn.

Originally, the Festa would start in the morning at St. Anthony’s Shrine, with a Solemn Mass, followed by an afternoon Mass and the Procession of the Statue, which was accompanied by a brass band.
This worked well for many years, but due to dwindling numbers and other contributing factors, in 2015 it was decided that the festivities will be held only in the afternoon.

Although the locations and times may have changed throughout the years, the Festa di San Bartolomeo continues to be celebrated on the first Sunday after the 24th of August; with the accompanying Dinner Dance at the Eolian Hall the night before.

Aug 1978 San Bartolomeo Procession at St Anthony's Hawthorn.
The Festa Proceedings

Today the ladies of the committee of the Societa’ Isole Eolie and of the Confraternita San Bartolomeo, with the collaboration of some devotees, decorate the statue of San Bartolomeo and the main altar at the church with fragrant and colourful fresh seasonal flowers which have always been donated by Charlie Santospirito.

At the end of the rosary, the procession of the statue begins with the participation of the priest, the other religious confraternities present with their banners, of San Bartolomeo, San Lorenzo, Santo Stefano, Madonna del Terzito di Hawthorn, Madonna delle Catene, the band of the Ferrovie dello Stato, and of the numerous attendees.

The religious services conclude with the traditional kiss of the “Vascelluzzu”, the relic of San Bartolomeo, prayers and songs to the patron saint of the Aeolian archipelago.

Dates of other Festa Days:

18th June – Festa of St. Anthony
Saint Anthony’s Shrine, Hawthorn
10am – Mass, 2pm- Procession, 3pm – Mass in Italian

23rd July- Festa of Madonna del Terzito
Saint Anthony’s Shrine, Hawthorn
10am – Mass {No procession}

6th August – Festa of Santo Stefano
Saint Anthony’s Shrine, Hawthorn
10am – Mass {No procession}

13th August – Festa of San Lorenzo
Saint Anthony’s Shine, Hawthorn
2pm – Procession, 3pm – Mass in Italian

27th August – Festa of San Bartolomeo
Saint Anthony’s Shrine, Hawthorn
2pm- Procession, 3pm – Mass in Italian, with refreshments after Mass.

10th September – Festa of Madonna delle Catene
Saint Luke’s, Lalor
2pm – Procession, 3pm – Mass in Italian, with refreshments after Mass.

Inno a San Bartolomeo

Viva San Bartolo – nostro Patrono
Viva l’Araldo – del Redentor
Tutti raccolti – presso al suo trono,
Orsù, cantiamo –  gloria al Signor.

Bartolomeo Santo- noi ricorriamo a te;
Benigno ascolta- la prece e il canto
Di chi t’invoca – pieno di fė.      (bis)

D’Asia e D’America – I’infide sponde
Dove supremo – regna l’error,
Baldo Legge Santa- del suo Signor.

Bartolomeo Santo, Ecc.

Tremano I barberi –freme il tiranno,
Scossi da tanta – nobil virtù,
Martirio atroce – subir gli fanno,
Mentre egli invoca – Cristo Gesù.

Bartolomeo Santo, ecc

Le sue pupille – pregne di pianto,
Al Ciel solleva – tutto bontà:
Come il Maestro – sul monte santo,
Perdono implora – sull’empietà.

Bartolomeo Santo, ecc.

In marmo chiuse – le spoglie sante
Un coro d’angioli –portan sul mar
Lipari tutto – corre festante
Il suo Patrono – ad acclamar.

Bartolomeo Santo, ecc.

Tosto si veggono – grandi portenti!
D’ogni paese – d’ogni città
Alla sua tomba – vengon le genti
Ad implorare – tanta bontà.

Bartolomeo Santo, ecc.

D’Italia nostro – la Fede ardente
Che tanto Gloria – le diede ognor
Deh! rinnovella – tra nostra gente
E la richiama – al suo Signor.

Bartolomeo Santo, ecc.

