10/10/2026
🇮🇹 A HEARTFELT THANK YOU FROM THE ITALIAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA 🇮🇹
Celebrating Our History, Honouring Our People and Preserving Our Heritage
What a wonderful occasion celebrating the stories, achievements and lasting contributions of the Italian community in South Australia!
On behalf of the Italian Historical Society of South Australia (IHSSA), we extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who joined us for the launch of our latest publication.
It was a privilege to bring together our contributors, distinguished guests, members, families, friends and supporters to celebrate an important milestone in the Society's ongoing commitment to preserving Italian-Australian history.
The success of this publication and its launch would not have been possible without the dedication, generosity and collective efforts of so many wonderful individuals and organisations. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank those who helped make it possible.
📖 OUR EDITORIAL COMMITTEE AND CONTRIBUTORS
We extend our sincere gratitude to our dedicated Editorial Committee:
Mario Russo
Laura Di Martino
Giuseppe (Joe) Geracitano
Associate Professor Cav. Angela Scarino
Rosemarie Geracitano
The preparation of a historical publication requires considerable research, careful editing, attention to detail and a shared commitment to accuracy and authenticity.
Each member of the Editorial Committee has contributed valuable time, knowledge and expertise to ensuring that the stories presented within these pages are thoughtfully documented and preserved.
We also extend our deepest appreciation to all our contributors, whose generosity in sharing their research, knowledge, personal experiences, photographs and family histories forms the very foundation of this publication.
Your willingness to share these stories allows us to capture experiences that might otherwise be lost with the passage of time.
Every contribution represents an important piece of our shared history, and every story preserved becomes a lasting gift to future generations.
🇮🇹 A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR PRESIDENT – GIUSEPPE (JOE) GERACITANO
We would like to express our profound appreciation to Giuseppe (Joe) Geracitano, President of the Italian Historical Society of South Australia, for his leadership, dedication and unwavering commitment to the Society and its mission.
Giuseppe's passion for Italian history, culture and heritage continues to play an important role in guiding the Society's work and encouraging the preservation of the experiences and achievements of Italian migrants and their descendants.
His commitment extends beyond the responsibilities of his position as President. Through his encouragement, vision and willingness to bring people together, he helps foster a shared sense of purpose among those involved in the Society.
The publication and successful launch of this latest collection of stories represent another significant milestone, and we acknowledge Giuseppe's contribution both as President and as a valued member of the Editorial Committee.
Community organisations rely on individuals who recognise the importance of preserving the past while also looking towards the future. Giuseppe's dedication reflects this responsibility and his genuine desire to ensure that the sacrifices, achievements and legacies of Italian migrants continue to be recognised and celebrated.
Giuseppe, thank you for your vision, perseverance, leadership and the countless hours you dedicate to the Society.
Your contribution is deeply valued, and your commitment to preserving our shared history will help ensure that these important stories remain accessible to generations yet to come.
Grazie di cuore, Giuseppe. Your leadership and dedication are sincerely appreciated. ❤️
🌹 A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SECRETARY – JENNY GERACITANO
Behind the publication of every book is an extraordinary amount of work, much of which takes place quietly behind the scenes.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our Secretary, Jenny Geracitano, whose dedication, patience, attention to detail and tireless efforts were instrumental in bringing this publication together.
From managing the extensive paperwork and administrative responsibilities to compiling the book, carefully typesetting each individual story and arranging the accompanying photographs, Jenny devoted countless hours to preparing the publication.
Producing a historical collection of this nature is no small undertaking. Every page requires careful consideration to ensure that the written stories and photographs are presented respectfully, accurately and professionally.
Jenny's commitment throughout this process helped transform a collection of individual contributions into a beautifully presented historical record that families, researchers and future generations can treasure.
Every story carefully typeset, every photograph thoughtfully positioned and every page brought together reflects the remarkable time, care and effort she has invested.
Her contribution is a reminder that preserving history involves not only collecting stories but also the patience, organisation and dedication required to bring them together into a lasting publication.
