“I’ve been in Australia for almost three years now,” he said.
“After spending time in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, I decided to accept a new challenge and take a job in Mount Isa.”
Though a vastly different landscape to the city environs of Queensland’s capital, Nicoletti felt ready to face the rural conditions, despite the challenges they presented.
“I originally planned to work in a big salon,” he said.
“I ended up wanting to become more involved with the community in a more challenging place.
“I got the necessary qualifications and opened a take-away business in my spare time.”
Nicoletti created social media for his business, introduced himself to the community and became a local superstar in a matter of days.
“The people who live in this town work hard and often have little time to cook healthy meals,” he said.
“I make lasagna and cannelloni, which are real comfort foods, and have so many orders.
“Though life in the desert is hard, I feel I am helping this community of workers live a more peaceful life.
“As both a hairdresser and a part-time cook, I can provide the locals with some well-earned self-care in the form of a haircut and a healthy meal.”
Nicoletti believes that the Italian way of life, and food, can help individuals to feel less isolated.
“I know that rural Australia and remote communities can intimidate Italians who do not like isolation or extreme climates,” he said.
“The new generations of migrants have lost their forefathers’ pioneering spirit.
“Rural Australia can offer unexpected opportunities and these isolated communities need new people who can change life for the better.
“Don’t be scared of trying something new: Italians know how to create a home and a community from scratch – even in the middle of the desert!”