Il tuo esempio – ci sia di stella
Per seguir sempre – la verità :
Tu ci proteggi – nella procella
Quando il nemico – guerra ci fa.

Bartolomeo Santo, ecc.

A te benigno – noi affidiamo
Le nostre gioie – ed I dolor:
Deh! Tu ci ottieni – noi t’imploriamo
La Santa Grazia – del Redentor.

Bartolomeo Santo, ecc.

2018 San Bartolomeo Luncheon
2018 San Bartolomeo Luncheon

SOME OF OUR EVENTS

Aeolian Genealogy Seminar
Aeolian Genealogy Seminar/Webinar
Annual Keast Park Picnic
Annual Keast Park Picnic
Children's Christmas Party & Free Members BBQ
Children’s Christmas Party & Free Members BBQ
Festa di San Bartolomeo
Festa di San Bartolomeo
Mercato: Festa Eoliana
Mercato: Festa Eoliana

Aeolian Genealogy Seminar/Webinar

Seminar/Webinar Session Date:
Sunday 27th October 2024

Seminar | Eolian Hall | 9 am-4:30 pm (AEDT)
Webinar | Zoom Webinar | 10 am-4:30 pm (AEDT)

Cost:   $45  AUD

REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

The presentations are in English.

Those who have registered, please click the orange Webinar Replay Button to watch the recordings included with your registration.

Missed the 10th Aeolian Genealogy Seminar?

All good! Provide payment of $45 below via Paypal/credit card and we will send you a link and password to view the 6 recorded topics from this year’s Aeolian Genealogy Seminar/Webinar.

Cost $45 (AUD) for 3-month access to the recordings. 

Welcome to the 10th edition of the Aeolian Genealogy Seminar/ Webinar.

Starting in 2014, over the past 9 years we have had over 50 topics we have shared with you to help you with your Italian family history.
In our 10th year, we are very excited to present to you another session of topics to help you continue your research.

Organiser: Michael Angelini

Learn more about Michael

Michael Angelini is the grandson of Aeolian born grandparents on his mother’s side, who came from Lipari and Salina. Since 2005 at the age of 15 he has been researching his ancestry and since 2007 has been helping others find their own ancestors.

Michael has created many online indexes from the birth, marriage and death records on the islands relating to the years 1820-1910. He is an active committee member and Assistant Director of Events at the SIE. He aims that his research and data collection will help other descendants from the Aeolian Islands go back further in their ancestry.

Michael Angelini

THIS YEAR’S TOPICS

Key Note Address: Speaking in mother tongues: How language shapes our sociolinguistic identity

Presenter: Janetta Ziino (Keynote Address)

Learn more about Janetta

After many years of teaching – originally as a Primary School Teacher, then an Italian Language Teacher, Janetta returned to university as a mature student upon receiving a scholarship to study an Advanced Diploma in Interpreting at RMIT in 2015.

Janetta is now a practising Certified Interpreter for the Italian community as well as working for the
National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).

A member of the Regional Advisory Council for the Victorian Multicultural Commission,
Janetta is immersed in the Italian community of Melbourne and is the Director of Events for the Società Isole Eolie of Melbourne.

Janetta Ziino

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Topic: The origin of Italian surnames and what they can tell us about our ancestors

An examination of the origin and development of Italian surnames: in particular those from the Aeolian Islands.

Presenter: Joe Russo (Keynote Panellist)

Learn more about Joe

Joe Russo was born in Geelong to parents of Aeolian ancestry from Lipari and Salina. Joe has been researching his own ancestry and the genealogy of the Aeolian Islands, in particular, for over three decades. What started as a hobby grew into a greater appreciation of the islands’ history, culture and especially its rich and often complex genealogical past.

After having created his first website on the subject back in the 1990s when the internet was still relatively unknown, now includes social media and an evolving new website and blog. Joe travels to the Aeolian Islands frequently.

Joe Russo

Joe Russo

KEYNOTE PANELLIST

Topic: Aeolian Migration to America

Discover the establishment of Mutual Aid Societies in American cities.

