“I wasn’t very happy to leave,” Cardamone recalled. 

“My parents made the decision to migrate here to guarantee us a better future.

“Moving countries nowadays is a little scary, even with all the technology – imagine doing it 50 years ago!”

Cardamone is part of a group of esteemed women who have been integral to forging Italian communities across Australia, strengthening cultural values abroad.

She remembers the day she left Calabria as if it was yesterday.

“My aunt was helping me get ready in my room and I asked her when I’d be back before I’d even left,” Cardamone said.

“I was terribly saddened by the thought of leaving my grandparents.

“Their lessons are very precious to me and it was painful to not be able to stay with them.”

When Cardamone arrived in Australia, her worst fears were confirmed.

Proud of her Italian heritage, she made an easy target for acts of discrimination.

“Prevalent Italian stereotypes devalue our homeland a great deal,” she said.

“When we try to take pride in our culture, we aren’t always taken seriously.

“If you say ‘Italy’, everyone thinks only of pizza or pasta.

“These culinary norms are not only delicious dishes, but also the result of time-honoured traditions.

“These simplistic stereotypes diminish Italy and what it means to be Italian.”

Having experienced discriminatory acts and cultural ridicule at a young age, Cardamone grew into a strong, charitable woman.

Her generous nature has been affirmed by her 20-year career as the chief executive officer of the Italian Social Welfare Organisation (ITSOWEL), a role she has held since 2002.

ITSOWEL has been active for over 35 years, supporting elderly or vulnerable Italians.

The organisation also supports Australians in their quest to embrace different cultures and to improve their quality of life through domestic and community services.

“Many seniors feel isolated and abandoned,” Cardamone said.

“They’re afraid of bothering their adult children and, therefore, sacrifice their own needs.

“ITSOWEL offers useful everyday services as well as leisure activities.”

These benefits are so crucial to the mental and physical health of seniors that Cardamone is constantly on the lookout for young people to volunteer with the organisation.

Even people who have temporary visas are welcomed to apply, though Cardamone warns that the job can be taxing.

“There’s an assumption that the clients are the only ones who benefit from these interactions,” she said.

“Despite their age, these people have something to offer to those who take care of them – an opportunity for personal growth.

“This opportunity has a much higher value than any amount of money could offer.”

Cardamone’s work is admirable and she has become an outstanding role model for the community.

Her strength and unwavering positivity have led her to a commendable career at ITSOWEL, where she has always extended a hand to those who have been most in need.