As times change relentlessly and generations continue to evolve, it is now the youth who must find their space within the established Italo-Australian community. For the Società Isole Eolie Melbourne, the importance of maintaining a connection to the sea, traditional customs and culture of the Sicilian archipelago has never strayed from focus.  

On August 6, hundreds celebrated at Eolian Hall in Carlton at a gala event held in celebration of the club’s 97th anniversary. Janetta Ziino, the event director of the association, welcomed guests, accompanied by the club’s entire executive committee.

“We would like to dedicate this evening to our founding members Bartolo Di Mattina and brothers Giuseppe and Stefano Tesoriero, who first created a social and cultural reference point for the thousands of Aeolian migrants in Melbourne,” said Ziino.

“They have provided a meeting place and continuous moral and financial support in times of need and we are infinitely grateful.”

In the distant past of 1925, the idea of this benevolent society was introduced to Melbourne by Giuseppe Tesoriero. Having migrated to Melbourne after a brief stay in New York, where he had belonged to the local Società Benevola di Stromboli, Tesoriero had personally observed the efficacy and merit of such an association. The New York Statute was used as the model for the Melbournian Society’s Constitution, later known as the Victorian Società Mutuo Soccorso Isole Eolie, known today as the Società Isole Eolie Melbourne.

To entertain the guests before dinner, a touching video filled with memories and historical photographs was screened. A labour of love compiled by assistant event manager and club photographer Michael Angelini, the presentation featured roughly 1500 archival photos from years past, preserved today in the small museum of the venue’s upper floor.

After the celebratory toast and cutting of the cake, the wonderful evening was kicked off by the musical accompaniment of local group As Good As It Gets, who captivated guests with songs performed in both Italian and English.

The club is already preparing for its 100th anniversary, setting up a subcommittee to organise the event. In the meantime, Angelini’s genealogical seminars continue, which aim to inform community members about how to best use online resources in order to map out their family trees.

On August 21, the patron saint of the Aeolian Islands, Saint Bartholomew, will be commemorated with a rich lunch and the musical stylings of the Mandarino Ziino band at Eolian Hall. The Holy Mass and the procession will follow on Sunday, August 28 at St Anthony’s Church in Hawthorn. For the occasion, all the confraternities belonging to the Sicilian archipelago will be invited - Madonna del Terzito, Santo Stefano, San Lorenzo, St Anthony and Madonna delle Catene.

"It is our duty to continue to involve new members, but above all the new generations. We can do this because we have the honour of having many passionate young community members among us. For the first time, we organised an evening for the screening of the football final, just to involve members of all different ages,” explained Ziino.

“We are always available to open our doors to other associations that no longer have a venue; everyone is welcome in our Eolian Hall".