Presenter: Robert Mandile

Learn more about Robert

Robert Mandile was born in Melbourne. He has completed a Teaching Diploma, and an Arts Degree at LaTrobe University, ‘majoring in History, a Theology Degree and a Graduate Diploma in Religious Education.

 

Robert has taught at eight schools, teaching Years 6 to Year 12, also holding various positions of responsibility spanning 43 years, plus a further 8 years as an emergency teacher. He is now retired from teaching.

 

Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, he spent much time with his family, meeting with relatives and attending various Aeolian events organised by the SIE.

He has always had a love of history and after eight years of research published a book in 2010 of family trees and personal stories entitled ‘From the Aeolian Islands to Melbourne and Sydney’.

A total of 205 copies were first published, and 40 copies of a second edition were printed several years later. A further 30 updated copies have been printed in the last couple of years.

Earlier this year he travelled to Europe and North America for 10 weeks adding to his family tree history. He has now identified 2300 blood relatives.

Robert Mandile

Topic: The Filicudi Revolt: No more prisons in our backyard…the tourists are coming!

The Aeolian Islands have since Roman times been regarded as an ideal place to exile prisoners.
Treated by authorities as barren and out-of-sight, mindsets changed in the early 70s when a plan to convert Filicudi into an open-air gaol was put into action.
The resulting ‘ first ever’ rebellion by resident Eoliani was to herald a bold new enterprise- promoting the Islands as an attractive tourist destination.

Presenter: John Barnao

Learn more about John

John Barnao was born in Carlton to parents who migrated from Stromboli. As a first child, he learned the Aeolian dialect. His father Vincenzo first came to Australia in 1927 as a 13-year-old and worked as a typical fruiterer all his life. John studied Economics and Commerce at the University of Melbourne and Arts at Monash.

He then went on to pursue a career in Banking, Accountancy, and Tax. He is a member of various local historical societies and in recent years has been collecting photos and stories of Melbourne’s Aeolian fruit shops.

A few years ago, he wrote a paper for the Italian Historical Society detailing the root causes of Aeolian migration and the significance of the Società’ Isole Eolie in directing the decision of many to come to Australia. He is presently our SIE Treasurer.

John Barnao

John Barnao

Topic: Oral History: A guide to interviewing family members and utilizing them

Gain valuable insight into interview-based story-making where we will look into some creative ways you can bring those interviews to life! You will learn; how to capture identity, culture and experiences of the individual, how to craft good questions, how to consider your (future) audiences, the ethics involved in using interviews and home archives, equipment recommendations, interviewing techniques and some tips for home-archiving.

Presenters: Katrina & Gracie Lolicato

Learn more about Katrina & Gracie Lolicato

Sisters Katrina and Gracie Lolicato are oral historians, social documenters, classroom facilitators, and visual sociologists. Working under the banner of ‘Arc Up Australia’, the sisters blend research knowledge, creative interests and concern for social justice to co-produce exhibitions, publications, projections, podcasts, experimental short films and events with individuals and communities across Victoria. Arc Up projects have been featured, in libraries and on laneway walls, at Federation Square, at White Night, Melbourne; Midsumma, and emerging writers.

Katrina & Gracie Lolicato

Topic: Recollections: A story of three women of Eolian descent

Eolian women are often overlooked, yet a closer examination reveals their profound impact on their families and communities. Discover the remarkable stories of three Eolian women whose resilience and contributions were pivotal to their families’ success and their flourishing during Melbourne’s early days.

Presenter: Vince Lazzaro

Learn more about Vince

Vince Lazzaro is a descendant of Eolian grandparents on both sides of his family. The second eldest of 9 children, Vince is married with two children and 4 grandchildren.
His working career was at the Australian Bureau of Statistics, where he specialised in demographic and employment statistics as well as corporate strategies.
His role included being the media spokesperson.

