At the Rialto Hall of the Veneto Club, Co.As.It. hosted a successful afternoon event that brought together more than 100 participants, including presidents and committee members from over 40 pensioners’ clubs operating under the umbrella of Melbourne’s Italian welfare organisation.

Through initiatives like this one—promoted in recent weeks by pensioners’ clubs and Italian associations across social, cultural and sporting spheres, both in metropolitan Melbourne and regional areas—the Italian community marked the close of the association year with strong participation and a warm spirit of togetherness.

The first event in this series was the Co.As.It.-organised gathering at the Bulleen club, which saw a strong turnout from the various clubs.

The event was introduced by Francesco Pascalis, coordinator of the Pensioners’ Clubs network and the University of the Third Age program.

In his address, Pascalis warmly thanked those present and acknowledged the participation of Italy’s Consul General for Victoria and Tasmania, Chiara Mauri; Co.As.It. President Vincent Volpe; former CEO Giancarlo Martini Piovano; former clubs coordinator Frank Di Blasi; and lecturers Ivano Ercole and Stefano Ioele.

Also representing Co.As.It. were Alfred Qiu, Angela Vindigni, Lara Ferraro and Giovanni Ghilardi.

Pascalis highlighted the energy and dedication that continue to define the pensioners’ clubs, which remain an essential point of reference for many older Italians.

He also noted how years of work have led to new opportunities, including the University of the Third Age—an initiative designed to nurture curiosity and cultural engagement later in life. The program, which continues to grow in popularity, will be further expanded in 2026 with new courses and activities.

Greetings were then delivered by President Volpe, Consul General Mauri and lecturers Ercole and Ioele, all of whom praised the organisation of the event, which concluded with a lunch thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

A particularly meaningful contribution came from Luciana Martini, secretary of the Italian Pensioners’ Club of North Fitzroy, who traced the history of the establishment and development of pensioners’ clubs within Melbourne’s Italian community and across Victoria.

She recalled how, during the 1970s and 1980s, many Italian migrants who had arrived in Australia after the Second World War faced retirement in a social context offering few opportunities for connection and engagement.

It was during this period that, thanks to the initiative of Frank Di Blasi and the commitment of many volunteers, the first clubs were formed—initially in parts of Melbourne and later spreading to numerous suburbs and regional centres.

Co.As.It., already active in supporting the Italian community, recognised the importance of this movement and supported its growth, particularly at a time when restructuring and early retirement increased the need for new places to socialise.

“The clubs,” Martini explained, “became regular meeting places where people could build relationships, stay active and share social moments.

“From recreational activities to monthly lunches, volunteering initiatives and educational programs, they still provide concrete support for many older people today.”

She also expressed her thanks to Di Blasi and Pascalis for their ongoing support over the years.

The journey began on March 18, 1976, with the founding of the first Italian Pensioners’ Club in Essendon—an initiative that would go on to have a lasting impact on the social life of the Italian community in Victoria.

Within just a few years, it grew into a widespread and well-supported network, responding to needs that were new at the time and remain relevant today.

The afternoon at the Veneto Club concluded on a festive note, accompanied by music from the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s performed by entertainer Tony Villella.

The familiar tunes tempted several guests onto the dance floor, rounding off the event with moments of genuine conviviality.