Born in 1949 in Villa San Giovanni, Calabria, Rita Bianca Palumbo (née Caminiti) migrated to Australia in 1960 with her family, joining her older sisters who had already settled there. Overcoming early challenges with language and culture, Rita’s resilience and compassion led her into a lifetime of service to the Italian community in South Australia.

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At just sixteen, she became the first Italian secretary of the Good Neighbour Council of Australia, assisting new migrants with translation, paperwork, and integration. Her spirit of volunteerism flourished through decades of community involvement, from the Italian Choral and Arts Society and Doppio Teatro’s Pulcinella Troupe, to her pivotal roles in Australia Donna and PISA (now Nonna’s Cucina), where she helped design its first logo.

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A talented radio producer and broadcaster, Rita trained and mentored others at 5EBI Ethnic Broadcasters Inc., where she earned the Golden Mic Award for her outstanding voluntary service. In 2008, she became President of the Sicilia Social and Sports Club Inc., a position she has proudly held for over 17 years, modernising the club and enriching its cultural programs.

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Rita Palumbo’s lifelong dedication, bridging cultures, empowering migrants, and strengthening community ties, exemplifies the heart of Italian-Australian heritage. Her story, captured by the Italian Historical Society of South Australia in A Suitcase Full of Dreams, A Trunk Full of Memories, stands as a testament to a woman whose leadership and generosity continue to inspire.