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

BECOME A MEMBER HERE

Eolie Melbourne

Home of the Società Isole Eolie Melbourne

History

1934 Members

1934 Members

Is your ancestor one of these individuals?

We are looking to find out more about the 85 individuals who reside on our 1934 Members Photo Board situated in our upstairs Museo Società Isole Eolie & Resource Centre.

As we come up to our 100th year in 2025, we need your help to let us know if this person is your ancestor or have more information about them.

Eg. Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death, Place of Death, Parent’s names, Spouse’s names, marriage date, Children’s names or any other information.

If you have additional information about an individual please contact us by filling out this form.
Separator1
  • 01. Giovanni Alaimo

    01. Giovanni Alaimo

    b. 1 April 1883, Stromboli
    d. 16 June 1952, Malvern
    Husband of Luigini D'Alterio (b. 28 April 1890 Stromboli m. 18 August 1908, Melbourne d. 12 February 1950 Malvern)
    Children Names: Giovanni, Alessandro, Caterina, Adelina, Iolanda, Remo, Maria, Gloria, Veronica
    Involvement in the Societa: Was a inaugural member of the SMSIE
    Giovanni was a Fruiterer. He had a fruit shop in Moonee Ponds, Brunswick and then many years at 20 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern.
  • 02. F. Alacqua

    02. F. Alacqua

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 03. Enrico Anzilotti (Cavaliere)

    03. Enrico Anzilotti (Cavaliere)

    b. 8 February 1898, Florence, Italy
    d. 17 December 1983, Uzzano, Italy
    Son of Dionisio
    Anzilotti was the Italian Consul of Melbourne during 1934 to the 23rd of April 1937. He was Honorary President of the S.M.S.I.E from 1933 until his departure from Australia in 1937.
  • 04. G. Barbuto

    04. G. Barbuto

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 05. G. Barbuto

    05. G. Barbuto

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 06. Salvatore Barnao

    06. Salvatore Barnao

    b. 14 February 1887, Stromboli
    d. 12 September 1966, Melbourne
    Son of Vincenzo Barnao (b.25 February 1854 - d.10 February 1920) & Caterina Rando

    Married Vincenzina Tesoriero (b.12 October 1897 - d.15 August 1964
    Children: Kathleen Barnao married Dante Tesoriero and had 6 children
    Vincent Joseph Barnao (b.2 September 1927 - 5 June 2010 married 14 September 1957 to Maria Concetta Yacono 26 June 1936 - 15 November 2017 and had 3 children
    Antonio Barnao married Rosa Napoli and had 2 children."
  • 07 F. Basile

    07 F. Basile

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 08. F. Basile

    08. F. Basile

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 09. Antonino Bongiorno

    09. Antonino Bongiorno

    b. 21 May 1877, Stromboli
    d. 30 August 1955, Stromboli
    Son of Antonino & Francesca Tesoriero

    Married Francesca Famularo
    Father of No. 10. Antonino Bongiorno
  • 10. Antonino Bongiorno

    10. Antonino Bongiorno

    b. 14 July 1905, Stromboli
    d. 29 April 1973, Melbourne
    Son of Antonino & Francesca Famularo

    Married Francesca Criscillo
    Son of No.9 Antonino Bongiorno
  • 11. Bartolo Canestra

    11. Bartolo Canestra

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 12. V. Canestra

    12. V. Canestra

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 13. V. Canestra

    13. V. Canestra

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 14. Antonio Cappadona

    14. Antonio Cappadona

    b. 26 March 1910, Stromboli
    d. 24 September 2001, Melbourne
    Husband of Yolanda Alaimo (b. 10 Jan 1917, Melbourne - d. 17 April 2011, Melbourne)
  • 15. A. Casamento

    15. A. Casamento

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 16. Antonino Casamento

    16. Antonino Casamento

    b. 15 December 1905, Ballarat, Victoria
    d. 15 September 1962
    Son of Antonio Casamento (d.1923) & Giuseppa Palmisano (d.Jan 1942) (M. 12 February 1905)

    Husband of Cecilia Davies
    Children Names: Marie
    Antonino (Tony) Casamento's parents Antonio and Giuseppa (nee Palmisano) had a fruit and mixed business at 421 Sturt St Ballarat, and opened up a 2nd fruit business at 905 Sturt Street Ballarat which was later taken over by Giuseppa's brother - Angelo Palmisano.
    In April 1910 Giuseppa took Tony to Lipari where she collected two of her husband's nieces - Santa 15 y.o. and Angelina 9 y.o., to bring them back to Melbourne, as their father had died, leaving their mother and 9 children destitute.
    In 1919 the family moved to a fruit business at 356 Queens Parade Clifton Hill (North Fitzroy). Unfortunately both parents passed away suddenly - Antonio in 1923 at 49 years of age and Giuseppa in 1924 at 53 years of age.
    Tony and his younger sister Nancy were left the business which they sold to Bartolo Ferlazzo, who had been managing it for them. Tony worked in the shop until he enlisted in the Australian Army on the 8th January 1942. He served in New Guinea, his rank was 'Private' and he became a cook. One of his duties was to deliver food to troops on the frontline. He narrowly escaped being shot by a Japanese sniper, due to the sharp eye of a native escort who detected the threat and cleared the track ahead. After 4 years, on the 18th February 1946 Tony returned home, and on discharge worked at Myrl Shoe Company in Preston.
    He married Cecilia Davies and they had one daughter Marie Casamento, who became a nun in the Good Samaritan Order.
    Unfortunately Tony passed away on the 15th September 1962 at the age of 56. He is buried in a combined grave in Coburg Cemetery with his wife and parents.
  • 17. G. Casamento

    17. G. Casamento

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 18. Giuseppe Casamento

    18. Giuseppe Casamento

    b. 1 October 1910, Lipari
    d. 7 Jan 1999, Melbourne
    Son of Pietro Casamento (1872-1955) & Felicia Marino (1874-1925)

    Husband of Nunziata Casamento
    Children Names: Peter & Felicia (Bellofiore)
    Giuseppe arrived in Australia at 17 years of age in 1927. He joined his brother, Marino Casamento and they both worked with relatives in a fruit shop in Clifton Hill.
    His future wife, Nunziata had been left an orphan at 12 years of age and after having spent 6 years at boarding school in Ballarat, she too came to Melbourne. She lived with relatives and became employed at the same fruit shop as Giuseppe. They courted and married and then moved to Moonee Ponds, where they worked with Giuseppe’s sister and brother in law in another fruit shop. They finally returned to Clifton Hill where they set up their own fruit shop in Queens Parade. After a number of years, they closed this business and moved to Thornbury, where Giuseppe worked as a factory hand in Preston until he retired.
    After Nunziata passed away, he continued to live in Thornbury until he required aged care and moved to Nazareth House in Camberwell.
  • 19. M. Casamento

    19. M. Casamento

    b. 31 August 1907, Vulcano
    d. 21 October 1976, Melbourne
    Son of Pietro Casamento (1872-1955) & Felicia Marino (1874-1925)
    Husband of Rosina Natoli (m. 4 June 1933, Melbourne)

    Marino Giacomo Giuseppe Casamento was born on 31st August 1907. He came from the island of Vulcano. His father was Pietro Casamento, born 1872 and died 1955. His mother was Felicia Casamento (nee Marino), born 1874 and died 1926. Marino’s parents remained in Italy with their eldest son, Bartolo. Marino was a ship’s boy in the Italian Merchant Navy from the age of twelve. He migrated to Australia on the steamship Palermo and arrived in Australia (Sydney) on 25th September 1925. Marino’s other brother, Giuseppe and his sisters Rosalia and Maria also migrated to Australia.

