In recent days, the regional ceremony of the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards was held in Wollongong, organised by The Centre for Volunteering, an organisation funded by the state government.
Itsowel, the Italian social assistance organisation in Wollongong, nominated Amelia Colladon.
Colladon is the only nominee from the Italian and multicultural community thanks to her more than 40 years of volunteering with Itsowel and other organisations.
Originally from Formia, in the province of Latina, Colladon arrived in Australia in 1961 with her first husband, Domenico Vellozzi. Married at just 20 years old, they moved to Australia in search of a better life.
“Arriving here felt like the end of the world,” Colladon recalled. “We lived in a small garage at first. My husband was a bricklayer and made a good living, but he fell ill and sadly died of cancer at just 30 years old.”
A third daughter was born from the love between Colladon and Vellozzi shortly before his tragic passing.
After Vellozzi’s death, Colladon decided to return to Italy in 1968 with her daughters, hoping to reconnect with her family and find work in her homeland. However, once back, she faced new difficulties.
“In Italy, they considered me a foreigner; I had lost my Italian citizenship,” she explained.
Later returning to Australia, she met her second husband, Sergio Colladon, with whom she had another child.
Colladon emotionally recalls the tough early years in Australia, but also the support she received from local communities. “I suffered a lot at first, but then life moved on. Now I have a beautiful family and wonderful children.”
Doing good is her way of giving back what she received. “They helped me a lot when I needed it; now that I can, I want to do my part.”
The volunteering community in New South Wales is substantial, as highlighted by the 2023 NSW State of Volunteering Report. With over 4.3 million residents contributing nearly 893.9 million hours of volunteer work last year, the economic value of this effort is estimated at $178 billion.
Every dollar invested in volunteering generates a return of $5.50 for the community, demonstrating the importance and lasting impact of volunteer work. Colladon, with her over 40 years of service, represents a perfect example of this extraordinary contribution.
Her dedication has not only touched the lives of people in the Italian and multicultural community, but it has also significantly contributed to the well-being and social cohesion of Illawarra as a whole.
Her commitment reflects the values that make volunteering a cornerstone of society in this state, showing how the energy and passion of volunteers can truly make a difference.
For over four decades, Colladon has devoted her time to Itsowel and other organisations, cooking, organising bingo and raffles, chairing the Ladies Committee and raising funds for charitable causes.
At 88 years of age, she remains active and full of energy, surrounded by the love of 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. “My second husband called me la bersagliera (sharpshooter), because I was so quick and always on the move,” she shared with a smile.
Despite the hardships of the past, Colladon feels content today. “I have everything I need, I’m not missing anything, especially the love of my family, the most important thing,” she said.
With the positivity that defines her, Colladon has found in generosity towards others a reason for living, continuing with passion the tradition of Italian volunteering in Australia.
Throughout her life, Colladon has been a point of reference for the community, not only for her charitable work but also for her ability to inspire younger generations. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up with the example of a grandmother who never stopped believing in the power of giving and being there for others.
“I love cooking, being in good company and helping where I can.”
The nomination for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, although it did not result in a win, is recognition for how much Colladon has contributed to making Wollongong and the entire region a better place.
Her life, rich with experiences and challenges overcome with courage, is an example of how volunteering can enrich not only those who receive but especially those who give.
Giovanna Cardamone, the director of Itsowel, expressed her hope that more multicultural organisations will recognise the importance of volunteering through nominations like Colladon’s.
“We want this award to inspire many others,” said Cardamone.
Colladon truly is a force of nature, and she concluded our interview by saying, “If life allows me to live to 105, like my father, I’ll keep making crostoli and planning new ways to bring smiles.”