Jenny, thank you for your exceptional commitment, your perseverance and the countless hours you have devoted to making this publication a reality.
Your hard work has played an essential role in ensuring that these important stories are preserved, and your contribution deserves special recognition.
Grazie di cuore, Jenny. Your dedication and extraordinary efforts are truly appreciated. ❤️
🎤 A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR MASTER OF CEREMONIES – ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR CAV. ANGELA SCARINO
We extend our sincere appreciation to Associate Professor Cav. Angela Scarino for graciously serving as Master of Ceremonies for our publication launch.
Your professionalism, warmth and engaging presence guided the proceedings beautifully, helping to create a welcoming and memorable experience for everyone in attendance.
Your thoughtful approach and ability to bring the occasion together contributed greatly to the success of the event.
We are particularly grateful for your contribution not only as Master of Ceremonies but also as a valued member of our Editorial Committee.
Your ongoing dedication to Italian language, culture and heritage is deeply appreciated, and we were honoured to have you play such an important role in this celebration.
Thank you, Angela, for the time, care and enthusiasm you brought to this special occasion. Your contribution helped make the event truly memorable.
🌹 A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO SILVANA ZERELLA – RECOGNISING THOSE BEHIND THE SCENES
We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Silvana Zerella for her generosity, dedication and wonderful contribution to our publication launch.
Silvana played an important role in helping create the warm and welcoming atmosphere enjoyed by everyone who attended.
From assisting with the preparation, organisation and serving of sweets, coffee and refreshments to helping ensure that our guests were comfortable and well looked after, her efforts added a special touch of hospitality to the occasion.
While the formal proceedings are often the focus of an event, it is equally important to recognise the people whose hard work and generosity behind the scenes make everything possible.
What makes Silvana's contribution particularly special is not simply the work she undertakes, but the positive attitude, kindness and genuine team spirit she brings to everything she does.
Always willing to lend a helping hand, step forward when assistance is needed and work alongside others, Silvana demonstrates the true meaning of being a team player.
Her willingness to contribute wherever needed reflects a genuine commitment to the Society and the people involved.
Community organisations depend on individuals who generously give their time, energy and enthusiasm, often without expecting recognition in return. Silvana's contribution is a wonderful example of this spirit of volunteerism and cooperation.
Silvana, thank you for your thoughtfulness, reliability, generosity and willingness to roll up your sleeves and be part of the team.
Your efforts helped ensure that our guests were warmly welcomed and cared for, and your kindness and dedication have certainly not gone unnoticed.
Grazie di cuore, Silvana. Your wonderful contribution and genuine community spirit are deeply valued and appreciated. ❤️
🌹 A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO LORENZO CIRCOSTA
We extend our sincere appreciation to Lorenzo Circosta for generously giving his time and assistance with setting up and packing away for our publication launch.
The success of any event depends not only on the formal proceedings but also on the practical work required before guests arrive and after the celebrations have concluded.
Lorenzo's willingness to lend a helping hand, assist with preparations and remain involved during the pack-up helped ensure that the occasion ran smoothly from beginning to end.
These contributions are often overlooked, yet they are essential to the success of community events.
Lorenzo, thank you for your generosity, teamwork and willingness to give your time and effort to support the Society.
Your assistance was greatly appreciated, and your contribution reflects the wonderful community spirit that allows organisations such as ours to continue bringing people together.
Grazie di cuore, Lorenzo. Your kindness and support did not go unnoticed! ❤️
🤝 A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
We extend our sincere gratitude to the businesses whose generous sponsorship and support contributed to this publication and its launch.
A special thank you to:
Eclipse Real Estate
Urban Glow
PV Podiatry
Your generosity and willingness to support the Italian Historical Society of South Australia are deeply appreciated.
The support of local businesses plays an important role in helping community organisations continue their work, particularly in projects dedicated to researching, documenting and preserving cultural heritage.
