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.
NARDUZZO Pino (1933-2023)
BARCA Giuseppa (1928-2023)
CASAMENTO Dominic (1936-2023)
MAGGIORE Joe (1952-2023)
BARBUTO Assunta (1946-2023)
NATOLI Bartolina (SCAFFIDI) (1933-2023)
TOSCANO Vincenzo (1905-1981)
CASAMENTO Giuseppe (1907-1985)
CASAMENTO Bartolo (1937-2014)
D'ANDREA Anita (1941-2020)
PELUSO Gaetano (Tom) (1906-1983)
SCAFFIDI Vincenzo
PANETTIERI Francesco (1915-1983)
TESORIERO Pietro (1908-1990
ROSITANO Maria (1924-2015)
LOSCHIAVO Sam (1930-2019)
MOLLICA Caterina (Rene) (1928-2017)
ZIINO Bartolo
NATOLI Bartolo (1928-2018)
ISCHIA Giuseppe (1915-2005)
NATOLI Gino (1926-2003)
NATOLI Bob (1926-2006)
TARANTO Angelo (1913-1987)
PAINO Giuseppe (1905-1997)
MOLINIA Tony (Anthony) (1940-2014)
FERLAZZO Giovanni (1930-1998)
ZAIA Tony (1930-2021)
D'AMICO Nick (Nicola) 1935-2019
D'AMICO Vincenzo (Father)
MARTELLO Giovanni (1931-2021
BENJAMIN Jose (TESORIERO) 1936- 2021
LUCA Giuseppe (Joe) 1932-2021
BOCCABELLA ANGELA (BROCCIO) 1922-2020
BARCA Giuseppe (Joe) 1928-2021
SANTAMARIA GIUSEPPE
FONTI Giuseppe
CASAMENTO Marino
SCAFFIDI Leo 1926-2017
TESORIERO Giuseppe
LUCA Marianina (Nina) (TESORIERO) 1939-2019
CANESTRA Bartolo
DI MATTINA Bartolo 1900-1965
BONGIORNO Antonino
-
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)
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)
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)
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)
b. 14 August 1946, Vulcano
d. 20 January 2023, Melbourne
Wife of the Long-Standing President Tony Barbuto. -
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)
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)
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)
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)
b. 19 June 1941
d. 11 August 2020, Melbourne -
PELUSO Gaetano (Tom) (1906-1983)
b. 25 September 1906, Lipari
d. 8 May 1983, Melbourne -
SCAFFIDI Vincenzo
b. 23 October 1902, Sant'Angelo Di Brolo
d. 19 February 1984 -
PANETTIERI Francesco (1915-1983)
b. 23 February 1915, Stromboli
d. 28 August 1983, Melbourne -
TESORIERO Pietro (1908-1990
b. 29 June 1908, Ginostra
d. 12 November 1990, Melbourne -
ROSITANO Maria (1924-2015)
b. 9 December 1924
d. 5 April 2015, Melbourne -
LOSCHIAVO Sam (1930-2019)
b. 14 October 1930
d. 23 January 2019, Melbourne -
MOLLICA Caterina (Rene) (1928-2017)
b. 5 May 1928
d. 13 May 2017, Melbourne -
ZIINO Bartolo
b. 18 May 1943
d. 28 June 2018, Melbourne
Bartolo was the secretary of the club in 1984. -
NATOLI Bartolo (1928-2018)
b. 22 July 1928
d. 29 September 2018, Melbourne -
ISCHIA Giuseppe (1915-2005)
b. 27 September 1915
d. 4 February 2005, Melbourne -
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)
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)
b. 26 January 1913, Alicudi,
d. 18 June 1987, Melbourne
Aged 74 -
PAINO Giuseppe (1905-1997)
b. abt 1905,
d. 5 July 1997, Melbourne
Aged 92 -
MOLINIA Tony (Anthony) (1940-2014)
b.19 August 1940
d. 17 November 2014 -
FERLAZZO Giovanni (1930-1998)
b. 5 January 1930, Lipari
d. 19 February 1998, Melbourne -
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
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)
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
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
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
b. 28 October 1932, Place of Birth
d. 11 January 2021, Place of Death -
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
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
b. Date of Birth, Place of Birth
d. Date of Death, Place of Death -
FONTI Giuseppe
b. Date of Birth, Place of Birth
d. Date of Death, Place of Death -
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
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
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
b. 28 August 1939, Melbourne
d. 20 November 2019, Melbourne
Description -
CANESTRA Bartolo
b. Date of Birth, Place of Birth
d. Date of Death, Place of Death
Description -
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
b. 21 May 1877, Stromboli
d. 1955 , Stromboli
Son of Antonino & Francesca Tesoriero. Husband of Francesca Famularo.
