Italian Association to celebrate half-century

BALLARAT Italian Association members, their families, and supporters will be at Victoria Bowling Club next Saturday 18 October to mark the club’s fiftieth anniversary.

President Sofia Sarra said the night will be a chance to raise a glass to all who have been involved with the club, which has never wavered in its purpose.

“Our association is about promoting inclusivity and welcoming people to the family whether you’re Italian or not,” she said.

Ms Sarra said Italians have been in Ballarat since the 1850s, and the state has benefited from them coming to the goldfields to find their fortune.

“Many supermarkets, restaurants, great foods, and coffee culture we have because of Italians; we have a lot to be thankful for,” she said.

“So many people have come from poverty in Italy to have a better life here.”

One of the BIA’s major achievements was establishing their own facility on Recreation Road, Mount Clear in the 1980s. Image: SUPPLIED

The Ballarat Italian Association was formed in 1975 and was initially based at the Ballarat Showgrounds before moving to its own home on Recreation Road, Mount Clear in the 1980s. That site was sold in 2014.

BIA gathered for a while at the old Golden Point Primary School, but for the last six years, they have had a base at Barkly Square community centre. Here, BIA has the facilities to run Italian language and cooking classes.

Ms Sarra said highlights of the club’s five decades include securing the Mount Clear land in 1983, publishing the book La Nostra Storia: The Story of Italians in Ballarat by Ian McGuinness, holding dances at the Civic Hall, Christmas gatherings, and establishing their popular language classes.

“Why wouldn’t we celebrate this milestone?” Ms Sarra said.

“It’s about celebrating all the club now, what it has achieved, and raising a glass to those that came before us.

“Fifty years is a huge achievement for a community group.”

The function next Saturday night will start at 6pm and run until about 11pm. Tickets can be purchased at trybooking.com/events/landing/1452933.

Those interested in joining the club or taking part in its classes can contact [email protected] for more information.