Between 2020 and 2022, during the pandemic, lockdowns and periods of remote work, a meme took the Italo-Australian social media community by storm.

The meme featured a photo of a cement mixer parked in a living room with classic retro Italian decor, captioned: “We’re ready to work from home.”

It was impossible not to smile at such an absurd image, which hinted at a deeper reality: regardless of weather, challenges, pandemics or economic crises, the bricklaying industry never stops.

Damian Amuso knows this well, as bricks have been the driving force behind his family’s livelihood.

But when it comes to bricklayers, not all are the same. There are those who approach the craft with love, elevating it to an art form. Then there are those who treat it as cold, industrial labour.

The Amuso family has worked with bricks for generations, starting with Damian’s grandparents who immigrated to Australia.

Damian will now compete in the 23rd edition of the Special Mix Bricklayer 500 World Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The competition kicks off on Wednesday, January 22, drawing bricklayers and enthusiasts from around the world.

The event, which places the brick at centre stage, is followed by the Italian community with interest, a touch of humour and a desire to showcase the trade secrets passed down through generations to build the “perfect wall” that stands the test of time.

“The best bricklayers in Melbourne are Italians,” says Tara, Damian’s wife, who also plays a vital role in the family business in an administrative capacity.

Tara says bricklaying is practically part of the family’s DNA. “From the grandfather to the father and uncles, and now to Damian, they’re all specialists in the trade,” she explains, recounting the family’s history which began in Collingwood.

“His grandparents, Concetta and Salvatore, originally from Taurianova in Calabria, moved to Australia 69 years ago; his father Domenico was just eight months old at the time.”

Today, Damian, his wife Tara, and their children, Gianni and Riccardo, live in Kilmore, 65 kilometres north of Melbourne, where their family business, DA Bricklaying, operates with a team of eight employees.

“Favouring quality over quantity,” Tara explains, “Damian has carefully chosen his team to offer the best to his clients.”

Damian, starting as a teenager over 25 years ago, learned the art of bricklaying from his father Domenico.

This journey has led him to the international competition in Las Vegas, where he hopes to showcase not only Italian craftsmanship, but also the skill and dedication of Australians.

The team’s official name, Team Amuso, consists of the duo of Damian and Scott Law.

This is not their first time participating in the international event. They also competed in 2019, which provided Damian with invaluable experience to better prepare for this year’s competition.

According to Tara, Damian has been training daily, timing his sessions like a professional athlete striving to surpass his limits.

“Our first participation showed us what it takes to compete at our best. The excitement is immense,” Tara shares, adding that they will livestream the event on social media on Wednesday, January 23, starting at 5 a.m.

The stream will allow supporters to follow Team Amuso as they strive to honour both Italian and Australian building traditions in the United States.