EXPLORE
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
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.
EXPLORE
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Aeolian Islands Birth, Death and Marriage Records
1746-1767 & 1776-1799 Church Baptism Records
1820-1860 Civil Records
1866-1910 Civil Records
Other useful links
CONTACT US
For any enquiries regarding Discovering My Aeolian History: Video Series
or our yearly Seminar please contact us here.
EXPLORE
Annual Keast Park Picnic
Annual Keast Park Picnic - Sunday 5th February 2023
Join us for a day out enjoyed by generations over the years…
Everyone and anyone is welcome to attend and participate.
- 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
- MEN’S WATERMELON EATING COMPETITION
- WOMEN’S WATERMELON EATING COMPETITION
- BOYS’ WATERMELON EATING COMPETITION
- GIRLS’ WATERMELON EATING COMPETITION
- BOYS’ TINY TOTS – UNDER 3 YEARS SPRINT
- GIRLS’ TINY TOTS – UNDER 3 YEARS SPRINT
- BOYS’ UNDER 5 SPRINT
- GIRLS’ UNDER 5 SPRINT
- BOYS’ UNDER 7 SPRINT
- GIRLS’ UNDER 7 SPRINT
- BOYS’ UNDER 9 SPRINT
- GIRLS’ UNDER 9 SPRINT
- BOYS’ UNDER 11 SPRINT
- GIRLS’ UNDER 11 SPRINT
- BOYS’ UNDER 13 SPRINT
- GIRLS’ UNDER 13 SPRINT
- BOYS’ EGG & SPOON RACE
- GIRLS’ EGG & SPOON RACE
- MEN’S EGG & SPOON RACE
- WOMEN’S EGG & SPOON RACE
- BOYS’ 3-LEGGED RACE
- GIRLS’ 3-LEGGED RACE
- MEN’S 3-LEGGED RACE
- WOMEN’S 3-LEGGED RACE
- BOYS’ SACK RACE
- GIRLS’ SACK RACE
- WOMEN’S SACK RACE
- MEN’S SACK RACE
- WOMEN’S OPEN TUG-OF-WAR
- 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
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 BARBUTO | Founder of JB Hi-Fi |
| Hon. Bernard BONGIORNO | Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria |
| Paul BONGIORNO AM | Political Journalist |
| John CASAMENTO | Award-winning Photo Journalist |
| Lina CINCOTTA | Charity Worker |
| Frank COSTA | Entrepreneur & Philanthropist |
| Marcello D’AMICO | Artist, Author & Community Achiever |
| Natalie IMBRUGLIA | Singer/Songwriter/Model/Actress |
| Hon. James MERLINO | Deputy Premier and Minister for Education |
| Tony MATISI | Former Mayor of City of Northcote |
| Pia MIRANDA | Actress |
| Nino RANDAZZO | Italian Senator & Editor of Il Globo Newspaper |
| Guy RUSSO | CEO of Kmart Australia |
| John RUSSO | AFL Umpire |
| Bob SANTAMARIA | Political Activist and Journalist |
| Lena SANTOSPIRITO | Deemed “Madre degli Italiani” for her work among Italians |
| Fred SCHEPISI | Film Director, Producer & Screenwriter |
| Vince SERCIA | AFL Umpire |
| Dante & Kathy TESORIERO | Avanti Charity Committee |
| Angelo TARANTO | Founder of Taranto’s Ice Cream |
| Frank VERGONA | VFA (VFL) Umpire |
| John VILLANTE | Founder of Villante Industries |
| Michael VOZZO | AFL Umpire |
Aeolian-Australian Footballers
| Andrew CARRAZZO | Carlton | 2004 - 2015 |
| Albert “Alby” DELUCA | Carlton | 1934 - 1935 |
| Matthew BALL | Hawthorn | 2004 - 2006 |
| Luke BALL | St Kilda & Collingwood | 2003 - 2014 |
| Adrian DELUCA | Carlton | 2002 - 2006 |
| Fabian DELUCA | Footscray | 2006 - 2008 |
| Andrew DIMATTINA | Collingwood | 1999 - 2002 |
| Frank DIMATTINA | Richmond & North Melbourne | 1964 - 1970 |
| Paul DIMATTINA | Western Bulldogs | 1995 - 2003 |
| Tim FINOCCHIARO | Geelong | 1998 - 1999 |
| John KENNEDY | Hawthorn | 1979 - 1991 |
| Josh KENNEDY | Hawthorn, Sydney | 2008 - present |
| Tony ONGARELLO | Fitzroy | 1952 - 1960 |