In 2009, he received an Australia Day Citation “for extending and significantly improving the statistical information available for decision-making in Australia”.
Following retirement in 2011, he joined Hawthorn University of the Third Age where he is an active participant and session leader.

Vince has been learning Italian, travelling, and actively researching his Eolian history over recent years. He has been to Salina on 3 occasions and has compiled the book “Recollections – Le memorie di tre Donne Eoliane” so that his family, especially the younger members, would have an understanding of the special role women played in the family’s immigration experience, and their Eolian heritage.

Vince Lazzaro

FAQ

Here are just a few of the things people frequently ask about our Seminars/Webinars.
If you don’t see your question here, get in touch with us below.

General
When, Where and What time is the Seminar/Webinar?

The 10th Aeolian Genealogy Seminar/Webinar will be held on Sunday 27th October 2024 at Eolian Hall (836 Lygon Street Carlton, Victoria, Australia) and on Zoom Webinar.

The Seminar/Webinar will start at 10 am (AEDT Australian Eastern Daylight Time) in Melbourne, Australia.

10 am for other Time Zones:
Auckland – 12 pm  noon (NZDT) Sunday
London – midnight (BST) Sunday
Los Angeles – 4 pm (PDT) Saturday of the date before
New York – 7 pm (EDT) Saturday of the date before
Roma, Italia – 1 am (CEST) Sunday

I live outside Australia. Can I still register and watch the Seminar/Webinar?

Of course, you can!  We would love for you to join us. Please just pay attention to the time zone difference as all times and dates are stated as Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).

When it is 10 am on Sunday here in Melbourne it is:
Auckland – 12 pm  noon (NZDT) Sunday
London – midnight (BST) Sunday
Los Angeles – 4 pm (PDT) Saturday of the date before
New York – 7 pm (EDT) Saturday of the date before
Roma, Italia – 1 am (CEST) Sunday

How much does the Seminar/Webinar cost?

The cost per person for the Seminar/Webinar is $45 AUD
This is if you will join us in person at Eolian Hall or join us via Zoom Webinar.
For those attending Eolian Hall, an Aeolian Inspired lunch as per previous years is provided.
Upon registration, payment will be requested.

Is there a discount for Societá Isole Eolie Members?

There is no further discount for members. The cost of $45.00 (AUD) per person is for everyone, members including non-members of the Societá Isole Eolie Melbourne.

If you would like to become a member of the Societá Isole Eolie Melbourne and see its benefits please click HERE

How long will the Seminar/Webinar go for?

The webinar/seminar will begin at promptly at 10 am and finish at about 4:30 pm (AEDT)

There will be a morning tea break and a lunch break.

Those attending in person are advised to come in at 9 a.m.

My family comes from another part of Italy. Is this webinar beneficial to me?

The webinar is mainly focused on the Aeolian Islands/ Sicilian themes, though anyone with Italian ancestry will also benefit from these informative presentations as they can be applied to other parts of Italy and give suggestions to build upon your ancestry research.

After Registration
I have registered. What now is my next step?

If you are joining us via ZOOM:

If you have used Zoom before on your computer you should be set to go.
If you haven’t used Zoom before, any time after registration, till before the webinar begins we suggest you download Zoom Client for FREE by clicking HERE
That way before the webinar begins you can click the link in your confirmation email and it will open up in the Zoom Free software.
Other than that… just wait for Sunday the 23rd of October to enjoy an informative session.

If you are joining us in person at Eolian Hall: 

After you have registered, on Sunday 27th of October, please come to Eolian Hall at 9:00 am to begin at 10:00 am sharp.

How do I access/join the webinar after registration?

To join the webinar session, please click the link that you received in the confirmation email after you registered.
You will receive a reminder email 24 hours before the webinar begins and can use the link in that email.

Can more than one person view the webinar session with the same link sent to me?

No. Only one device can view the webinar session at a time with the link sent to you.

During a webinar
Can I ask questions during the webinar?

