His journey was an extraordinary one of sacrifice, determination and love for his family and community. Toscano’s name is inseparably linked to the history of the Melrose Reception Centre, one of Melbourne’s most renowned function venues.
Originally from Ferruzzano, a town in the province of Reggio Calabria, Domenico Toscano arrived in Melbourne on January 26, 1955, aboard the ship Australia at the young age of 17.
Throughout his life, he often recalled how he had managed to find only one available room in Footscray, with around eight beds lined up against the walls and a kitchen that could only be used in turns.
Bright and ambitious, Toscano spent four years at primary school in his hometown, eager to learn as much as possible. At just nine years old, he left school to take up the trade of shoemaking.
In 1954, a 16-year-old Toscano made the decision to leave Calabria in search of a promising new life in Australia.
On January 1, 1955, at the port of Messina, Toscano boarded the first motor vessel built after the Second World War, alongside many fellow townspeople from Ferruzzano.
After a long twenty-five-day journey, he arrived at Station Pier in Melbourne on January 26, but no one was there to welcome him to Australia.
After securing a job at a company manufacturing car windows, love soon knocked at his door. At a family gathering, Toscano met Pauline Spanò and immediately fell in love.
In 1959 - both still very young, he was 19 and she was 16 - the two were married at St Mary’s Church in Ascot Vale.
Over the years, Domenico’s enterprising nature became evident through his willingness to frequently change jobs, from running fruit and vegetable shops to working as a representative for an insurance company.
By the late 1970s, he had entered the hospitality industry, taking over Café Florentino on Bourke Street, where his sons John and Paul worked for several years.
However, his greatest achievement was undoubtedly the Melrose Reception Centre.
When Toscano learned that the newly established venue was struggling, he didn’t hesitate to buy it.
With his determination and resilience, he quickly transformed it into one of the city’s most prestigious function centres.
Always mindful of the needs of the community, he soon added a third hall, the Carrick Room, which became particularly beloved by Italians for its dance floor and magnificent chandelier; it was an ideal venue for weddings and events.
“Our father wanted to create a place that was beautiful yet also accessible and affordable for Italians in Melbourne,” said his son John Toscano, who was visibly moved.
“He succeeded in his goal, achieving everything he set out to do, and we are grateful for his remarkable example of courage, dedication and strength.”
Domenico Toscano has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
His life, defined by courage and hard work, will forever serve as a guiding light for all who had the privilege of meeting him.
His legacy will live on through the values he instilled in his family and the people closest to him.