| Frank RUGOLO | Melbourne | 1983 - 1994 |
| Joe RUGOLO | Melbourne | 1985 - 1994 |
| Felice RUSSO | St. Kilda | 1950 - 1951 |
| Peter RUSSO | Hawthorn & St. Kilda | 1978 - 1990 |
| Tim TARANTO | Great Western Sydney | 2017 - present |
| Vin TARANTO | Coburg | 1983 - 1999 |
| Lauren TESORIERO | Collingwood & Richmond | 2016 - present |
Aeolian-Australian Sports People
| Alex NATOLI | Adelaide United & Melbourne Victory | 2012 - 2017 |
| Monette RUSSO | Olympic Artistic Gymnast | 2003 – 2007 |
| Adriana TARANTO | Melbourne Victory | 2015 - present |
| Melissa TARANTO | Melbourne Victory | 2015 – present |
EXPLORE
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 EOLIE | MR ISOLE EOLIE | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1ST | 2ND | 3RD | 1ST | 2ND | 3RD | |
| 2023 | Isabella Muleta | Lauren Duarte | Jillian Arkoudis | Marco Reitano | Lorenzo Cincotta | None Awarded |
| 2022 | None Elected | None Elected | None Elected | None Elected | None Elected | None Elected |
| 2021 | Emma Sercia | Giuliana Biviano | Francesca Zuccarello | James Italia | Daniel Cotesta | 3rd Place not awarded |
| 2020 | Madeline Vinaccio | Melissa Manno | Chiara Bailey | Davide Natoli | Rino Coluccio | Andrew Piccolo |
| 2019 | Nadia Natoli | Jessica Casamento | Catherine Natoli | Nicholas Kakolyris | Nicholas Argetto | Davide Natoli |
| 2018 | Adriana Di Petta | Natalie Di Pasquale | Roanna Sanelli | Michael Angelini | Lachlan Blanchard (Luca) | Adam Lauria |
| 2017 | Melissa Ferlaino | Alessi D'Andrea | Angeline Paganella | Adam Salerni | Kahn Vocale | Muhammad Alloushe |
| 2016 | Fabiana Farah | Lisa Ciacchi | Jessica Papaleo | Gianni D'Andrea | David Larne | James Siakavelis |
| 2015 | Isabella Russo | Jessica Cincotta | Katherine Lisa Cerri | Anthony Martenstyn | Andrew Fonti | Matt Italia |
| 2014 | Gabriella Martello | Moriah Russo | Oliva Amato | Eolo Finocchiaro | Anthony Martenstyn | Carlo Martello |
| 2013 | Giulia Martello | Jessica Cincotta | Gabriella Martello | Steven Finocchiaro | Nicholas Maiorana | Robert Ferlaino |
| 2012 | Sandra Mandile | Christina Karouzakis | Rebecca Mariani | Matthew Mandile | Roberto Paolino | Daniel Russo |
| 2011 | None elected due to picnic being held at Elwood Beach. | None elected due to picnic being held at Elwood Beach. | ||||
| 2010 | Gabriella Russo | Gabriella Martello | Rachel Mufale | David Fonti | Daniel America | Nathan Mufale |
| 2009 | Giulia Lentini | Alexandra Brunacci | Christina Sercia | James Daidone | Daniel Russo | David Fonti |
| 2008 | Angelique Mandarano | Nicole Paino | Elise Parisi | Joseph Schmid | Roberto Turco | Les Clarke |
| 2007 | ||||||
| 2006 | ||||||
| 2005 | ||||||
| 2004 | ||||||
| 2003 | Diana Taranto | Angelique Mandarano | Simone Micheli | Sam Cannistra | Fausto Cortese | Paul Taranto |
| 2002 | Bianca Turcarelli | Sarah Domine (TBC) | Josephine Mandarano (TBC) | Anthony Berzi | Luke Surace (TBC) | Matt Bordignon (TBC) |
| 2001 | Anna Maria Mandarano | Anthony Mandarano | ||||
| 2000 | Romina Lo Piccolo | Anthony Lo Piccolo | ||||
| 1999 | Grace Biviano | Anthony Lo Piccolo | ||||
| 1998 | ||||||
| 1997 | Mellinda Sessa | Adrian Patella | ||||
| 1996 | Danielle Sercia | Sandra Barbuto | Anna-Lisa Lenzi | Frank Natoli | Carmine Delnigro | Bill Collins |
| 1995 | Giovanna Mandarano | Kelly Lastrina | Linda Mandarino | -- | Mr Isole Eolie begins in 1996 | -- |
