History of Aeolians in Sydney
The Associazione Isole Eolie Confraternita San Bartolomeo may have begun in 1971 but migration from the Isole Eolie to Australia dates back many years before that. While records are not readily available, there is evidence that early migration from the Isole Eolie dates back to the mid-1800s.
The first Eolian Society in Sydney was formed in 1903 but there is very little documented information about their activities in those early years. The Sydney Eolian Society as it was called was for many years the only Italian association in Sydney and other Italians could join as members too.
By the 1930s the Sydney Eolian Society was the largest Italian association in Sydney and many cultural activities were organised such as:
- Italian language classes for children conducted by volunteers
- theatrical plays
- soccer teams
- Italian radio programs.
During WWII the Sydney Eolian Society was forced to close down as Australia was now officially at war with Italy, but after WWII it re-opened and its numbers were increased by many new migrants from the Isole Eolie who chose to call Australia home after 1945.
The idea to form the Associazione Isole Eolie came about in 1969 when the Eolian House reception lounge was launched by Gaetano Merlino. The idea was fermented in a series of meetings and was carried forward under the guidance of Ross Maniaci who, along with
Giovanni Ferlazzo, Salvatore Taranto, Felice Merlino, Francesca Merenda, Antonio Portelli, Domenico Natoli, Eligio Perna, Italo Isgro’, Edmondo Natoli, Tony Maniaci e Roberto Iacono, formed the original committee in 1971.
The early 1970s was a real success for the Associazione Isole Eolie. Regular dances were held at the old Grace Bros Auditorium and at Ca’dor in Five Dock. However, once Ca’dor was sold the events moved to the Civic Centre in Drummoyne where up to 600 people would still attend.
Regular picnics of approximately 300 people were held at Clifton Gardens Mosman, Clontarf, Lane Cove River Park and at Picnic Point. A Youth Group in the 1970s was also formed and their activities included discos, BBQs and harbour cruises. Originally the group was formed under the guidance of Louis Perna and Josie Merlino and, later on. it was led Giovanni Merlino, Giovanni Calcagno, Lawrence Picone and Josie Delosa.
Sport played an essential role in those early years and regular soccer, tennis, table tennis and volleyball teams were organised and competed in various competitions. The older members of the Associazione participated in the playing of cards As the 1970s drew to a close and 1980 swung around, the Associazione underwent significant changes. A property in Ramsay St Haberfield was purchased and a café was also established whereby all committee members would take it in turn to be present on the premises.
While the Haberfield property was a financial success because it later allowed the Associazione to purchase Coronet House in Five Dock, it did however mean that less time was dedicated to the social activities given that the manning of the premises became a
priority.
Once this was recognised, the Associazione began to ‘backfill the gap’ on the social calendar when the then president Antonio Portelli came up with the idea of seven dance nights, one each for the seven islands. During each evening a ‘Miss’ was elected which culminated in the final at the Annual Ball (held at the Conca D’Oro in Riverwood) where a Miss Isole Eolie was elected.
The idea expanded and was an extremely popular event and the election of a Miss Charity Queen was added to the event.
It was during this period that the Associazione Isole Eolie merged with the Confraternita’ di San Bartolomeo and the major challenge then became to organise the gigantic annual Festa in honour of San Bartolomeo in Five Dock Park. It would be an annual challenge that the Associazione took pride in organising each year and one that still remains today.
Many sponsors would provide loyal support and there have been far too many over the years to mention and thank, but if one can be singled out it would be Cammareri Travel and Alitalia where an annual prize was a return ticket to Italy. The Ladies sub-Committee was established in 1980 too and their enthusiasm, organisational skills and endless hours of hard work have given enormous support to the Associazione.
Throughout the 1990s many significant events were also organised, and these include, but
are not limited to, the following:
- a conference on the archaeology of the Isole Eolie at Sydney University
- a film and photography presentation night at Sydney University on the Isole Eolie coordinated by Antonio Brundu from Malfa
- a group of 20 young people with Aeolian heritage who went to Italy in 1992 accompanied by Ross Maniaci and Pinella Natoli
- the re-establishment in 1992 of Isole Eolie Youth Group.
2018, 9th December Christmas Picnic and 26th Anniversary Reunion with Youth Group that went to the Eolian Islands celebrated at the Kokoda Track with their families.