    Marino met Rosina Natoli on 30th November 1931, the first day she arrived in Australia on the Orama. Marino and Rosina married on 4th June 1933 in St Joseph’s Northcote. They had a fruit shop in Queen’s Parade, Clifton Hill for two years and in 1935 moved to Northcote to their fruit shop at 237 High Street. They lived there with their seven children till 1956 when they moved to 230 Clarke Street Northcote which remained the family home till their deaths. Marino finished his working life as an insurance agent. He died on 21 st October 1976. Rosina died on 10th December 1987.

    Marino was a member of the Societa from 1930 and on the executive from 1935. He was president in 1951 and 1952 and again from 1961 to 1970. After his last term as President he was declared Honorary President for Life. Marino was treasurer on the first executive committee of the Confraternita San Bartolo which was constituted on 26th May 1966. In 1968, during Marino’s term as President, the Societa bought the hall in Lygon Street. Both Marino and Rosina were foundation donors to St Anthony’s Shrine in Hawthorn and donors to many other organizations. Marino was made an Honorary Life Governor of the Royal Children’s Hospital in 1964. In 1967, the Italian Government conferred on Marino the title of Cavaliere nell’Ordine Al Merito della Repubblica Italiana for his years of service to the Eolian immigrant community.

    Marino’s children and their families value their Eolian heritage, maintain their connection with the islands and the Eolian community in Melbourne and are grateful to Societa Isole Eolie for its advancement and support of all things Eolian in Melbourne.
  • 20. M. Casamento

    20. M. Casamento

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 21. G. Cincotta

    21. G. Cincotta

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 22. A. De Lorenzo

    22. A. De Lorenzo

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 23. Bartolo Dimattina

    23. Bartolo Dimattina

    b. 15 October 1900, Stromboli
    d. 2 April 1965, Melbourne

    Son of Domenico Dimattina & Francesca Barnao
    Husband of Francesca Bongiorno (b.25 June 1908, Stromboli m. 21 October 1928 d. 2 September 1966)
    Children Names: Domenico, Antonio, Salvatore, Bartolo.
  • 24. Domenico Dimattina

    24. Domenico Dimattina

    b. 25 February 1898, Stromboli
    d. 10 June 1959, Melbourne

    Son of Domenico Dimattina & Francesca Barnao
    Husband of Annetta Cincotta (Daughter of Giuseppe Cincotta & Rosa Ristuccia, b. 1 Sept 1905, Malfa, m. 7 Apr 1926, Melbourne, d.28 Aug 1980 Melbourne)
    Children Names: Frances, Rosina, Dominic, Joseph, Anthony, Salvatore (died at birth), Annette & Margaret
  • 25. Frank Dimattina

    25. Frank Dimattina

    b. 10 June 1909, Stromboli
    d. 9 August 1963, Melbourne
    Son of Domenico & Francesca Barnao

    Husband of Angelina Santamaria (b. 21 November 1914 m. 28th January 1935 d. 9 September 2007)
    Children Names: Dominic, Francesca, Angela, Diana, Francesco & Peter
  • 26. A. Famularo

    26. A. Famularo

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 27. B. Famularo

    27. B. Famularo

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide.
    b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 28. A. Favaloro

    28. A. Favaloro

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide.
    b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 29. A. Favaloro

    29. A. Favaloro

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide.
    b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 30. A. Ferlazzo

    30. A. Ferlazzo

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 31. B. Ferlazzo

    31. B. Ferlazzo

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 32. G. Ferlazzo

    32. G. Ferlazzo

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 33. Vincenzo Ferro

    33. Vincenzo Ferro

    b. Date, Stromboli
    d. Date, Place
    Son of Angelo & Maria Giuseppa
    Husband of Nunziata Lopes
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual"
  • 34. G. Fiume

    34. G. Fiume

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 35. Giuseppe Fonti

    35. Giuseppe Fonti

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 36. A. Fraumano

    36. A. Fraumano

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 37. Giuseppe (Iacono) Yacono

    37. Giuseppe (Iacono) Yacono

    b. 19 March 1889, Stromboli
    d. 15 April 1971, Melbourne
    Son of Vincenzo Iacono & Eugenia Liello

    Married to Maria Concetta Frizza b. August 1889, m. June 1908, d. 18 August 1965
    Children Names: Vincenzo(No.38), Eugenia, Annunciata, Bartholomew (Deceased in infancy)

    The original surname "Iacono" was changed to Yacono when the family migrated to Australia. Father of No.38 Vincenzo (Iacono) Yacono.
  • 38. Vincenzo (Iacono) Yacono

    38. Vincenzo (Iacono) Yacono

    b. 2 April 1911, Stromboli
    d. 26 November 1991, Melbourne
    Son of Giuseppe (Iacono) Yacono (No.37) & Maria Concetta Frizza

    Married to Santa Amelia Mirabito b. 12 December 1914 m. 4 July 1935 d. 13 July 1998
    Children Names: Maria Concetta, Angelina, Giuseppe, Antonio, Vincenzo

    The original surname "Iacono" was changed to Yacono when the family migrated to Australia.
  • 39. S. Lamacchia

    39. S. Lamacchia

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 40. Antonio Licciardo

    40. Antonio Licciardo

    b. 12 May 1897, Vulcano
    d. 20 May 1978
    Husband of Giuseppina Virgona (b.1898, Alicudi, d. 9 Aug 1967)
    Children Names: Felice, Maria, Antonino

    No. 41- Alessandro Licciardo was brother to Antonio and resided in Tatura (Victoria)
  • 41. Alessando Licciardo

    41. Alessando Licciardo

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual No. 40- Antonio Licciardo was brother to Alessando.
  • 42. A. Licciardo

    42. A. Licciardo

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 43. G. Lopes

    43. G. Lopes

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 44. A. Lo Piccolo

    44. A. Lo Piccolo

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 45. G. Lo Piccolo

    45. G. Lo Piccolo

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 46. G. Lo Schiavo

    46. G. Lo Schiavo

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 47. Francesco Mattisi

    47. Francesco Mattisi

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 48. J. Mecca

    48. J. Mecca

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 49. Antonino Megna

    49. Antonino Megna

    b. 7 June 1880, Lipari
    d.30 September 1961, Melbourne
    Son of Antonino Megna & Angela Paino
    Husband of Giuseppina L'Ambrosa (m.24 Feb 1906, Lipari)
    Children Names: Angelina
    Antonino "Tony" Francesco, Francesco
    Guiseppe "Frank",
    Clelia Giulia Rosa "Clara",
    Antonietta Maria,
    Frederico "Fred" Phillip,
    Ernesto "Ernie" "Victorio" Joseph.
  • 50. Dottore G. Merlino

    50. Dottore G. Merlino

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 51. A. Mirabito

    51. A. Mirabito

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 52. Bartolo Natoli

    52. Bartolo Natoli

    b. 18 Feb 1900, Lipari
    d. 10 July 1980, Melbourne
    Son of Bartolo (1871-1913) and Maria Natoli (1880-1963)
    Husband of Giuseppina Cincotta

    Bartolo born in Lipari on 18th Febraury 1900 was was the eldest child and only son of Bartolo Natoli (1871-1913) and Maria Natoli (1880-1963)

    He arrived in Melbourne 1st March 1922 on the Orvieto. On arriving in Melbourne he stayed with Bartolo and Bartola Palamara at 237 Brunswick St Fitzroy for four months. (They were his future uncle and aunt). He then lived and worked with Michele Capichiano at 237 High St Northcote for fourteen months, followed by one year with Angelo Schibeci at 271 High St Northcote. He then worked in partnership with Bartolo Palamara for one year at 267 Brunswick St Fitzroy. It was during this time that he sent for future wife Giuseppina Cincotta (1901-1997), who arrived 25th May 1925 on the Re d'Italia. She stayed with her uncle and aunt Palamara at 237 Brunswick St Fitzroy. They were then married in St Patrick's Cathedral on 5 July 1925.