| 1994 | -- | -- | -- | |||
| 1993 | -- | -- | -- | |||
| 1992 | Alessandra Orsini | Julie Biviano | Paula Rizzo | -- | -- | -- |
| 1991 | Louisa Di Florio | Natalie Cappadona | Grace Biviano | -- | -- | -- |
| 1990 | Diana Sercia | Enza Scaffidi | -- | -- | -- | |
| 1989 | Maria Cassera | Luise Phillips | Vikky Rowe | -- | -- | -- |
| 1988 | Andrea Bourke | Daniela Cusmano | Maria Raimondi | -- | -- | -- |
| 1987 | Angela Cincotta | -- | -- | -- | ||
| 1986 | -- | -- | -- | |||
| 1985 | -- | -- | -- | |||
| 1984 | Lisa Cilonio | Gloria Sampieri | Maria Salanatri | -- | -- | -- |
| 1983 | Josie Muleta | Anna Maria Manfre | -- | -- | -- | |
| 1982 | Anna Marguglio (Miss Picnic) | -- | -- | -- | ||
| 1981 | Rosa Carbone | -- | -- | -- | ||
| 1980 | Teresa Luca (Miss Italian Community) | Francesca Luca (Miss Primavera) | -- | -- | -- | |
| 1979 | Emma Paoli (Miss Picnic) | Rosanna Mollica | -- | -- | -- | |
| 1978 | Nancy Antonuccio | Pietrina Mandarano (Miss Primavera) | Rina Luca | -- | -- | -- |
| 1977 | Jeanette Taranto | Tina Scafidi (Miss Primavera) | Rina Luca (Miss Inverno) | -- | -- | -- |
| 1976 | Rosina Fonti | Teresa Luca (Miss Primavera) | -- | -- | -- | |
| 1975 | Lisa Mandarano | -- | -- | -- | ||
| 1974 | Rosy Lo Ricco | -- | -- | -- | ||
| 1973 | Rina Scaramozzino | -- | -- | -- | ||
| 1972 | Maria Leuzzi | -- | -- | -- | ||
| 1971 | First non-Aeolian - name unknown | -- | -- | -- | ||
| 1970 | Lisa Caponio | Rita Cecchitano | Jeanne Ischia | -- | -- | -- |
| 1969 | -- | -- | -- | |||
| 1968 | "La Bella Signorina" | -- | -- | -- | ||
| 1ST | 2ND | 3RD |
EXPLORE
Aeolian Genealogy Seminar/Webinar
9th Aeolian Genealogy Seminar/Webinar
Sunday 22nd October 2023 | 9 am – 4 pm (AEDT)
on Zoom Webinar and at Eolian Hall, Melbourne
An exploration into your Italian heritage and how to further your family history research
Seminar/Webinar Session Date:
Sunday 22nd October 2023
Seminar | Eolian Hall | 9 am-4 pm
Webinar | Zoom Webinar | 10 am-4 pm (AEDT)
Cost: $45 AUD
The presentations will be in English.
REGISTRATION CLOSED
Join us via Zoom Webinar from wherever you are in the world from the comfort of your home or in person at Eolian Hall, Melbourne, Australia to learn tips and tricks to start or advance your Italian Ancestry.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced family historian, you will be sure to benefit from these informative presentations.
Those wishing to attend in person, please continue to register through the link in Zoom in which there will be a section where you can tell us if you will be attending in person at the Eolian Hall. Like other years an Aeolain-inspired lunch will be provided on the day.
If your family isn’t from the Aeolian Islands in Sicily, That’s OK! Anyone with Italian ancestry can apply the information in the presentation to their own families.
The 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 21st October
New York – 7 pm (EDT) Saturday 21st October
Roma, Italia – 1 am (CEST) Sunday
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) – 11 pm Saturday 21st October
THIS YEAR’S TOPICS
Key Note Address: What does it mean to be an Aeolian-Australian?
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: Lipari 1610
What the 1610 census tells us about 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 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.