By supporting initiatives such as this publication, you are helping ensure that the experiences, achievements and contributions of Italian migrants and their descendants continue to be recognised and remembered.
We sincerely thank each of our sponsors for their generosity, confidence in our work and commitment to supporting the preservation of our community's history.
Your contributions are a meaningful investment in our shared heritage and its future.
🍝 A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO FRANK TADDEO – PASTA DELI
We extend a very special thank you to Frank Taddeo from Pasta Deli for his generous contribution of refreshments for our publication launch.
Your kindness and generosity helped make the occasion even more enjoyable for our guests, adding a wonderful touch of Italian hospitality to our celebration.
Food and hospitality have always played an important role in bringing families and communities together, and your contribution reflected this cherished tradition.
We are grateful for your willingness to support our event and help create such a welcoming atmosphere for everyone in attendance.
Frank, thank you for your generosity, thoughtfulness and valued support of the Italian Historical Society of South Australia.
Grazie di cuore, Frank, for helping make our celebration even more special! 🇮🇹❤️
🎙️ A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ANTONIO DOTTORE – RADIO ITALIA UNO
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Antonio Dottore from Radio Italia Uno for broadcasting our publication launch and helping us share this important occasion with the wider Italian-Australian community.
Your involvement provided an opportunity for those who could not attend to remain connected with this meaningful milestone and the Society's ongoing work.
Community broadcasting plays an important role in maintaining cultural connections, promoting Italian language and heritage, and ensuring that significant community events receive the recognition they deserve.
Through your broadcast, the celebration of our publication was able to reach beyond the walls of the venue and connect with a broader audience.
Antonio, thank you for your time, support and commitment to promoting Italian culture and community initiatives in South Australia.
We sincerely appreciate your contribution to helping share our stories and celebrate this important achievement.
Grazie di cuore, Antonio! 🎙️🇮🇹
🏛️ A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO MAYOR ROBERT BRIA AND OUR DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
We extend our sincere gratitude to Mayor Robert Bria for generously allowing the Italian Historical Society of South Australia to use the beautiful St Peters Banquet Hall for our publication launch.
Your support provided a wonderful setting in which to bring our community together, celebrate the achievements of those featured in the publication and recognise the importance of preserving Italian-Australian history.
We are truly grateful for your generosity and support of this meaningful cultural occasion.
We were also honoured to welcome our distinguished guests, contributors, families, members, friends and supporters who took the time to celebrate this milestone with us.
Your attendance was a reminder of the strong connections within our community and the importance of coming together to recognise the people and stories that have helped shape South Australia.
To everyone who joined us, thank you for your presence, encouragement and continued support. You helped make the occasion a truly memorable celebration of our shared heritage.
❤️ PRESERVING OUR PAST, INSPIRING OUR FUTURE
At the heart of everything we do is a simple but meaningful purpose: to ensure that the experiences, sacrifices, achievements and legacies of Italian migrants and their descendants are never forgotten.
This publication represents far more than a collection of stories and photographs.
It is a tribute to the courage of those who left their homeland in search of new opportunities, the determination of those who established new lives in Australia, and the generations who have continued to contribute to the social, cultural, professional and community life of South Australia.
Every story preserved strengthens our understanding of the past and provides future generations with a connection to their heritage, their families and the journeys that came before them.
The success of this publication and its launch is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, generosity, dedication and a shared commitment to preserving history.
To our Editorial Committee, contributors, President, Secretary, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, distinguished guests and everyone who played a part in bringing this publication and its launch to life — we extend our deepest and most sincere gratitude.
Your contributions, whether large or small, have helped create something of lasting significance for our community.
Together, we are doing more than preserving the past. We are ensuring that the voices, memories and achievements of those who came before us continue to be heard, honoured and celebrated for generations to come.
🇮🇹❤️ Grazie di cuore a tutti! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Italian Historical Society of South Australia Inc.
Preserving Our Heritage. Celebrating Our Stories. Inspiring Future Generations.