Yes, feel free to ask questions in the webinar Q&A window during the webinar.
At the end of each presentation, we will have allocated question time with the panellist.

Do I need to mute myself on the webinar?

As an attendee, you will automatically be muted when you enter into the webinar.

Can you see me in the webinar?

As an attendee, we or others will not be able to see you.

After a webinar
I missed the Webinar. Can I re-watch it?

The Webinar will be recorded and will be able to be viewed for a limited time after going live for those who have registered.

If you will not be able to participate in the webinar LIVE with us please email us at sie.melbourne@gmail.com and we can give you access to the webinar after it went live.

NOTE: The recordings will be a recorded video of the webinar session and it won’t be possible to ask questions to our panellists.

Other Questions...

For any other questions, please contact us in the contact form at the bottom of the page.
We are happy to help you out for any questions you may have.

Attending In Person At Eolian Hall
Where is Eolian Hall?

The Seminar will be at Eolian Hall (836 Lygon Street Carlton North, Victoria, Australia)

This is the home of the Aeolians in Melbourne.

If you would like to participate in the seminar in person, please register as you would through Zoom in which there will be a ticket specified for those who will be attending in person at the Eolian Hall.

If at the last minute you will not be able to attend in person, you will still be able to view the Webinar via Zoom Webinar.
Please send us an email if you will not able to make it in person to sie.melbourne@gmail.com.

Will lunch be provided?

As in previous years yes lunch will be provided for those attending in person and is included.
Please remember to state your dietary requirements upon registration.

I attended in person the Seminar at Eolian Hall, Can I watch the recordings?

Absolutely, whether you come to Eolian Hall or join us LIVE via the webinar, you will be able to view for a limited-time, recordings of the talks. This is for anyone who has registered.

If you will not be able to participate on the day of the Seminar/Webinar with us please email us at sie.melbourne@gmail.com and we can give you access to the recordings.

NOTE: The recordings will be a recorded video of the webinar session and it won’t be possible to ask questions to our panellists.

I have decided not to attend in person the Seminar at Eolian Hall, what can I do?

If at the last minute you will not be able to attend in person, you will still be able to view the Webinar via Zoom Webinar.
You will also have access to the recordings of the seminar for a limited time.

Please send us an email if you will not able to make it in person to sie.melbourne@gmail.com

Want to watch our previous Genealogy Seminar/Webinars?
The following Seminars are available for purchase. Each has various talks to help you with your family history.

2023 - 9th Aeolian Genealogy Webinar Videos

$45 (AUD)

To watch the video recordings of the 2023 - 9th Aeolian Genealogy Webinar please click the Find Out More button to pay your subscription.

7 Topics Included

2022 - 8th Aeolian Genealogy Webinar Videos

$45 (AUD)

To watch the video recordings of the 2022 - 8th Aeolian Genealogy Webinar please click the Find Out More button to pay your subscription.

6 Topics Included

2021 - 7th Aeolian Genealogy Webinar Videos

$45 (AUD)

To watch the video recordings of the 2021 - 7th Aeolian Genealogy Webinar please click the Find Out More button to pay your subscription.

6 Topics Included

Discovering My Aeolian History: Video Series (2020)

$40 (AUD)

From beginners to advanced family historians, this informative video series will help you to begin and continue searching for your ancestors.

8 Topics Included

A SAMPLE OF PREVIOUS TALKS AT OUR GENEALOGY SEMINARS

OUR PREVIOUS TOPICS

What does it mean to be an Aeolian-Australian?
Key Note Address by Janetta Ziino

Lipari 1610
What the 1610 census tells us about the Aeolian Islands.
Presented by Joe Russo

Using Official Records and Newspaper Fragments to Enhance Your Family Story
How to add to and enhance your family stories by searching through digitised records and newspaper archives.
Presented by Letizia Mondello

Introduction to Italian Military Records
Discover what Italian military records are available and the information you can find in them to help you learn more about your ancestors.
Presented by Michael Angelini

