10th Anniversary Gala Night

 

A Decade of Preserving Italian Heritage in South Australia

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On Saturday 11 October 2025, the Italian Historical Society of South Australia Inc. marked a truly significant milestone with its 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner, held at the elegant Carrington Function Centre. The evening was a celebration not only of ten years of dedicated historical preservation, but also of the enduring strength, resilience, and contribution of the Italian community to South Australia.

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Surrounded by members, supporters, community leaders, sponsors, and friends, guests gathered to honour a decade of storytelling, cultural preservation, and volunteer commitment that has ensured the voices of Italian migrants are not lost to time.

 

An Evening of Reflection, Celebration, and Gratitude

 

The Gala Night was both a festive celebration and a moment of deep reflection. Over the past ten years, the Italian Historical Society of South Australia (IHSSA) has worked tirelessly to collect, record, and preserve the lived experiences of Italian migrants and their descendants. These stories, captured through oral histories, archival research, photographs, and publications, form a living archive of resilience, sacrifice, faith, family, and achievement.

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In his address, President Giuseppe (Joe) Geracitano reflected on the Society’s journey and its founding vision: to ensure that every life story is recognised as a vital part of South Australia’s multicultural history. From early pioneers to post-war arrivals, from community leaders to quiet achievers, the Society’s work has brought dignity and recognition to stories that were once absent from official archives.

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The evening honoured not only those whose stories have been recorded, but also the many individuals who have supported this mission, committee members, editorial contributors, volunteers, interviewees, donors, researchers, and families, whose belief in the importance of memory and heritage continues to sustain the Society’s work.

 

Distinguished Messages and Community Recognition

 

The commemorative booklet distributed on the night featured messages of congratulations and support from a wide range of leaders and organisations, reflecting the broad respect held for the Society’s work.

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Warm messages were received from:

• The Premier of South Australia, Hon Peter Malinauskas MP, acknowledging the Society’s role in preserving 186 years of Italian history in the state

• The Leader of the Opposition, Hon Vincent Tarzia MP, praising the Society’s contribution to dignity, pride, and cultural continuity

• The Mayor of the City of Charles Sturt, Angela Evans, recognising the deep connection between Italian migrant stories and the city’s identity

• Com.It.Es South Australia, highlighting the importance of historical memory in shaping community resilience and democratic values

• The Consul of Italy, Ernesto Pianelli, whose message underscored the cultural and historical significance of the Society’s work in strengthening ties between Italy and the Italian-Australian community, and in safeguarding shared heritage for future generations

 

These messages reinforced the significance of the IHSSA not only within the Italian community, but within South Australia’s broader cultural and historical landscape.

 

Honouring Volunteers, Founding Members, and Community Leadership

 

A central theme of the evening was gratitude. The Society proudly acknowledged the tireless work of its President, Committee, Editorial Committee, Patrons, and Ambassadors, all of whom serve entirely on a voluntary basis. Their commitment, given freely and without expectation of financial reward, has been instrumental in shaping a professional, culturally sensitive, and enduring archive.

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A special presentation of certificates was made to founding members and long-standing sponsors who, a decade ago, were prepared to embark on an unknown path and support what was then a shared dream. Their early belief, courage, and generosity laid the foundations for the Society’s success and ensured that the preservation of Italian migrant history in South Australia would become a lasting reality.

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The Gala Night paid tribute to the belief that storytelling has transformative power: that by preserving memory, communities honour the past while empowering future generations to understand their identity and heritage.

 

Recognition of Interviewees

 

The evening also acknowledged three significant community members, Enzo Clappis, Ilarion Nesci, and Andy Clappis, whose oral history interviews have become part of the Society’s invaluable archival collection. Each was recognised for sharing their life stories, which embody the courage, perseverance, and contribution of Italian migrants in South Australia. Their experiences stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Italian community.

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A Tribute to Migration and Memory

 

The evening also celebrated the emotional and human dimensions of migration, echoed in the poem “Un Omaggio agli Emigranti” by F. Bava, included in both Italian and English translation in the Commemorative Book. The words resonated deeply with guests, capturing the shared experience of leaving one’s homeland, rebuilding life in a new country, and holding onto language, culture, and belonging.

 

This sentiment lies at the heart of the Society’s flagship project, “A Trunk Full of Dreams, A Suitcase Full of Memories”, which continues to document whole-of-life stories through carefully recorded oral histories deposited in the State Library of South Australia and other institutions.

 

Launch of the Publication Fund

 

A highlight of the evening was the official launch of the IHSSA Publication Fund, a new initiative designed to support the research, writing, and publication of works dedicated to Italian migrant history and community life in South Australia. The Fund represents a significant step forward in ensuring that these stories continue to be professionally documented, published, and made accessible to future generations.

 

The launch was warmly received by guests, who recognised the Fund as both an investment in historical scholarship and a powerful commitment to preserving community memory beyond the Society’s first decade.

 

Generous Support and Sponsors

 

The success of the 10th Anniversary Gala Night was made possible through the generosity of sponsors, donors, and supporters who contributed their time, resources, and expertise. The Society extends its sincere thanks to:

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Blackwell Funerals, Virgara Family Estate, Hi Tech Fresh, Buonasera Restaurant – Ilario Nesci, Zerella Wines, Our Place @ Willunga Hill, Steven Cavallo, Galipo Food Company, City of Charles Sturt, Government of South Australia, CFC Australia, Vespa Catering, Festival Function Centre, and the many individuals and businesses who made donations or provided assistance.

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The Society also extends heartfelt thanks to MC Rocco Carpenteri for guiding the evening with energy and professionalism, to Auctioneer Robert Ciufoli for his expert handling of the evening’s auction, adding both excitement and generosity to the night and to videographer Franca Circosta for her dedication in capturing of the event.

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Your support ensured the evening was not only memorable, but meaningful.

 

Entertainment: No 2 Ways

 

Adding energy, warmth, and a true sense of celebration to the evening was the outstanding live performance by Rosa Senesi No 2 Ways. The band played a pivotal role in creating the vibrant atmosphere that carried guests from formal proceedings into a night of shared enjoyment and connection.

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With a repertoire that appealed across generations, No 2 Ways delivered a dynamic mix of music that encouraged guests to take to the dance floor and celebrate together. Their professionalism, musical versatility, and genuine rapport with guests elevated the celebration, transforming the anniversary dinner into a lively and memorable occasion.

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The Italian Historical Society of South Australia sincerely thanks No 2 Ways for contributing their talent and energy to such an important milestone.

 

Official Gala Photos Now Available

 

The spirit, joy, and unforgettable moments of the night have been beautifully captured in the official Gala photographs. The Society extends heartfelt thanks to Luigi and Nicky Vella for their exceptional work in documenting this milestone celebration.

 

Looking to the Future

 

As the Italian Historical Society of South Australia enters its second decade, the focus remains firmly on the future. Plans include the continued expansion and digitisation of the archive, increased accessibility for researchers and families, engagement with schools and younger generations, and the documentation of new sectors of community life.

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The 10th Anniversary Gala Night served as both a celebration and a reminder: every story matters. Together, as a community, we are ensuring that the voices, journeys, and contributions of Italian migrants remain heard, honoured, and preserved for generations to come.

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Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this remarkable milestone. Your presence, support, and belief in the value of history made the evening truly unforgettable.