This year, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the founding Confraternita San Bartolomeo, in the presence of more than 200 people, the evening will go down in history as one of the association's most important events, with the launch of the book 50th Anniversary 1971-2021.
The 196-page book is a documentation of the work of the Associazione Isole Eolie Confraternita San Bartolomeo to keep Italian culture alive in Australia, particularly Aeolian traditions, and to serve as a meeting point for Aeolians in New South Wales.
The publication highlights how the Eolie Association was formed around the figure of Saint Bartholomew, whom it celebrates every year with a major festival. The saint is considered a protector of the Aeolian Islands and their people across the world.
The book also talks about connection with the homeland, and especially with the Islands, which has been one of the commitments of the association during its 50 years of activity.
Several Italian delegations came to Australia with bishops, mayors, and folk and music groups, which brought back unforgettable moments.
The publication did not forget the success of Aeolians in Australia in the world of culture, with its members occupying important posts in universities, the world of justice and medicine. Not forgotten were the fruit shops of the islanders found in almost every suburb of Sydney, and the Piazza Eolie, located in the centre of Five Dock. An important chapter of the publication is the one that centres on charity work for Australian organisations, and those affected by tragedies in Italy.
In introducing the book, President Bob Natoli recalled that it had all been produced within the association, with the assistance of journalist Armando Tornari, who had also been the liaison point with our newspaper, the main source from which a great deal of information and articles had been taken.
After thanking the editors of La Fiamma for their contribution, the chairman acknowledged the people who have followed the project since its inception in 2019, namely: Kathy Giuffre, Rita Maniaci in Tornari, Fausto Biviano, San Iacono and Angelo D'Angelo.
The book, printed by Bruno Buttini's Padana Press, can be purchased for $45 from committee members.
The event began with a welcome from Vice-President Fausto Biviano, who acknowledged the original custodians of the land, the Aboriginal people who lived in Drummoyne, and thanked all those present and the guests of honour, including Mayor of Canada Bay Angelo Tsirekas, Deputy Mayor Stephanie Di Pasqua, City Councillor Joe Cordaro, and Councillor Michael Megna. Also present were Felice Montrone, president of the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund and Eligio Perna, one of the 11 founding members.
The event was also attended by representatives of the Isole Eolie Society of Melbourne, namely vice-president Giulia Biviano, with her husband Joe Biviano, and committee members Caterina and Joe Patella.
The performances by tenor Daniel Tambasco and soprano Michaela Lieske, who sang well-known operatic arias and Neapolitan songs to a standing ovation, was widely applauded.
The four-course Italian dinner, dancing and the opportunity to socialise were other elements of a very successful evening, which once again showed the vitality of this association. All in all, Fausto Biviano directed the event with great professionalism.