    They subsequently moved to fruit shops in High St Northcote. Number 261 (1926), 271 (1928) and 263 (1930), the last being their home until 1950, when they moved to 133 Flinders St Thornbury. While in High St they had 4 children. Bartolo (Bob) Natoli (1926-1906)[Ex.President of the Societa), Maria(Mary)(1927-1979),Giuseppina (Joyce) (1928-1961), Giuseppe (1931-1933).

    Bartolo sent for one of his sisters, Anna to come to Australia in 1927 (She later married Francesco Matisi who is number 47)

    in 1931 he sent for his mother and two other sisters to come to Australia. The youngest sister Rosina Natoli subsequently married Marino Casamento, no.19, also President of the Societa. There was a fourth sister Concetta who died in 1910 as an infant.

    Bartolo was one of the founding members of the Confraternity of St Bartolo in 1966 and held the stendardo in his home at Flinders St Thornbury, until the present hall was purchased in 1968.

    He died 10th July 1980 and is buried in the Preston cemetery.
  • 53. B. Natoli

    53. B. Natoli

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 54. G. Natoli

    54. G. Natoli

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 55. G. Natoli

    55. G. Natoli

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 56. G. Natoli

    56. G. Natoli

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 57. A. Originale

    57. A. Originale

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 58. D. Panettieri

    58. D. Panettieri

    b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 59. Gaetano Peluso

    59. Gaetano Peluso

    b. 26 Sept 1906, Lipari
    d. 8 May 1983, Melbourne
    Son of Francesco Peluso & Luisa Biancheri
    Husband of Bartolina Ravesi
  • 60. N. Pittari

    60. N. Pittari

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 61. S. Quadara

    61. S. Quadara

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 62. Giacomo Rando

    62. Giacomo Rando

    b. 26 July 1857, Stromboli
    d. 8 July 1940, Elsternwick, Melbourne
    Son of.....
    Husband of Mariannina Paino (b. 11 November 1867 Stromboli, m. 25 March 1890 Stromboli, d. 13 July 1943 East St.Kilda, Melbourne)
    Children Names: Giacomo (No.63)
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 63. Salvatore Rando

    63. Salvatore Rando

    b. 2 November 1893, Stromboli
    d. 27 December 1981, Melbourne
    Son of Giacomo Rando (No.62) & Mariannina Paino
    Husband of Giuseppina Italia Russo (b. 23 October 1903, m. May 1923, Stromboli, d. 12 april 1987)
    Children Names: Nina, Carolina, Giacomo
    Salvatore migrated to American when he was 16 years of age. He lived in Brooklyn, New York. While he was there he was part of the Circolo Progresso Stromboli.

    Photo: Circolo Progresso Stromboli 1922- Salvatore (shown circled) at the age of 29.
  • 64. A. Ravesi

    64. A. Ravesi

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 65. S. Ristuccia

    65. S. Ristuccia

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 66. A. Russo

    66. A. Russo

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 67. Domenico Russo

    67. Domenico Russo

    b. 27 March 1901, Stromboli
    d. 11 September 1990, Melbourne
    Son of Gaetano Russo & Carolina Alaimo
    Husband of Caterina Tesoriero (Di Felice). Married in 1927.
  • 68. D. Russo

    68. D. Russo

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 69. G. Russo

    69. G. Russo

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 70. Vincenzo Russo

    70. Vincenzo Russo

    b. 1 March 1889, Alicudi
    d. 26 Aug 1953, Melbourne
    Son of Giuseppe Russo & Rosa Barbuto
    Husband of Maria Taranto (d. 18 January 1961)
    Children Names: Jean. Rose, Vince, Joe
  • 71. Giuseppe Santamaria

    71. Giuseppe Santamaria

    b. 11 May 1886, Rinella, Salina
    d. 3 March 1970, Melbourne
    Son of Bartolo & Giuseppa Sabbato
    Husband of Maria Terzita Costa (m.19 Aug 1914, Maryborough Victoria)
    Children: 1 Daughter, 5 Sons.
    Involvement in the Società: President of the Società in 1931, 1940-1949.

    Fruiterer, then wine/spirits/delicatessen in Sydney Road. Lived at 1 Melville Street, West Brunswick.
  • 72. G. Santamaria

    72. G. Santamaria

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 73. B. Taranto

    73. B. Taranto

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 74. B. Taranto

    74. B. Taranto

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 75. G. Taranto

    75. G. Taranto

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 76. G. Taranto

    76. G. Taranto

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 77. Domenico Tesoriero

    77. Domenico Tesoriero

    b. Date, Stomboli
    d. 1964, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of Maria Pirera and Caterina Pirera
    Children Names: Maria Concetta, Assunta, Salvatore, Giuseppe
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 78. Pietro Tesoriero

    78. Pietro Tesoriero

    b. 29 June 1908, Ginostra, Stromboli
    d. November 1990, Melbourne
    Son of.....
    Husband of Maria Concetta Costa
    Children Names: Francesco & Maria Concetta (Graffeo)
    Survived by 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
  • 79. S. Tesoriero

    79. S. Tesoriero

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 80. Salvatore Tesoriero

    80. Salvatore Tesoriero

    b. 9 July 1885, Stromboli
    d. 4 April 1940, Melbourne
    Son of Antonino Tesoriero (b. 18 May 1843, Stromboli d. 6 April 1926, Stromboli) & Maria Bongiorno (b. 28 July 1852, Stromboli d. 1 June 1911, Stromboli
    Husband of Margherita Rando (di Giacomo) d.1950
    Children Names: Antonio, Giacomo, Dante, Vittorio, Maria, Nina.
    Involvement in the Societa: Was Treasurer of the S.M.S.I.E.
    Salvatore was brother of Stefano Tesoriero (No. 81)

    Family Photo: Salvatore Tesoriero and Margherita Rando with their children Anthony and Giacomo. Margherita is also the sister of Salvatore Rando #63 and daughter of Giacomo Rando #62.
  • 81. Stefano Tesoriero

    81. Stefano Tesoriero

    b. 28 June 1888, Stromboli
    d. 19 May 1957, Melbourne
    Son of: Antonino Tesoriero (b. 18 May 1843, Stromboli d. 6 April 1926, Stromboli) & Maria Bongiorno (b. 28 July 1852, Stromboli d. 1 June 1911, Stromboli
    Husband of Eugenia Rando m. 1919 (sister to No. 63 Salvatore Rando and sister to Margherita Rando who married No. 80 Salvatore Tesoriero)
    Children Names: Josie (Benjamin)
    Brother of Salvatore Tesoriero (No.80)

    Photo: Stefano Tesoriero & Genia Rando
  • 82. V. Tesoriero

    82. V. Tesoriero

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 83. V. Tesoriero

    83. V. Tesoriero

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 84. A. Troia

    84. A. Troia

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual
  • 85. G. Virgona

    85. G. Virgona

    Do you have more information about this individual? Please send us a message with the information that you can provide. b. Date, Place
    d. Date, Place
    Son of.....
    Husband of ....
    Children Names:
    Involvement in the Societa:
    Other Information about the individual

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

In Memoriam

In Memoriam

Remembering those who were part of and contributed to the
Società Isole Eolie Melbourne since 1925.