Joe Russo
KEYNOTE PANELLIST
Topic: 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.
Presenter: Letizia Mondello
Learn more about Letizia
Letizia Mondello was born on the island of Vulcano in 1962 and in 1967 at the age of five immigrated to Melbourne with her family. Letizia worked as a librarian for over 20 years in public libraries in collections management including working with collections in languages other than English. She also trained members of the public on how to use a range of databases related to family and local history. In 2022 Letizia completed a Graduate Diploma of Archives and Records Management at Curtin University. As part of her fascination with the Eolian Islands Letizia collects travel narratives of people who have visited the islands.
Letizia Mondello
Topic: 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.
Presenter: 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
Topic: 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.
Presenter: Paulina Bird (Iacono)
Learn more about Paulina
Born in Melbourne Australia in 1954, Paulina is the second child of Tony & Rosina Iacono, Italian migrants both from the Aeolian Island of Lipari, arriving in Australia in 1950.
Living her childhood in Northcote, Paulina’s recollection of a migrant cosmopolitan environment mixed in with the Aussie way of life set her on a course of blending the two cultures and respecting each of them for what they were. This was not an easy task, however, as time went on her passion to dig deep into her Italian heritage, a love of art, design & history all gave her a sense of seeking her own identity.
Marrying in 1975 and after having 3 children, her ambition would see her accomplish a Diploma in Decoration and Design, set up her own business and use her design skills in the Tile Industry for over 40 years.
With a love for writing and history, Paulina interviewed her parents over a year to write their Biographies, both gifts for their 80th Birthdays. This has been a great attribute to them and her family over the past 14 years.
Joining the Genealogy Seminars at the SIE 6 years ago also fuelled her thirst to understand, document and appreciate her ancestor’s legacy giving her a much deeper appreciation of her heritage.
Paulina Bird (Iacono)
Topic: 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.
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
Feature Presentation: A Glimpse into the Museo Eoliano dell’Emigrazione
Tour through the museum collection of the Museo Eoliano dell’Emigrazione in Malfa, Salina.
Presenter: 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.
Cristina Neri
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 9th Aeolian Genealogy Seminar/Webinar will be held on Sunday 22nd October 2023 at Eolian Hall (836 Lygon Street Carlton, Victoria, Australia)
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 coming soon.
This is if you will join us in-person at Eolian Hall or join us via Zoom Webinar.
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 10 am and finish at about 4 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 23rd of October, please come to Eolian Hall at 9:30 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
Coming soon!
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
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
Aeolian Islands Birth, Death and Marriage Records
1746-1767 & 1776-1799 Church Baptism Records
1820-1860 Civil Records
1866-1910 Civil Records
Other useful links
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
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.
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
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.
EXPLORE
Aeolian Fruiterers
Aeolian Fruiterers
It is right to say that the Aeolian Immigrants had an affinity with the fruit and vegetable industry in Australia.
The agricultural knowledge that Aeolian migrants possessed obviously played a major role in the choice of occupation once in Australia. Fruit and vegetables were things that Aeolians knew much about. A small fruit and vegetable business seemed a desirable occupation which, while demanding hard work and long hours, provided a good livelihood and much-wanted independence for the newly-arrived migrants.
This trend of entering into the vegetable retailing industry set by the earliest Aeolian migrants was followed by most of the later arrivals, who were mostly sponsored by well-established Aeolians. These newcomers, who worked and trained under their ‘paesani’ or older relatives, were able to perceive the various benefits of owning one’s own fruit shop business, and so many went on to open up one of their own. Thus they propagated and eventually dominated the fruit and vegetable retailing industry.
However, during the 1980s, the various supermarket chains squeezed out many fruiterers from their suburban strip shopping centres, and today most of the formidable Aeolian fruiterers who set up their own businesses in the 1950s and 1960s have gone into retirement.
Some Aeolian names synonymous with Melbourne’s Fruit & Vegetable industry include Pino Narduzzo, Tesoriero & Luca Bros., Marino Casamento, the Biviano and Scaffidi Brothers, Attilio Peluso, Tullio Scaffidi, the Tarantos, Mario Russo and the Rando family, Bob Natoli, Bob & Lyn Giuliano, Cincotta, Costa, Giuseppe Mandile and family, the De Luca and Mecca families plus F. Dimattina & Co. which still operates today after 80 years, as Dimattina Provedoring, and many more.
There is no doubt that Aeolians have contributed to the Australian community with their efforts and sense of achievement in establishing themselves in a new country where everything seemed so different from the islands where they hailed from.