Writing a Life Story Book
Learn how to use simple methods and programs to compile your very own Life Storey Book with all the research you have collated about your ancestors or family.
Presented by Paulina Bird (Iacono)

The Influence of Sicilian Proverbs on Everyday Aeolian Speech
Sayings are repeated down through the generations because they apply to every age- people find resonance in the meanings they portray. Using the Aeolian dialect, look at how traditional Sicilian wisdom was received into Island life.
Presented by John Barnao

A Glimpse into the Museo Eoliano dell’Emigrazione
Tour through the museum collection of the Museo Eoliano dell’Emigrazione in Malfa, Salina.
Presented by Cristina Neri

Click HERE to Subscribe and watch these topics.

Preserving the Past for the Future
Oral history: Recording your family memories for future generations.
Presenter: Janetta Ziino (Keynote Address)

Aeolian Surnames: A Linguistic and Historical Perspective
A closer look at the surnames of the Aeolian Islands as to their origin and how they might have changed over time.
Presenter: Joe Russo

The First Early Aeolian Migrants to America and Australia
What motivated them and what factors differentiated them from their Sicilian cousins? Discover the historical circumstances that forged the identities of the first Aeolian migrants that went on to establish flourishing communities in America and Australia.
Presenter: Cristina Neri

Hostility Against Italians During WW2 & the Service of Aeolian-Italians in the Australian Defence Force
The ‘alien’ Italian community in Australia had to endure a rocky road during WW2. While many Aeolians were in detention camps and their fruit shops forced to close, a number had family members serving in the Australian Army. This talk discusses these confronting times, including the local hostility against Italians that had already built up before the War began. As the only regional-Italian club in Melbourne at the time, how did the SIE survive and regroup at the end of hostilities?
Presenter: John Barnao

Using Online Sites to do Your Family Tree Research
Discover how Ancestry.com, Family Search.org, Genealogy Bank, USA Census Records, Ellis Island and Find a Grave can all complement your Family Tree research.
Presenter: Robert Mandile

Reading the 1960s Stati D’Anime (Status of Souls) Family Cards
Learn how to read the Stato D’Anime (Status of Souls) Family Cards created by the church and how they can help you with vital facts that you may be missing for those alive during the 1960s.
Presenter: Michael Angelini

Subscribe and watch the recordings HERE

Preserving the Past for the Future
Oral history: Recording your family memories for future generations.
Presenter: Janetta Ziino (Keynote Address)

Aeolian Surnames: A Linguistic and Historical Perspective
A closer look at the surnames of the Aeolian Islands as to their origin and how they might have changed over time.
Presenter: Joe Russo

The First Early Aeolian Migrants to America and Australia
What motivated them and what factors differentiated them from their Sicilian cousins? Discover the historical circumstances that forged the identities of the first Aeolian migrants that went on to establish flourishing communities in America and Australia.
Presenter: Cristina Neri

Hostility Against Italians During WW2 & the Service of Aeolian-Italians in the Australian Defence Force
The ‘alien’ Italian community in Australia had to endure a rocky road during WW2. While many Aeolians were in detention camps and their fruit shops forced to close, a number had family members serving in the Australian Army. This talk discusses these confronting times, including the local hostility against Italians that had already built up before the War began. As the only regional-Italian club in Melbourne at the time, how did the SIE survive and regroup at the end of hostilities?
Presenter: John Barnao

Using Online Sites to do Your Family Tree Research
Discover how Ancestry.com, Family Search.org, Genealogy Bank, USA Census Records, Ellis Island and Find a Grave can all complement your Family Tree research.
Presenter: Robert Mandile

Reading the 1960s Stati D’Anime (Status of Souls) Family Cards
Learn how to read the Stato D’Anime (Status of Souls) Family Cards created by the church and how they can help you with vital facts that you may be missing for those alive during the 1960s.
Presenter: Michael Angelini