You can filter by the first letter of a Surname below.

  • REITANO Bartolo (1939-2024)

    REITANO Bartolo (1939-2024)

    b.1939, Quattropani Lipari
    d. 22nd July 2024, Melbourne
    Bartolo was a member of the Società for many years. He was a big supporter of the social functions held at Eolian Hall, on bus trips around Victoria, the annual picnic at Seaford, and the Christmas party where he attended with his grandchildren. Bartolo had a big personality and was known to everyone.
    Bartolo's family and former Vice President Joe Luca’s family, always shared a table at the dinner dances held at Eolian Hall. Both Joe and Bartolo enjoyed these good times until their health declined.
  • SALTALAMACCHIA Antonino (1931-1989)

    SALTALAMACCHIA Antonino (1931-1989)

    b.18 March 1931, Lipari
    d. 02 April 1989, Melbourne

    Antonino was a member from 1973 up until his passing in1989. Before that he frequently attended some of the dinner dances, the picnic and other functions like the Christmas lunch. He was usually invited by Leo Scaffidi and was also nominated by him to join the club.
  • NARDUZZO Pino (1933-2023)

    NARDUZZO Pino (1933-2023)

    b. 6 June 1933, Piscita’ Stromboli
    d. 27 November 2023, Melbourne

    Pino joined the SIE in 1973 and celebrated 50 years of membership before his passing. He was was Vice-President of the SIE for several years and a long-time member of the Confraternita' San Bartolomeo.

    Well known in the broader community as the ‘King of Fruiterers’, Pino was born in Piscita’ Stromboli in 1933 and migrated to Australia after serving in the Italian Navy. Soon after arriving in Melbourne, he celebrated marriage in 1958 to Maria Pittorino (also from Stromboli) and they set up a fruit business in High St, Prahran. They next moved on to Prahran Market where the familiar stall ‘Pino’s Fine Produce’ continues today to bear the name.

    He was a man of generous spirit and his contribution to so many fields, led to the awarding of an Order of Australia (OAM) medal in 2004.

    Pino became a prominent presence in the community of Stonnington until he stepped back from active engagement as his health declined.

    We best remember him as a regular at our SIE functions and are grateful for his donations of produce to our events, esp. the annual Seaford Picnic where he continued to attend until recent times. The holding of the Miss Isole Eolie Quest on the deck of his fruit truck has become an enduring memory of this event.
  • BARCA Giuseppa (1928-2023)

    BARCA Giuseppa (1928-2023)

    b. 27 March 1928, Varisana, Lipari
    d. 14, November 2023, Melbourne

    Wife of the late Giuseppe Barca (Once Committee member of the Societa), mother of Gaetano, Antonio, Rosa Marisa, and Giovanina. Nonna to one of our regular performers, Soprano Rebecca Gulinello and sister Naomi.
  • CASAMENTO Dominic (1936-2023)

    CASAMENTO Dominic (1936-2023)

    b. 4 January 1936, Melbourne
    d. 20, March 2023, Melbourne

    Dominic was on the committee in the 1970s with his father Giuseppe Casamento. Over the years he attended various events including the annual picnic and dinner dances etc.
  • MAGGIORE Joe (1952-2023)

    MAGGIORE Joe (1952-2023)

    b. 24 July 1952, Melbourne
    d. 4 June 2023, Melbourne

    Joe Maggiore was a former ANZ bank manager and was instrumental in obtaining finance for the SIE in times of need.

    He was our Treasurer leading up to our 90th Anniversary in 2015 and on our Executive Committee for 4 years. He played a leading role in major raffles and always acted as Race Marshal at the Seaford Picnic after collecting the medals from Ascot Vale Trophies.
  • BARBUTO Assunta (1946-2023)

    BARBUTO Assunta (1946-2023)

    b. 14 August 1946, Vulcano
    d. 20 January 2023, Melbourne

    Wife of the Long-Standing President Tony Barbuto.
  • NATOLI Bartolina (SCAFFIDI) (1933-2023)

    NATOLI Bartolina (SCAFFIDI) (1933-2023)

    b. 21 September 1933, Vulcano
    d. 4 February 2023, Melbourne

    Betty was born in Vulcano, Italy and was the sister of Leo Scaffidi Betty helped in setting up SIE functions in the 1970s & 80s and was quite active at the time, while her husband Gino (d. 2003) was on our committee pre-2003, and so too her son Claudio who died at a young age.
    Her son, Vince Natoli, was our Golden Sponsor at the 70th annual picnic at Seaford. He found the rope we used to use for the Tug-of-War in his dad’s garage and gifted it to us after a 35-year period since it was last used. The family, like many Aeolian families, were fruit shop owners and one of the last prominent figures from the post-WW2 Aeolian Fruit Shop Era.
  • TOSCANO Vincenzo (1905-1981)

    TOSCANO Vincenzo (1905-1981)

    b. 29 July 1905, Stromboli
    d. 22 February 1981, Wellington, New Zealand

    Vincenzo was one of the founding members of the S.M.S.I.E in 1925. He migrated from Stromboli to Melbourne in 1922
  • CASAMENTO Giuseppe (1907-1985)

    CASAMENTO Giuseppe (1907-1985)

    b. 7 June 1907, Lipari
    d. 27 February 1985, Melbourne

    Giuseppe (Joe) had been a member since the mid-1920s as part of the S.M.S.I.E.
  • CASAMENTO Bartolo (1937-2014)

    CASAMENTO Bartolo (1937-2014)

    b. 23 January 1937, Melbourne
    d. 24 June 2014, Melbourne

    Bartolo (Bob) joined as a member in the mid 1950's. He was the S.M.S.I.E treasurer from 1980 until 1983. He was the Son of Marino Casamento, president of the Società from 1950 to 1951, 1963 to 1970.
  • D'ANDREA Anita (1941-2020)

    D'ANDREA Anita (1941-2020)

    b. 19 June 1941
    d. 11 August 2020, Melbourne

  • PELUSO Gaetano (Tom) (1906-1983)

    PELUSO Gaetano (Tom) (1906-1983)

    b. 25 September 1906, Lipari
    d. 8 May 1983, Melbourne

  • SCAFFIDI Vincenzo

    SCAFFIDI Vincenzo

    b. 23 October 1902, Sant'Angelo Di Brolo
    d. 19 February 1984

  • PANETTIERI Francesco (1915-1983)

