The couple’s resignations were announced in recent days, which saw the committee immediately nominating Michael Arrighi as “acting” president.
Both notable figures among the Italian communities in Wollongong and Sydney, the Bonacinas made the decision while holding true that for their ages (83 years for Efrem and 80 for Giulia), the right moment had been reached to pass on the responsibility of the biggest Italian association in the Illawarra.
Their involvement with ItSoWel, the organisation which occupies itself with the assistance of Italians in the Illawarra with a particular focus on the elderly, has endured for 32 years, 25 of which saw Efrem as president.
Their time at ItSoWel now ends with an extremely positive financial balance boasting properties such as the offices of ItSoWel and the Villa D’Este with its eight apartments for the elderly, with a value of more than one million dollars.
It’s harder to quantify the support work carried out by these two, but the popularity which the Bonacinas enjoy in the Illawarra is certainly a sign that the Italian community values the work they have done.
Efrem and Giulia arrived at the office every morning at 9:15 am, and remained there each day until the afternoon, making themselves available for whoever needed their help.
Their resignation from their positions at ItSoWel does not indicate, however, any distancing from the Italian community: they will remain active in the Italian Group for Pensioners and in the next few days, they will travel to Surfers Paradise with 25 other Italians.