Please Note: Information about the below fruit shops has been supplied by family members. If there should be any corrections, please contact us at the form below.
- all
- Abbotsford
- Albert Park
- Ararat
- Ascot Vale
- Balaclava
- Ballarat
- Brighton
- Brighton East
- Brunswick
- Box Hill
- Clifton Hill
- Coburg
- Collingwood
- Fitzroy
- Eaglemont
- Fairfield
- Elsternwick
- Malvern
- Malvern East
- Middle Park
- Moonee Ponds
- Melbourne
- Mordialloc
- Northcote
- Nunawading
- Prahran
- Port Melbourne
- Reservoir
- Richmond
- Stawell
- South Yarra
- Thornbury
- Westgarth
- Windsor
- West Melbourne
- Australia
57 Sydney Rd Brunswick
226 Johnston Street Abbotsford - The Abbotsford Excelsior
187 Union Rd, Ascot Vale
Waverley Rd, Malvern East
237 High Street Northcote
20 Glenferrie Road Malvern
162 Spir Road Mosman, NSW
366A Military Road Cremorne, NSW
457 Elizabeth Street West Melbourne
87 Chapel Street Windsor
51 Chapel Street Windsor
95 High St Westgarth
59 High Street Westgarth
693 High Street Thornbury
399 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Wimmera Café Stawell
Main Sreet Stawell
115 Swan Street Richmond
244 Broadway Reservoir
31 Bay Sreet Port Melbourne
608 Main Sreet Mordialloc
6 Puckle Sreett Moonee Ponds
301 Waverley Road Malvern East
22 Armstrong Street Middle Park
267 Brunswick Sreet Fitzroy
300 Station St Fairfield North
149 Glenhuntly Road Elsternwick
Silverdale Road Eaglemont
128 Johnston Street Collingwood
454 Sydney Road Coburg
356 Queens Pde Clifton Hill
276 Queens Parade Clifton Hill
587 Sydney Road Brunswick
616 Hampton Street East Brighton
194 Bridport Street Albert Park
781 Hampton Street Brighton
356 Bay Street North Brighton
970 Whitehorse Road Box Hill
601 Station Street Box Hill
250 Carlisle Street Balaclava - Tesoriero & Luca Brothers
905 Sturt Street Ballarat
102 Bridge Street Ballarat
129 Dundas Place Albert Park
99 Dundas Place Albert Park
95 The Avenue Albert Park
Barkley Street Ararat - Bon Ton Café then Town Hall Cafe
Barkley Street Ararat - Plaza Café then Pinzone Bros Cafe
352 Flinders Street Melbourne
597 High Street Northcote
495 High Street Northcote
263 High Street Northcote
527 Chapel Street Prahran
267 Brunswick Street Fitzroy
601 Station Street Box Hill
135 Victoria Avenue Albert Park
-
57 Sydney Rd Brunswick
Bobby( Bartolomeo also Robert John Taranto 1939 to 1998) and Maria Taranto (nee Rocca)
1950s
Bob Taranto was know as the fruitologist. Literally born premature in a fruit shop when the weight of carrying the bar of the shop shutters induced an early labour at 479 Sydney Rd Coburg.
His parents Rafeale Taranto and Nancy (nee Lopes) were there since the mid 1920s to the late 1950s when the government forcibly acquired the property to house the Coburg post office. After that they moved to 57 Sydney Rd Brunswick.
In late 1966 Bobby married and soon after took over the family business.
Relocated to 479 Sydney Rd Brunswick until Dec 24 1997. -
226 Johnston Street Abbotsford - The Abbotsford Excelsior
Antonino & Tilda Ziino
1924-1946 Circa
In photo: Antonino Ziino (27 Sept 1893 - 15 May 1976) Marianna (Mary) - daughter (15 Aug 1920 - 12 Apr 1986) Francesco (Frank) - son (14 Jul 1924 - 6Sept 1988) Domenico (Nin) - son (22 Oct 1927) - still living. -
187 Union Rd, Ascot Vale
Giovanni and Nunziata Martello
1950's to 1970's
Giovanni would wake up early to go to the Victoria Market to get his supplies for the day. -
Waverley Rd, Malvern East
Tom Mollica -
237 High Street Northcote
M. Casamento -
20 Glenferrie Road Malvern
Giovanni Alaimo -
162 Spir Road Mosman, NSW
Giovanni Favaloro & Son Giuseppe Favaloro
1934 to 1976
In 1944 Giovanni's son, Giuseppe Favaloro took over and ran the fruitshop until 1976. -
366A Military Road Cremorne, NSW
Giovanni (Jack) & Angela Favaloro
1953 to 1972
Giovanni Favaloro also run a fruit shop at 162 Spir Rd Mosman NSW from circa 1934 to 1944 when his son Giuseppe Favaloro took it over and ran it until 1976. -
457 Elizabeth Street West Melbourne
Giuseppe Cara
1914 – 1925
From 1903-1904 Giuseppe and Harry Carra were selling fruit and flowers from barrows on Princes Bridge.