    PANETTIERI Francesco (1915-1983)

    b. 23 February 1915, Stromboli
    d. 28 August 1983, Melbourne

  • TESORIERO Pietro (1908-1990

    TESORIERO Pietro (1908-1990

    b. 29 June 1908, Ginostra
    d. 12 November 1990, Melbourne

  • ROSITANO Maria (1924-2015)

    ROSITANO Maria (1924-2015)

    b. 9 December 1924
    d. 5 April 2015, Melbourne

  • LOSCHIAVO Sam (1930-2019)

    LOSCHIAVO Sam (1930-2019)

    b. 14 October 1930
    d. 23 January 2019, Melbourne

  • MOLLICA Caterina (Rene) (1928-2017)

    MOLLICA Caterina (Rene) (1928-2017)

    b. 5 May 1928
    d. 13 May 2017, Melbourne

  • ZIINO Bartolo

    ZIINO Bartolo

    b. 18 May 1943
    d. 28 June 2018, Melbourne

    Bartolo was the secretary of the club in 1984.
  • NATOLI Bartolo (1928-2018)

    NATOLI Bartolo (1928-2018)

    b. 22 July 1928
    d. 29 September 2018, Melbourne

  • ISCHIA Giuseppe (1915-2005)

    ISCHIA Giuseppe (1915-2005)

    b. 27 September 1915
    d. 4 February 2005, Melbourne

  • NATOLI Gino (1926-2003)

    NATOLI Gino (1926-2003)

    b. 4 April 1926, Canneto, Lipari
    d. 24 July 2003, Melbourne

    Husband of Bartolina Scaffidi The family, like many Aeolian families, were fruit shop owners and one of the last prominent figures from the post-WW2 Aeolian Fruit Shop Era.
  • NATOLI Bob (1926-2006)

    NATOLI Bob (1926-2006)

    b. 9 May 1926
    d. 20 September 2006, Melbourne

    Bob was club president between 1984-85, and was awarded the Medal of the Order ( (OAM) of Australia in 1991.
  • TARANTO Angelo (1913-1987)

    TARANTO Angelo (1913-1987)

    b. 26 January 1913, Alicudi,
    d. 18 June 1987, Melbourne

    Aged 74
  • PAINO Giuseppe (1905-1997)

    PAINO Giuseppe (1905-1997)

    b. abt 1905,
    d. 5 July 1997, Melbourne

    Aged 92
  • MOLINIA Tony (Anthony) (1940-2014)

    MOLINIA Tony (Anthony) (1940-2014)

    b.19 August 1940
    d. 17 November 2014

  • FERLAZZO Giovanni (1930-1998)

    FERLAZZO Giovanni (1930-1998)

    b. 5 January 1930, Lipari
    d. 19 February 1998, Melbourne

  • ZAIA Tony (1930-2021)

    ZAIA Tony (1930-2021)

    b. 21 July 1930
    d. 16 October 2021, Melbourne

    Tony was a loyal member of the Societa’ Isole Eolie and the Confraternita’ San Bartolomeo for over 20 years and generously supported the SIE financially during our 1980s Renovation Program. He and his late-wife Barbara always attended our social functions and festas at St. Anthony’s (both as attendees and to also help set up events at the Hall).

    As a fruiterer, Tony displayed the typical Aeolian knowledge of the trade in his role as Fruit Department Manager at Coles Supermarkets in the 1980s and 1990s, after working during the 1970s with former-President Joe LoSchiavo at his Bay Street, Brighton fruit shop.

    Tony’s is the uncle of Maria-Lucrezia Giorgianni (the wife of Lipari Mayor, Marco), and attended the function in early 2020, when we welcomed them to Eolian Hall.

    As a club member, assistant on the Committee and a good friend to many, he will be sadly missed very much.
  • D'AMICO Nick (Nicola) 1935-2019

    D'AMICO Nick (Nicola) 1935-2019

    b. 5 April 1935, Malfa
    d. 8 June 2019, Melbourne

    Nicola or commonly know as "Nick" joined the SIE on 13th July 1976 and to gain membership he was sponsored by the late Bartolo Ziino. He was introduced by his brother Marcello who has been a member since 1966. His other brother was Fr. Vincenzo D’Amico, who was SIE chaplain from 1960 to 2002 - for 42 years.

    Nick actively supported the club throughout the years and spent time behind our bar as a barista. We will always remember him as a warm, lovely person with a great smile and sense of humour. He was Maria D'Amico's husband, who has been a long-time committee member of the Società Isole Eolie (SIE).

    He was a registered member of the Australian Chiropractic Association and founding member of the Acupuncture Society of Victoria. Nick was also an accomplished Mandolin player.
  • D'AMICO Vincenzo (Father)

    D'AMICO Vincenzo (Father)

    b. 28 December 1925, Malfa
    d. 25 June 2002, Melbourne

    Padre (Father) Don Vincenzo D’Amico was the Chaplin of the Società from 1960 to his death in 2002 (42 years)

    On the 31st of May in 1967, it was his initiative that the Confraternita San Bartolomeo was constituted.
  • MARTELLO Giovanni (1931-2021

    MARTELLO Giovanni (1931-2021

    b. 26 June 1931, Vulcano
    d. 28 July 2021, Melbourne

    Giovanni legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren who have been and are great supporters of the club.
  • BENJAMIN Jose (TESORIERO) 1936- 2021

    BENJAMIN Jose (TESORIERO) 1936- 2021

    b. 30 October 1936, Place of Birth
    d. 16 March 2021, Melbourne

    Josie (Giuseppina) is the daughter of Stefano Tesoriero who was elected SIE’s first President in the year of its foundation in 1925. His brother (her uncle Giuseppe Tesoriero) was the main instigator to the founding of the SMSIE in 1925. They emigrated to Melbourne after being part of the tightly organised Aeolian community of New York - with Bartolo Dimattina they rallied the support to found a formal body here in Melbourne.

    Josie spent numerous years on the Committee acting as the Treasurer’s assistant, but her main role was Membership Officer.

    Josie featured in the documentary film ‘Amuninni’, which celebrated the club’s 90th Anniversary in 2015. She spoke of the history of the role of women in the Società.
  • LUCA Giuseppe (Joe) 1932-2021

    LUCA Giuseppe (Joe) 1932-2021

    b. 28 October 1932, Place of Birth
    d. 11 January 2021, Place of Death
  • BOCCABELLA ANGELA (BROCCIO) 1922-2020

    BOCCABELLA ANGELA (BROCCIO) 1922-2020

    b. 30 October 1922, Lipari
    d. 1 September 2020, Melbourne

    The Società Isole Eolie (SIE) is saddened by the loss of its oldest member and oldest serving Committee Member.

    Angela came to Australia by ship at the age of 10. She was accompanied by her mother and younger sister. Upon arrival, they joined father Santo who had previously come to Australia to prepare the way for the rest of the family. Her two brothers were subsequently born here.

    Like most Aeolians, while attending school, she helped out in their family fruit shop in Elwood. During World War 2, her father was detained, and having been born overseas to “Aliens”, Angela and her sister had to report to the Police Station every week.

    As the eldest child and barely 20 years old, she took a leading role in keeping things going until the War ended in 1945 and the family was reunited.

