Perth Voice Interactive

THIS year’s annual Italian Festival marks the 60th anniversary of the Italo-Australian Welfare and Cultural Centre,.

The centre was set up in 1956 to help the wave of post-war Italian migrants settle into their new home down under.

“It had the full support of the Italian consul of the day, and key leaders of the Italian community,” president Enzo Sirna says.

Jim Martino was the first president, Tom D’Orsogna (who founded the famous sausage empire) was treasurer, Tito Onesti the secretary and Father Nanni the spiritual advisor: “And our patron has always been the Italian consul of WA,” Mr Sirna says.

The importance of the Italian contribution to Australian society was aptly demonstrated when then prime minister John Howard opened the organisation’s new premises in 1996.

“It showed recognition and respect for the organisation which we were thrilled to note – and recognition of the Italian community’s contribution to WA,” Mr Sirna says.

IAWCC services have evolved and now include Italian language classes in state schools, social welfare for women, youth services and support for people with diabetes.

“The IAWCC had the foresight to build the first ever aged care home for Italian people in Australia … and its Italian/Australian bilingual childcare was well before its time and set the platform for many different areas,” Mr Sirna says.

Italian migration slowed in the 70/80s, but a “regeneration” has seen the number of migrants rise more recently: “We have had an influx over the last few years…[they are] more skilled and younger,” Mr Sirna says.

The celebration of all things Italian includes a cake and wine making competition, Italian film God Willing at Cinema Paradiso, and an Italian Cultural Day with pasta, sausage and cheese making.

There’s a special anniversary mass at St Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday June 5 and the festivities end in a glittering blaze with a ball at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Perth in the evening.