In 1927 Guiseppe moved to 115 Swan Street Richmond and became a Wine Merchant. -
87 Chapel Street Windsor
Francesca Biviano
Years Currently Unknown -
51 Chapel Street Windsor
Joe and Rosina Cincotta
1950s and 1960s -
95 High St Westgarth
A.Biviano
1928 -
59 High Street Westgarth
G. Mollica
1926 to 1936 -
693 High Street Thornbury
Cincotta Brothers
1926 to 1933 -
399 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Giuseppe & Maria Lagreca & son Bob La Greca
1910 to 1954 -
Wimmera Café Stawell
Charie Strangio & Vincenzo Pinzone
1924-1933 -
Main Sreet Stawell
Charlie Strangio & Vincenzo Pinzoner
Abt 1917 -
115 Swan Street Richmond
Giuseppe Cara
1927
Between 1903- 1904 Giuseppe and Harry Carra were selling fruit and flowers from barrows on Princes Bridge.
In 1927 Guiseppe moved to 115 Swan st Richmond and became a Wine Merchant. His father Gaetano also established a business in Melbourne.
His brother Felix Carra was a fruiterer in Horsham before moving to Melbourne to become a wine merchant. His brothers Lorenzo and Harry were publicans and wine merchants. -
244 Broadway Reservoir
Felice and Leonilda Natoli
1960s to 1970 -
31 Bay Sreet Port Melbourne
Giuseppe and Maria Villanti
1936 to 1956 -
608 Main Sreet Mordialloc
Giacomo and Edna Jean Martello
1929 till 1953
Giacomo would drive his fruit truck to Vic Market several times a week and put long hours in without a break. -
6 Puckle Sreett Moonee Ponds
Frank and Rosalia Mollica
1934 to 1958 -
301 Waverley Road Malvern East
Vince and Melba Portelli
1950s to mid 1960s -
22 Armstrong Street Middle Park
Tony and Mary Mandile
1949 to 1961 -
267 Brunswick Sreet Fitzroy
Bartolo and Bartolina Palamara
1920s -
300 Station St Fairfield North
Bartolo and Giuseppina Natoli
1958 to 1977 -
149 Glenhuntly Road Elsternwick
Antonio & Angelina Casamento and Frank Casamento -
Silverdale Road Eaglemont
Frank and Popi Natoli
1960s to 1970s -
128 Johnston Street Collingwood
Frank and Maria Cincotta
1934 to 1936 -
454 Sydney Road Coburg
Angelo and Nunziata Ferlazzo
1920s until unknown -
356 Queens Pde Clifton Hill
Angelo Palmisano and Maria Famularo
1920s to 1950s
In 1919 Angelo & Maria purchased the business from Giuseppina and Antonio Casamento after they moved to the fruiterer shop at 356 Queens Parade, Clifton Hills. -
276 Queens Parade Clifton Hill
Bartolo and Santina Ferlazzo
1930s and 1940s -
587 Sydney Road Brunswick
Angelo & Caterina Russo
1920 to 1940
Angelo Russo at the age of 9 sold flowers at the corner of Flinders & Swanston Streets. At 18 years old, he operated the fruit stall in the laneway behind Young and Jackson then later in 1920 purchased a shop at 587 Sydney Rd Brunswick Angelo Russo's grandson Peter Russo Solicitors operates at 150 Sydney Rd Brunswick today. -
616 Hampton Street East Brighton
Tony and Rosa Devola
1950 to 1990
Son Anthony took over the business -
194 Bridport Street Albert Park
Giovanni (John) Materazzo & Beryl (Fraser)
1935-1953 <br In 1925 when John first arrived in Australia at the age of 14 he worked at the Victoria Market. From 1935 to 1953, (for 18 Years) John and his wife Beryl owned a Fruit Shop at 194 Bridport Street Albert Park. -
781 Hampton Street Brighton
Bartolo and Bartolina Palamara
1948 to 1960 -
356 Bay Street North Brighton
Frank and Maria Cincotta
1937 to 1957 -
970 Whitehorse Road Box Hill
Giuseppe (Joe) Russo & Josephine Russo
1947-1959
Workers/Boarders -Micheal Palma, Antonio Castellano, Bob Castellano, John Taranto
In 1959 Joe & his brother Giovanni Russo (Jack) opened another fruit shop in the new Box Hill arcade. They continued to trade here till 1967. Josephine Russo (Jack’s wife) also worked here along with other part-time female staff. -
601 Station Street Box Hill
Antonio Ferlazzo
1950's
Antonio Ferlazzo had three fruit shops. He then married Felicia Natoli and they rented a fruit shop in New Market, then Mont Albert. In the early 1950's they purchased a fruit shop. -
250 Carlisle Street Balaclava - Tesoriero & Luca Brothers
Michele De Luca & Giuseppe Luca
1915- 2015
The original fruit shop was established in 1915. Vincenzo & Caterina Tesoriero's business would operate in the heart of Carlisle Street Balaclava for 70 years.