    Typical of many other Italians, Bernardino her husband, and Angela accommodated fellow immigrants during the critical housing shortage of the late 1940s and 1950s, helping them until they settled down and found their own premises.
  • BARCA Giuseppe (Joe) 1928-2021

    BARCA Giuseppe (Joe) 1928-2021

    b. 14 April 1928, Varisana-Pianoconte, Lipari
    d. 11 June 2021, Melbourne

    Joe came to Australia in the early 1950s and worked all his life in Fruit shops.

    Joe is remembered by the Committee as a very jovial, friendly and family-oriented person. He and his family attended many of the Società’s functions including the Annual Picnic at Keast Park. Joe valued the Società and its achievements and always acknowledged his Aeolian heritage.

    Joe Barca was a very active member in the 1980s and 1990s. Together with his brother-in-law, Bob Natoli (former President) and his son Tony Natoli in the late 90s, Joe attended many meetings.
  • SANTAMARIA GIUSEPPE

    SANTAMARIA GIUSEPPE

    b. Date of Birth, Place of Birth
    d. Date of Death, Place of Death
  • FONTI Giuseppe

    FONTI Giuseppe

    b. Date of Birth, Place of Birth
    d. Date of Death, Place of Death
  • CASAMENTO Marino

    CASAMENTO Marino

    b. 31, August 1907, Lipari
    d. 21 October 1976, Melbourne

    Marino was president of the Società from 1950 to 1951, 1963 to 1970.
  • SCAFFIDI Leo 1926-2017

    SCAFFIDI Leo 1926-2017

    b. 4 April 1926, Sant'Angelo Di Brolo, Sicilia, Italy
    d. 10 July 2017, Melbourne

    Leo was Treasurer of the Società from 1983-2005
  • TESORIERO Giuseppe

    TESORIERO Giuseppe

    b. Date of Birth, Place of Birth
    d. Date of Death, Place of Death

    Giuseppe was one of the founders of the Societa Mutuo Soccorso Isole Eolie. He was president of the Societa from 1926-1927.
  • LUCA Marianina (Nina) (TESORIERO) 1939-2019

    LUCA Marianina (Nina) (TESORIERO) 1939-2019

    b. 28 August 1939, Melbourne
    d. 20 November 2019, Melbourne

    Description
  • CANESTRA Bartolo

    CANESTRA Bartolo

    b. Date of Birth, Place of Birth
    d. Date of Death, Place of Death

    Description
  • DI MATTINA Bartolo 1900-1965

    DI MATTINA Bartolo 1900-1965

    b. 15 October 1900, Place of Birth
    d. 2 May 1965, Melbourne

    One of the founding members of the Società Isole Eolie Mutuo Soccorso. Bartolo was President for 10 years from 1952- 1962.
  • BONGIORNO Antonino

    BONGIORNO Antonino

    b. 21 May 1877, Stromboli
    d. 1955 , Stromboli

    Son of Antonino & Francesca Tesoriero. Husband of Francesca Famularo.

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

Supporters Wall

Supporters Wall - Plaques

This wall commemorates the individuals and families who are or were great supporters of the Società Isole Eolie Melbourne.

Would you like your name or your past families’ names written on bronze plaques on our Supporter’s Wall in our entry hall?

We are offering the Aeolians of Melbourne this unique opportunity by giving you the eternal remembrance of your family’s heritage on these specially-designed plaques.

Each plaque measures 18cm wide by 11cm high and can contain the following as shown in the examples:
First Line: Family Surname (Max 16 Characters including spaces)
Second Line: Family First Names (Max 40 Characters including spaces)
Third Line: Additional names or words (Max 40 Characters including spaces)

Please Note: Maximum characters per line includes spaces and symbols

SUPPORTERS WALL PLAQUE REQUEST FORM 

Plaque Position

Please select what category you would like your plaque to be placed.

Splitter2

Your Details

Please enter your contact details:

Splitter1

Plaque Inscription

Please enter your desired plaque inscription. 
Max characters per line include spaces. 

Please click the"Send Your Interest" button to submit your information. 
We will review your plaque and will be in contact with you via email to continue your purchase for our next production round.

PAYMENT

Payment will only be accepted when we send you a confirmation form via email, for you to confirm and see what your plaque will look like.
In the email form, you will also receive a reference number to add to your bank transfer or Paypal payment.

Payment can be made by the following options.

BANK TRANSFER 

Account Name: Società Isole Eolie
BSB: 083 269
Account No.: 515506799
Reference: (“Your Reference Number  E???”)

(Transfer the value of the Plaque $300, $450 or $600)
(No Surcharge applies)

PAYMENT VIA PAYPAL OR CREDIT CARD (ONLINE)
You can pay Online Via Paypal Below if you prefer.
PLEASE NOTE: Paying by this method incurs an additional $17 surcharge to cover Paypal Fees.
If you prefer to not pay the additional surcharge, we suggest you do a Bank Transfer of the plaque value.

Plaque Position Category
Reference Number: (E???)

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

Discovering My Aeolian History: Video Series

Discovering My Aeolian History: Video Series

A 4 part episode series with 2 topics per episode for those who want to learn more about their Aeolian and Italian ancestry.
Includes a cooking segment with Giulia Biviano between topics to learn how to cook some typical Aeolian dishes.
These videos were recorded as part of our 2020 6th Aeolian Genealogy Webinar Series.
From beginners to advanced family historians, this informative video series will help you to begin and continue searching for your ancestors.

Discovering My Aeolian History:
Video Series

$40 (AUD)

Access is valid for 90 days upon signup.

What attendees have said about the Series: 
“The Aeolian Genealogy Seminar is just brilliant!”
“Thank you for another great session – Looking forward to the next weeks”
“The speakers were interesting and all the presentations were of exceptional quality.”
“I’m really happy to be able to watch from the United States!”

Topics you will learn about:

Topic No.1. Nicknames “Soprannomi”
How our relative’s nicknames can assist in your family history research.
Presenter: Janetta Ziino

Topic No.2. Aeolian Surnames
Examining the origin, meaning and evolution of Aeolian surnames and how this can help with your family research.
Presenter: Joe Russo

Topic No. 3. 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

Topic No.4. 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 settlement by Jewish refugees after their departure from Spain & Portugal.
Presenter: John Barnao

Topic No.5. 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

Topic No.6. 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 No.7. 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

Topic No.8. 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

And…. between each topic learn how to cook some typical Aeolian dishes with Giulia Biviano with a short Aeolian Cooking segment.

LOGIN HERE

After successful completion of subscription and payment please login here using the details you created to access the Discovering My Aeolian History: Video Series.

If you have not yet subscribed please subscribe with your details HERE

THE PRESENTERS

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.

Lucia Babera

Dr. Lucia Barbera

Learn more about Lucia

Dr Lucia Barbera, currently living in Melbourne and working as a Secondary LOTE teacher, holds a PhD in the History of Social Institutions and Development Cooperation from the University of Messina, a Master of Teaching from Deakin University, Melbourne and an Advanced Master’s Degree in Institutions and Policies of Human Rights and Peace from the University of Padua. She has worked in public and private organizations for the promotion and protection of women’s and children’s rights, in Veneto and in Sicily, and collaborated for different publications at various academic levels.

In 2015, Dr Barbera received a Letter of Commendation from the Commissioner of Messina Province, as a formal and official recognition of her vast and dedicated contribution to the research and photographic/documentary exhibition on the history of foundlings and abandoned children in Messina (Sicily).