Subscribe and watch the recordings HERE

Which Aeolian Islands Do You Think You Come From?
Researching the family of the Hon. James Merlino, MP, Deputy Premier of Victoria and Minister of Education and Patron to the Società Isole Eolie.
Presenter: Janetta Ziino

Research Strategies for Italian Family History
Several strategies to use to advance your Italian genealogical research.
Presenter Joe Russo

The History of the First Aeolian Migrations to Sydney and the Circolo Isole Eolie
Presenter: Cristina Neri

How to Access and Read Italian Records
Learn how to access online sources and read Italian Birth, Death and Marriage records to help you build your family tree.
Presenter: Michael Angelini

Speaking Aeolian in the Broader Italian Context
Presenting examples of the speech of traditional Aeolian migrants, John will discuss similarities to the Sicilian it closely resembles. Comparing differences with standard Italian, we can consider whether ‘Eoliano’ is separate enough to be almost a language in itself.
Presenter: John Barnao

Subscribe and watch the recordings HERE

The following are available to subscribe and watch for 90 days at Discovering My Aeolian Heritage 

Nicknames “Soprannomi”
How our relative’s nicknames can assist in your family history research.
Presenter: Janetta Ziino

Aeolian Surnames
Examining the origin, meaning and evolution of Aeolian surnames and how this can help with your family research.
Presenter: Joe Russo

Finding distant cousins through DNA
Learn how taking an Ancestry DNA test can help you find long-lost cousins and break down those brick walls in your family tree.
Presenter: Michael Angelini

Five Centuries of Notable Travellers and Adventurers to the Aeolian Islands.
A discussion about bygone visitors and explorers, featuring an introduction to emerging research on 16th & 17th Century settlements by Jewish refugees after their departure from Spain & Portugal.
Presenter: John Barnao

 Infant abandonment and the foundling wheel “La ruota” in Sicily
Analysing the rescue system and name-assignment practices of abandoned infants
Presenter: Dr. Lucia Barbera

Tips on how cemeteries can help us with our family tree
Exploring how gravestones can give clues to further help us in our family history research & understanding Italian cemeteries.
Presenter: Michael Angelini

Topic: How to get started on Aeolian Genealogy
From interviews with elderly relatives to sources like the Victorian Public Records Office, Australian National Archives, Sands and McDougall Directories, Cemeteries, Presbyteries, Ancestry.com and Ellis Island websites to kick start your family tree.
Presenter: Robert Mandile

A Tour of the Museum of Aeolian Emigration in Malfa, Salina
Join a virtual tour through the museum collection and discover the factors and events that shaped the Aeolian diaspora in the New World.
Presenter: Cristina Neri

Subscribe and watch the recordings HERE

In Search of the Original Aeolians
A genealogical history of the Aeolian Islands for the period after 1544.
Presenter: Joe Russo

I Figghi da Rota (The Children of the Wheel)
The history of abandoned children in Sicily.
Presenter: Dr Lucia Barbera

Researching Your Ancestors Online
Tips on how to use Antenati.it and Family Search.org to find Birth, Marriage and Death records.
Presenter: Michael Angelini

Using Sands and McDougall Directories to Find Addresses and Businesses
Presenter: Robert Mandile

Aspects of Aeolian-Run Fruit Businesses
Perspectives of working in the Fruit Shop. (Part 2)
Presenter: John Barnao

Lipari 1610:  A Look at the Aeolian Islands from the Perspective of the Riveli Records
Examining those records for their value for us in researching our Aeolian ancestors.
Presented by Joe Russo

Finding Distant Cousins with DNA
Learn how an Ancestry DNA test can help you find long-lost cousins and break down those brick walls in your family tree.
Presented by Michael Angelini

Finding Family through Historic Property Records
An alternative way to trace family history and find missing or unknown members from the family tree via historic family property records.
Presented by: Robert Serra

The Era of Aeolian Fruit Shops in Melbourne
A pictorial history and the factors that influenced their rise and eventual decline when nearly every fruit shop was run by an Eoliano.
Presented by: John Barnao

