It was an evening filled with emotion and warmth, made even more special by the presence of distinguished guests including Senator Francesco Giacobbe and MP Nicola Carè.
After the official entrance of the guests, the ceremony opened with the national anthems of Italy, performed with passion by tenor Gaetano Bonfante, and Australia, sung by soprano Clarissa Spata.
Both artists, well-known in the operatic scene and members of Opera Australia, created a moment rich in pride and cultural identity.
The evening was introduced by the association’s Chairman, Joe Frasca, whose remarks touched on several key themes.
Frasca expressed his thanks to everyone who, over the years, has served on the committees of the Calabrian association, and recalled the longstanding twinning between Roccella Ionica and the municipality of Liverpool.
A special acknowledgement was given to secretary Lisa Placanica for her impeccable organisation of the dinner, to Pino Sgambellone for coordinating the visit and of course to the members of the Roccella delegation: Fabrizio Chiefari, councillor for Tourism and the Environment; Aldo Chiefari; Francesco Ursino, president of the Roccella Madonna delle Grazie Association who was accompanied by his wife, Anna; and parish priest Father Angelo Festa.
Speeches followed from Giacobbe, Carè, Chiefari and Ursino, each offering messages of friendship, collaboration and future plans.
The final address came from Sgambellone, who paid tribute to beloved former president Silvio Marrapodi, currently dealing with health issues. He read aloud a poem Marrapodi had written many years earlier for a notary friend in Roccella, bringing a moment of emotion to the whole room.
Two lithographs depicting Roccella were presented as tokens of recognition: one to Tina Furfaro, long-time secretary and a cornerstone of the association, and another to Adriano Coluccio, one of the most generous supporters of the club.
As always, the Doltone House service was flawless, offering a rich, varied and high-quality menu. Musical entertainment was provided by Bonfante and Spata, who delivered elegant and uplifting performances throughout the evening, contributing to the night’s memorable atmosphere.
A particularly fascinating moment came with the first live performance at Club Marconi by Aboriginal artist Jie Pittman. The deep, resonant sound of his didgeridoo filled the room, creating a captivating atmosphere. Pittman alternated his music with brief reflections on Aboriginal culture, winning over the audience.
Light-hearted exchanges between Pittman and Father Angelo added moments of humour to the night.
All committee members were present: Frank Furfaro (president); Anthony Spagnolo and Joe Mammone (vice presidents); Joe Frasca (chairman); Vic Placanica (treasurer); Domenico Ursino (assistant treasurer); Lisa Placanica (secretary); Marissa De Marcellis (assistant secretary); and councillors Frank Placanica, Adrian Maggiotto, Robert Furfaro, Peter Placanica and Teresa Ortuso.
More than a farewell, the event felt like a heartfelt “see you soon”. In his remarks, councillor Chiefari emphasised that the warmth and affection received from the Roccella community in Sydney would be shared with the mayor, the council and the people of Roccella Ionica—a message that will no doubt encourage future visits at another Super Festa Italiana.
Chiefari expressed the hope, shared by all, that a new visit will soon be organised, helping to create cultural exchanges that will allow young Italo-Roccellesi in Australia to discover their roots and strengthen their connection to the land of their parents and grandparents.