John Barnao

John Barnao

Learn more about John

John Barnao was born in Carlton to parents who migrated from Stromboli. His father Vincenzo first came to Australia in 1927 as a 13-year-old and worked as a typical fruiterer all his life. He 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.

John is a member of various local historical societies and in recent years has been collecting photos and stories of Aeolian migrant experiences. 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.

Robert Mandile

Robert Mandile

Learn more about Robert

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

Education. Robert has taught at seven schools, teaching Years 6 to Year 12, also holding various positions of responsibility spanning 43 years. He is semi-retired, but undertaking emergency teaching and also a Tertiary Supervisor with Australian Catholic University. 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.

Cristina Neri

Cristina Neri

Learn more about Cristina

Cristina Neri was born in the country Victorian town of Horsham. Both her mother and father migrated to Australia from the Aeolian island of Salina soon after the Second World War.
Cristina’s father owned a succession of cafés and established the district’s first reception centre and bistro, the La Fontana. Cristina grew up in these kitchens as well as at the feet of her Nonna, thus igniting an appreciation for her Aeolian heritage and its food.

Cristina is a graphic designer, illustrator, photographer and author. Her favourite subject is her family and Aeolian heritage. She has recently written and illustrated her first children’s picture book titled For Love which is set on the island of Salina.

In 2013, she initiated the Eoliano Heritage Study Program to reunite descendants like herself with their cultural past and on 2016, curated the exhibition titled From Volcanoes We Sailed which featured at the Immigration Museum of Victoria. Cristina also wrote and produced the documentary Ammunini to celebrate the 90th year anniversary of the Società Isole Eolie.

It is Cristina’s hope that she can honour the Aeolian people, their journeys, cultural traditions and foods by her contributions as a committee member of the Società Isole Eolie.

Joe Russo

Joe Russo

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 two decades. What started off 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.

Janetta Ziino

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.

A SAMPLE OF PREVIOUS TALKS AT OUR GENEALOGY SEMINARS

FAMILY HISTORY RESOURCES

CONTACT US

For any enquiries regarding Discovering My Aeolian History: Video Series
or our yearly Seminar please contact us here.

    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

    Annual Keast Park Picnic

    Annual Keast Park Picnic - Sunday 2nd February 2025

    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

    Notable Aeolian-Australians

    Notable Aeolian-Australians

    “The interesting thing is that these people came from seven small islands to become the leaders in politics, in the church, in commerce, in the community.
    They produced probably from these smallest islands more men and women of distinction than anywhere else.”

    Al Grassby (Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs) 1975

    Notable Aeolian-Australians
    John BARBUTOFounder of JB Hi-Fi
    Hon. Bernard BONGIORNOJustice of the Supreme Court of Victoria
    Paul BONGIORNO AMPolitical Journalist
    John CASAMENTOAward-winning Photo Journalist
    Lina CINCOTTACharity Worker
    Frank COSTAEntrepreneur & Philanthropist
    Marcello D’AMICOArtist, Author & Community Achiever
    Natalie IMBRUGLIA Singer/Songwriter/Model/Actress
    Hon. James MERLINODeputy Premier and Minister for Education
    Tony MATISIFormer Mayor of City of Northcote
    Pia MIRANDAActress
    Nino RANDAZZOItalian Senator & Editor of Il Globo Newspaper
    Guy RUSSOCEO of Kmart Australia
    John RUSSOAFL Umpire
    Bob SANTAMARIAPolitical Activist and Journalist
    Lena SANTOSPIRITODeemed “Madre degli Italiani” for her work among Italians
    Fred SCHEPISIFilm Director, Producer & Screenwriter
    Vince SERCIAAFL Umpire
    Dante & Kathy TESORIEROAvanti Charity Committee
    Angelo TARANTOFounder of Taranto’s Ice Cream
    Frank VERGONAVFA (VFL) Umpire
    John VILLANTEFounder of Villante Industries
    Michael VOZZOAFL Umpire
    Aeolian-Australian Footballers
    Andrew CARRAZZOCarlton2004 - 2015
    Albert “Alby” DELUCACarlton1934 - 1935
    Matthew BALLHawthorn2004 - 2006
    Luke BALLSt Kilda & Collingwood2003 - 2014
    Adrian DELUCACarlton2002 - 2006
    Fabian DELUCA Footscray 2006 - 2008
    Andrew DIMATTINA Collingwood1999 - 2002
    Frank DIMATTINA Richmond & North Melbourne1964 - 1970
    Paul DIMATTINAWestern Bulldogs1995 - 2003
    Tim FINOCCHIAROGeelong1998 - 1999
    John KENNEDYHawthorn1979 - 1991
    Josh KENNEDYHawthorn, Sydney2008 - present
    Tony ONGARELLOFitzroy1952 - 1960
    Frank RUGOLOMelbourne1983 - 1994
    Joe RUGOLOMelbourne1985 - 1994
    Felice RUSSOSt. Kilda1950 - 1951
    Peter RUSSO Hawthorn & St. Kilda1978 - 1990
    Tim TARANTOGreat Western Sydney2017 - present
    Vin TARANTOCoburg1983 - 1999
    Lauren TESORIEROCollingwood & Richmond2016 - present
    Aeolian-Australian Sports People
    Alex NATOLIAdelaide United & Melbourne Victory2012 - 2017
    Monette RUSSOOlympic Artistic Gymnast2003 – 2007
    Adriana TARANTOMelbourne Victory2015 - present
    Melissa TARANTOMelbourne Victory2015 – present

    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

    Miss and Mr Isole Eolie

    Miss & Mr Isole Eolie

    Every year the Società Isole Eolie elects a Miss and Mr Isole Eolie at the annual Isole Eolie Picnic in February. It is one of many traditions proudly upheld by the Società.

    Learn more about the history of our Annual Picnic HERE 

    The pageant began in the 1960s and the title was fiercely sought over by all eligible young women. To be named Miss Isole Eolie was a great honour for the winner and their family. The dynamic of the competition has changed over time, however, with the introduction of the title of Mr Isole Eolie in 1996.

    Today, the competition is good-natured and provides a means of encouraging second and third-generation Aeolians to follow the footsteps of their ancestors by continuing this tradition.

    Youth from 16 years of age are encouraged to nominate themselves to be a representative of the Società Isole Eolie.
    A panel of judges evaluates the way contestants present themselves to the Aeolian community and respond to prompts delivered by the host of the competition. Those who place in first, second and third positions are later honoured at the annual Mr and Miss Isole Eolie Dance.

    Back in the days when the Miss Italian Community pageant was still being held, two young Aeolian women qualified in the top positions: Angela La Bozzetta (Miss Italian Community 1980) and Teresa Luca (Charity Princess 1980).

    More recently, Miss Isole Eolie 2012, Sandra Mandile, went on to become a finalist at Miss Tourism Australia 2013.

    Miss & Mr Isole Eolie Pageant Timeline
    • 1968 – The SMSIE holds the first Miss Isole Eolie quest at the annual family picnic.
    • 1970 – The first recorded winner, Lisa Caponio was elected as Miss Isole Eolie.
    • 1971 – The first Miss Isole Eolie of non-Aeolian or Italian descent was elected.
    • 1996 – The first Mr Isole Eolie contest is introduced and is won by Frank Natoli.

