I was born in Italy, in Capoliveri, Island of Elba (Provincia d’Livorno) and migrated to Australia with my parents at the age of three and was naturalised as an Australian citizen in 1958. My parents migrated to Australia in the 1950’s to create a better life for themselves and obviously for me their only child at that point in time. Life was very simple in those days, we did not have much, but we had all the essentials and were very content and united. We lived with my uncle and aunt who had sponsored our family, living with them and my two cousins for (approx. 2 years) until were able to build our own home, and they became an integral part of our lives. Both my parents worked extremely hard to give me a good home and an education. They were the best parents a child could ever have wanted and I was extremely grateful for all their sacrifices in my regard, which shall be embedded in my memory forever. After 13 years, my sister Rosie was born, which brought such joy into our home and I then had a sister, which certainly filled the void of being the only child.
Education
I was educated at St Mary’s Dominican College, Franklin Street with the Dominican nuns in both primary and secondary schooling. My early years, I remember, were not too pleasant for me because of the language barrier, but that was only temporary as I became more fluent in the English language and the Australian way of life, which did not take me too long to master. I was a quick learner with the help of the Dominican nuns and my many school friends whom some of them are still in my life today. In 1963 at the completion of my education, I was awarded with a Certificate in Business Studies, Typing and Shorthand, 120 words/per min shorthand and 90 words per minute typing. Also completed one term of a commercial course at Pride’s Business College, and there was awarded a certificate of excellence in both shorthand/typing which took me to my career as a stenographer.
In 1964 I married and became a very young mother, at the age of 17 and at the age of 24, my second daughter was born. My two beautiful and talented daughters, Sandra and Tania, have given me such joy and contentment through my life and their biggest gift to me was the creation and birth of my beautiful, talented 5 grandchildren: three boys and two girls, Mia, Ben, Anthony, Lewis and Claudia and who are the love and soul of my life. In April 2024, my eldest granddaughter Mia is having her first baby girl, and, yes, I am to become a great-grandmother. I have been extremely fortunate and privileged to have been able to experience all of this in its entirety of my life of 76 years.
Career
I have had many opportunities working as secretary and personal assistant, for a hotel chain, Hughes Transport, Harris Scarfs, Clarkson Limited, always given many important roles because of my stenographic and administrative abilities.
1970-1985: I commenced work at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in the typing pool, and then after a few months given the position as secretary to Head of the Neuro-Radiology Department. Also stood in for the supervisor in various senior supervisory roles working with 20 staff. In my 45 year career at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, I had many important executive positions working with some wonderful and talented Professors and Consultants in their fields of cancer care, education and research. During my time at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, I obtained a certificate in interpreting which was useful in interpreting for Italian patients in a doctor/patient setting when required.
I enjoyed my employment but unfortunately, it came to an abrupt end: I retired to take care of my husband who had been diagnosed with bladder cancer. After a short prognosis of 8 months, he passed away in 2010. We were all devastated, hence the new chapter in my life was to commence.
Community Involvement
On my retirement, I have become involved and have been very committed in many Italian Community Associations as a volunteer and as secretary.
2010-2012: I received a nomination to become a member of Probis West Beach, then in 2011 became a member of its Management Committee.
2011-August 2023: Secretary Italian Choral & Arts Society.
2011 – 2023: Padovani Del Mondo (Circolo d’Adelaide).
2013-2015: Voluntary Driver for Anfe.
2012 -2023: Jus Vitae Australia (working with Jus Vitae Italy with Father Garau, founder of the Padre Pino Puglisi Association, in Sicily and worldwide.) I have been instrumental in fund raising for: Foodbank, Smith Family, sponsored a first year University student from Africa after the premature death of his father, and also an Association called Muddle Puddles for babies/children with inflammatory bowel disease and many others.
2010 -2023: Choir Member, Mater Christi Church Choir, committed member singing at Sunday mass and at various Community Catholic Religious events throughout the calendar year. Also providing an administrative role as required for approximately 13 years. I am also an active life member (50 years) and current financial member of the Veneto Club.
February of 2023: I joined as member of the Dante Alighieri Association.
August 2023: Instrumental in founding and current secretary to the newly formed choir of 55 members, namely, OzItalian Community Choir, under the direction of Maestro Mario Bellanova.
In summary:
I am extremely proud of all my achievements professionally, personally and voluntarily. I feel that I am committed, devoted, social, loyal, honest and community orientated person, essentially having the best interest of whom I come into contact in the past and present. I sincerely hope to be able to continue, God willing, to assist in any capacity in the future for the benefit of all whom I am involved with.
October 2024