As guests arrived at the Canada Bay Club in Five Dock for the event, they greeted one another with big smiles hidden beneath their masks, the interaction a welcome change after long months in isolation.

The celebrations began with an address from NIAWA’s president, Concetta Cirigliano Perna, who welcomed everyone and thanked the committee for its continued efforts.

The president also welcomed a new member, Bianca Bonino, before reaffirming the importance of women’s rights.

“Without the contribution of women, society would be different; women are the pillars of humanity and everyone must respect their rights,” Cirigliano Perna said.

The president went on to mark the passing of David Gulpilil, a pioneering Indigenous actor, dancer, singer and artist, who forever changed Australian cinema through his positive representations of Aboriginal people and their cultural heritage.

The past year was made difficult by the presence of the pandemic, but also by the loss of dear friend for many in the room, Carmelina Blancato Pelligra.

“Two years ago, we danced and sang like little girls,” Cirigliano Perna said.

“When Carmelina was diagnosed, she faced her illness with strength and courage, until her passing two months ago.”

Blancato Pelligra, who was self-taught, wrote poems and books for which she received various awards.

As her illness developed, she managed to finish her latest book, Recollection of Life in a Small Sicilian Town.

Her work has been presented in the Sicilian town of Motta Camastra, her birthplace, where a monument is dedicated to her in recognition of her cultural contribution.

While waiting for the appetisers to arrive Bonino delighted guests with a reading of two poems, the first dedicated to Santa Claus and the second entitled Prendi un sorriso, which was a timely invitation to share the beautiful things in life with others.

Once lunch was served, the screens were filled with images of Christmas time in Italy, including stalls, festive lights on monuments and a snow-covered Colosseum.

After lunch, Cirigliano Perna addressed more sombre issues that have been prevalent in the media of late, including violence against women and sexual harassment.

Statistics show that one in three women in Australia’s parliament experiences abuse, a number that highlights the pervasive culture of disrespect in Australian politics.

During 2021, a total of 15,000 women turned to domestic violence shelters for assistance.

In Australia, a woman dies at the hands of her partner or husband every three days, often leaving behind children. 

NIAWA is fighting to change these numbers.

“Despite the efforts made and goals achieved, the statistics are still too high,” Cirigliano Perna said.

“In order to eradicate this problem, we need women and men – especially men – to work together to change attitudes in every area of society.

“Elena Bonetti, the minister for family and equal opportunities in Italy, had only eight supporters out of the 630 members of parliament when she gave a speech urging the government to do more to prevent violence against women.

“Outside parliament, women held a protest, but inside, members of parliament refused to show their support.”

After the president’s speech, the attendees of the Christmas lunch were treated to a performance from Paolo Buhne, who sang Paradiso and Inventiamo di nuovo l’amore.

The guests danced the afternoon away before participating in a generous raffle.