Due to Vincenzo's poor health, his children and their husbands would take over and the business was renamed TESORIERO & LUCA BROS.
Nearly all the grandchildren worked there at some stage and a number of Aeolians worked with the family. Three generations of family members ran the business until it was sold on February 15th, 2015. -
-
905 Sturt Street Ballarat
Antonino Casamento & Giuseppina Palmisano then Angelo Palmisano and Maria Famularo
1910-1918, 1919-1960
Opposite the Ballarat Base Hospital.
Originally Giuseppina Palmisano and her husband Antonino Casamento owned the fruiterer business from 1910 to 1918.
In 1914 Angelo Palmisano (Giuseppina’s brother) and Maria Famularo moved from Colac to help them run the business.
In 1919 Angelo Palmisano and Maria Famularo purchased the business from Giuseppina and Antonio Casamento after they moved to the fruiterer shop at 356 Queens Parade, Clifton Hills.
In 1960 the 905 Sturt Street fruiterer shop was sold to R. Ritchie, along with all the other shops in the complex, which was then demolished for his supermarket.
Information given my Lyn (Palmer [Palmisano]) Sands. (Granddaughter of Angelo Palmisano)
Image- 1938. The Palmisano Family outside the 905 Sturt St fruiterer shop. L-R: Rosina, Grandmother (Maria Palmisano), Mary, and Angelo (my dad). Absent: Kate and Tony. Grandfather Angelo Palmisano left his family in 1933. -
102 Bridge Street Ballarat
Frank and Jack Re
1940s -1970s -
129 Dundas Place Albert Park
Giuseppe and Elvira Palamara
1950’s
Established the first Milk Bar with Italian deli and mixed business. -
99 Dundas Place Albert Park
Giuseppe and Elvira Palamara
1950’s -
95 The Avenue Albert Park
Giuseppe (Jack) Mandile
1937 to 1962 -
Barkley Street Ararat - Bon Ton Café then Town Hall Cafe
Joe & Tom Pinzone
1935- -
Barkley Street Ararat - Plaza Café then Pinzone Bros Cafe
Vincenzo Pinzone
1935- -
352 Flinders Street Melbourne
Giuseppe and Harry Carra
1903- 1904
They were selling fruit and flowers from barrows on Princes Bridge. -
597 High Street Northcote
G. Lo Piccolo
1926 to 1950 -
495 High Street Northcote
Phil and Lina LoRicco
1950s and 1960s -
263 High Street Northcote
Bartolo and Giuseppina Natoli
1925 to 1955 -
527 Chapel Street Prahran
Giuseppe Carra
1914 - 1925 -
267 Brunswick Street Fitzroy
Bartolo and Bartolina Palamara
1920s -
601 Station Street Box Hill
Antonio Ferlazzo
1950's
Antonio Ferlazzo had three fruit shops. When he first arrived in Melbourne from Vulcano, he worked in his brother's fruit shop. He then married Felicia (nee Natoli born in Lipari) and they rented a fruit shop in New Market, then Mont Albert. In the early 1950's they purchased a fruit shop they were renting at 601 Station Street Box Hill. -
135 Victoria Avenue Albert Park
Tony & Giuseppe (Jack) Mandile
1950's
More shops will be added this year. Please fill in the below form for us to add your family’s fruit shop here.