This painful decision was brought about by a continued lack of federal and state funding.

“Handital has been forced to close the welfare office due to the lack of government funds,” the association stated.

“By the end of June 2022, the organisation will be dissolved entirely.”

Though this decision is devastating to community members who have relied on Handital for support, the association assures its supporters that the spirit of the organisation will live on.

“Friends and members of the association have expressed a desire to continue organising social events with the Handital network in the future,” the association said.

“They will continue to gather at lunches and special events two or three times a year.

“For over two years, Handital NSW has received no government funding which has made it impossible to continue our operations.

“Other grant applications were also unsuccessful and although the association continued to operate thanks to the proceeds from the sale of the office and volunteer work from staff, ultimately 87 per cent of members voted in favour of shutting down the organisation.”

Three administrators were elected to carry out the committee’s decision: Maria Iaquinto, Teresa Vignando and Giuseppe Incampo – who was also made “public officer” of Handital.

Handital will submit a proposal to NSW Fair Trading that details how the organisation’s assets will be distributed to other charitable organisations.

Handital’s surplus assets will be split between beneficiaries such as: Mercy Ship Australia Limited; Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off the Streets; The Fred Hollows Foundation; Ronald McDonald House charities; Seton Villa Homes; O’Brien LifeHouse; Cancer Council NSW; The Hestia Foundation; the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart NSW; Catholic Parish of St Ambrose Concord West; and Kids Under Cover.

The Handital committee and volunteers are grateful for the support they have received in recent years and thank “the founding members of Handital NSW, trustees, members, volunteers, sponsors past and present which include: Concetta and Rocco Perna; Tom and Nadia Peric; Five Dock Rotary Club; Giovanna Maiorana; Antonietta and Alfredo Schiavo; Sante and Bernardina Torresan; David Hall; Piero Piacilli, the manager and staff of Gioia Café; the federal department of NDIA; and the Canada Bay Council.”