Using the Sands and McDougall Directories to Find Your Family’s Business Address
Find out techniques for researching your family’s business address.
Presented by Robert Mandile

Family History Research Strategies
Presented by: Joe Russo

The Fruits of their Labours – A History of the Costa Family (Part II)
Presented by Kevin Costa

Researching Your Ancestors From the Isole Eolie
Presented by Michael Angelini

From the Aeolian Islands to Melbourne and Sydney (Part II)
Presented by: Robert Mandile

 ‘Cu, u e quannu’
Presented by Janetta Ziino

Aeolian: Dialect or Separate Language?
Presented by John Barnao

The Aeolian Dialect – A Brief Look at the Differences and Similarities to Sicilian and Neapolitan Dialects
Presented by: Rosmarie Taranto

Lena Santospirito – ‘La Mamma Degli Italiani Down-Under’
Presented by Cristina Neri

Italian Dialects Down-Under: A Richness to Preserve
Presented by Angela Tarantini

Reflections on Sicilian Dialects
Presented by Massimo Petterlin

Family & Friends, Food & Wine
Presented by: John Portelli (Entoteca Sileno)

When Our Ancestors Came to the Aeolian Islands
Presented by: Joe Russo

Bob Santamaria – A Retrospective
Presented by: Paul Santamaria QC

The Fruits of Their Labours – A History of the Costa Family
Presented by: Kevin Costa

The Aeolian Dialect – A Brief Look at the Differences and Similarities to the Regional Dialect Sicilian, and the Neapolitan Dialect
Presented by: Rosemarie Taranto

The End of the Era of Abundance in the Aeolian Islands and the Role of the Società Isole Eolie in Channelling Migration to Australia
Presented by: John Barnao

A Genealogical History of the Aeolian Islands Post 1544
Which surnames might have been on the islands pre-1544, Where did the inhabitants come from post-1544,  Populating the archipelago during the 1600-1800s, Is it possible to trace one’s ancestry back to when they first arrived on Isole Eolie?
Presented by: Joe Russo

Delving into the Records
What to expect, Accuracy, shortcomings, idiosyncrasies and pitfalls, Problem-solving when records don’t match
Presented by Joe Russo

Getting Started with Aeolian Genealogy & Exploring Online Options
Where to start & How to record your family tree, Who, What and Where to search for Documents and certificates.
Presented by: Robert Mandile

Guided Cemetery Walk
Taken By John Barnao

FAMILY HISTORY RESOURCES

CONTACT US

For any inquiries or for more information regarding
our Annual Genealogy Webinar/Seminar please contact us here.

We look forward to you joining us for an informative seminar/webinar.

EXPLORE

1934 Members
1934 Members
Bob Dimattina & Antonio Bongiorno Acland St St Kilda c.1920s
Aeolian Fruiterers
Aeolian Genealogy Seminar
Aeolian Genealogy Seminar/Webinar
Cudduri Di Pasqua
Aeolian Recipes
Annual Keast Park Picnic
Annual Keast Park Picnic
Children's Christmas Party & Free Members BBQ
Children’s Christmas Party & Free Members BBQ
Aeolian Genealogy Seminar
Discovering My Aeolian History: Video Series
Festa di San Bartolomeo
Festa di San Bartolomeo
From Volcanoes, We Sailed
From Volcanoes We Sailed
Historical Photo Archive
Historical Photo Archive
History of Eolian Hall
History of Eolian Hall
Honour Board
Honour Board
1970 Societa Mutuo Soccorso Isole Eolie Committee Meeting
In Memoriam
Mercato: Festa Eoliana
Mercato: Festa Eoliana
Miss and Mr Isole Eolie 2019
Miss and Mr Isole Eolie
Museo Società Isole Eolie and Resource Centre
Museo Società Isole Eolie and Resource Centre
Notable Aeolian-Australians
Notable Aeolian-Australians
Supporters Wall
Supporters Wall
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