    Have you been a previous Miss or Mr Isole Eolie Winner or Runner up?

    Please email us if you were a Miss or Mr Isole Eolie 1st, 2nd or 3rd place winner and if your name does not appear in the table. We would love to add your name to the list and become part of history.

    Full List of Miss and Mr Isole Eolie Winners since 1968

    MISS ISOLE EOLIEMR ISOLE EOLIE
    1ST2ND3RD1ST2ND 3RD
    2025Nicola GeorgoulosDenise VentriceChiara BaileyJohnny QuachLuciano CaputoAdriano Mandarino
    2024Mia CutugnoLaura PatellaNone ElectedAlexander BoderiJulian CutugnoVincenzo Cutugno
    2023Isabella MuletaLauren DuarteJillian ArkoudisMarco ReitanoLorenzo CincottaNone Awarded
    2022None ElectedNone ElectedNone ElectedNone ElectedNone ElectedNone Elected
    2021Emma SerciaGiuliana BivianoFrancesca ZuccarelloJames ItaliaDaniel Cotesta3rd Place not awarded
    2020Madeline VinaccioMelissa MannoChiara BaileyDavide NatoliRino ColuccioAndrew Piccolo
    2019Nadia NatoliJessica CasamentoCatherine NatoliNicholas KakolyrisNicholas ArgettoDavide Natoli
    2018Adriana Di PettaNatalie Di PasqualeRoanna SanelliMichael AngeliniLachlan Blanchard (Luca)Adam Lauria
    2017Melissa FerlainoAlessi D'AndreaAngeline PaganellaAdam SalerniKahn VocaleMuhammad Alloushe
    2016Fabiana FarahLisa CiacchiJessica PapaleoGianni D'AndreaDavid LarneJames Siakavelis
    2015Isabella Russo Jessica Cincotta Katherine Lisa CerriAnthony MartenstynAndrew FontiMatt Italia
    2014Gabriella MartelloMoriah RussoOliva AmatoEolo Finocchiaro Anthony MartenstynCarlo Martello
    2013Giulia MartelloJessica CincottaGabriella MartelloSteven FinocchiaroNicholas MaioranaRobert Ferlaino
    2012Sandra MandileChristina KarouzakisRebecca MarianiMatthew MandileRoberto PaolinoDaniel Russo
    2011None elected due to picnic being held at Elwood Beach.None elected due to picnic being held at Elwood Beach.
    2010Gabriella RussoGabriella MartelloRachel MufaleDavid FontiDaniel AmericaNathan Mufale
    2009Giulia LentiniAlexandra BrunacciChristina SerciaJames DaidoneDaniel RussoDavid Fonti
    2008Angelique MandaranoNicole PainoElise ParisiJoseph SchmidRoberto TurcoLes Clarke
    2007
    2006Kiara Turcarelli
    2005
    2004
    2003Diana TarantoAngelique MandaranoSimone MicheliSam CannistraFausto CortesePaul Taranto
    2002Bianca TurcarelliSarah Domine (TBC)Josephine Mandarano (TBC)Anthony BerziLuke Surace (TBC)Matt Bordignon (TBC)
    2001Anna Maria MandaranoAnthony Mandarano
    2000Romina Lo PiccoloAnthony Lo Piccolo
    1999Grace BivianoAnthony Lo Piccolo
    1998
    1997Mellinda SessaAdrian Patella
    1996Danielle SerciaSandra BarbutoAnna-Lisa LenziFrank NatoliCarmine DelnigroBill Collins
    1995Giovanna MandaranoKelly LastrinaLinda Mandarino--Mr Isole Eolie begins in 1996--
    1994------
    1993------
    1992Alessandra OrsiniJulie BivianoPaula Rizzo------
    1991Louisa Di FlorioNatalie CappadonaGrace Biviano------
    1990Diana SerciaEnza Scaffidi------
    1989Maria CasseraLuise PhillipsVikky Rowe------
    1988Andrea BourkeDaniela CusmanoMaria Raimondi------
    1987Angela Cincotta------
    1986------
    1985------
    1984Lisa CilonioGloria SampieriMaria Salanatri------
    1983Josie MuletaAnna Maria Manfre------
    1982Anna Marguglio (Miss Picnic)------
    1981Rosa Carbone------
    1980Teresa Luca (Miss Italian Community) Francesca Luca (Miss Primavera)------
    1979Emma Paoli (Miss Picnic)Rosanna Mollica------
    1978Nancy AntonuccioPietrina Mandarano (Miss Primavera)Rina Luca------
    1977Jeanette TarantoTina Scafidi (Miss Primavera)Rina Luca (Miss Inverno)------
    1976Rosina FontiTeresa Luca (Miss Primavera)------
    1975Lisa Mandarano------
    1974Rosy Lo Ricco------
    1973Rina Scaramozzino------
    1972Maria Leuzzi------
    1971First non-Aeolian - name unknown------
    1970Lisa CaponioRita CecchitanoJeanne Ischia------
    1969------
    1968"La Bella Signorina"------
    1ST2ND3RD

    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

    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

    Museo Società Isole Eolie and Resource Centre

    Museo Società Isole Eolie and Resource Centre

    Located on the first floor of our hall at 836 Lygon St, Carlton North, our Museo Società Isole Eolie and Resource Centre houses various memorabilia and photos from our long-standing history since 1925.  The room is open during all our events or upon appointment.

     

    View information about the 85 individuals that reside on our 1934 Members Photo Board HERE 

     

    Contact Our Historical Archives Department

    Contact us below if you have your own historic Società Isole Eolie photos, have additional information regarding one of our museum items or photos or would like to contribute to the museum. We are happy to hear from you.

    A sneak peek at what you will find in our Museum

    Contact Us

    Contact us below if you have your own historic Società Isole Eolie photos, have additional information regarding one of our museum items or photos or would like to contribute to the museum. We are happy to hear from you.

      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

      From Volcanoes We Sailed

      From Volcanoes We Sailed- Connecting Aeolian Generations

      Thank you to Point Cool Productions for producing this film and to those who feature in the film for this wonderful representation of our Aeolian community in Melbourne. Directed by Oscar Strangio & Jack Ralph. 15mins

      Developed in collaboration with the Società Isole Eolie and the wider Aeolian community, part of the exhibition From Volcanoes We Sailed open at the Melbourne Immigration Museum April 30th – October 30th 2016

      Between April 30th to October 30th 2016, the Immigration Museum of Melbourne hosted From Volcanoes We Sailed: Connecting Aeolian Generations an exhibition curated by Cristina Neri. She has worked tirelessly with many others from the Aeolian community we have here in Melbourne to create this wonderful memoir of Aeolian history in Australia.

      Uncover the remarkable, cultural heritage of a migrant community hailing from the volcanic archipelago of the Mediterranean. Famous in Melbourne for their ‘fruit palaces’, Aeolians established a vast number of independent businesses in their newly adopted home.

      Beyond business, Aeolians have become leaders in politics and society. Encounter extraordinary families who have shaped Melbourne’s Aeolian community and learn about how Società Isole Eolie continues to nurture and connect Aeolians in Victoria and abroad.

      #‎FromVolcanoesWeSailed

      From Volcanoes, We Sailed
      From Volcanoes, We Sailed

      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