biography

Language and Legacy

Exploring the legacy of Italian language across generations of women of Italian origin

The history of migration is rich in testimonies and documentations on the cultural mediation role that women of Italian origin play in their migration journey and in putting down roots in a new land.

In this series of conversations, six first generation women, together with their daughters and granddaughters, take us on an exploration of their experiences and of the meaning inherent in sharing their deep linguistic and cultural baggage.

Australia Donna pays homage to these women and all women of Italian origin for their outstanding capacity, strength and determination to keep alive this legacy for new generations. More...

Drought by Nancy Sortini

The year was 1957. I was a mere 17 years of age.  A position had presented itself as a governess at a remote cattle station north east of Alice Spring.  I applied and got the position to supervise two children ..  In January of that year I arrived in Alice Springs a very excited, very naïve young woman looking for adventure.  I was full of bravado and daring and ready for anything that my new life could throw at me.  They told me that the country was in the throes of a severe drought, but it meant nothing to me as having never been there before I thought that was how it was all the time. More...