The initiative, organised by the committee led by President Maria Nanfra-Smith and strongly supported by Treasurer Giada Perrica, brought together long-standing members, families and younger generations for a luncheon that became an emotional journey through time.
At the heart of the event was the presentation of the book To Melbourne from the Heart of Sicily, written by Alice Ceretto and published in 2026.
The work retraces the founding of the association, the story of the local community and the major wave of migration that, following the two World Wars, brought many residents of Valguarnera Caropepe to Melbourne.
The volume highlights the key figures behind the club’s formation, beginning with the historic purchase of its first premises in 1983—made possible by a determined group of volunteers who each contributed $250—before turning to the stories of the men and women who left their homeland in search of a better future.
Suitcases filled with hope, sacrifice, handwritten letters and long waits: a human legacy that has finally been given written form after more than two years of careful research.
Valuable testimonies, photographs and meaningful memories were collected by committee members and supporters including Maria Irminger, Lou Pavone, Silvana Valente, Rosetta Pavone and Joseph Orlando.
Their door-to-door efforts helped recover precious stories and archival material, later shaped by the author into a cohesive narrative—an important chronological account that restores dignity and depth to the memory of the Sicilian diaspora.
“The Valguarnera Club was born out of the need to come together,” Perrica explained. In the early years, migrants met in private homes; when those spaces became too small, they purchased land in Springvale and formally established the association.
For decades, the calendar revolved around traditions from their hometown: the feast of Saint Joseph, Easter and family celebrations—occasions that preserved language, customs and a shared sense of belonging.
A particularly moving moment during the luncheon was the address by Tina Arena, the acclaimed singer with roots in Valguarnera and patron of the event.
She shared a personal reflection on migration, recalling her own move to France and the challenges of integrating into a different culture.
“It’s not comparable to what our parents experienced,” she noted, referencing a time when distance was intensified by the absence of instant communication. Her words were met with heartfelt applause.
President Nanfra-Smith warmly welcomed guests, and speeches alternated with courses served by the venue’s catering team. Two large screens projected historical images: youthful faces, crowded celebrations and expressions captured decades ago.
Some in the room recognised themselves as children; others pointed out relatives and friends.
“In 2022, the club sold its historic premises, allocating part of the proceeds to members who had originally contributed to its purchase and investing the remainder to ensure the continuity of activities,” the secretary explained.
Thanks to that forward-thinking decision, the association continues to organise cultural events and social gatherings, with a renewed focus on engaging younger generations.
In this sense, the book stands as a tangible testament to resilience, cohesion and pride in identity—a bridge between past and future, between Sicily and Australia, between those who left with little certainty and those who now carry forward their legacy.
“For me, this volume is an extraordinary testimony,” Perrica concluded. “It shows how important belonging is and how the club continues to make us feel united, like one big family, even thousands of kilometres from our homeland.”
