Lismore Local Woman of the Year

THE Lismore Electorate Woman of the Year accolade has named 90-year-old Elide (Ellie) Gava as its 2025 recipient.

The nonagenarian is well known in the region for her years of work supporting the local Italian community, particularly older Italians.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said Gava’s community leadership and volunteering had enriched the wider community.

“When I look at the list of achievements and the many projects and community programs Ellie has initiated and been involved in, I realise this could also be called a lifetime achievement award,” Saffin said.

“She is someone who would see a community need, think of a solution and work to make it happen.

In 1984, Gava conceived the idea of a support group for older Italians, where they could speak Italian, play cards, and eat Italian lunch.

She had hoped the first meeting would attract a handful of people, but close to 100 attended. The group continues, now run by St Carthage’s Community Care.

Gava has also tirelessly worked for many decades with The New Italy Museum, the Continental Music and Sports Club and Bocce Courts on Uralba Street, the Lismore Friendship Festival (now called LisAmore!), Casa Serena accommodation for older Italians, the Italo Club (now the Marconi Club), and was instrumental in organising the mosaic in Spinks Park to commemorate the early Italian settlers.

“Talk to anyone in the Italian community and they will have a story of what Ellie has done,” Saffin said.

“As a child of Italian parents, Ellie understands the contribution made by Italian migrants to the social, commercial and agricultural heritage of this area, and she has helped document this history.

“Ellie has served our region as a teacher, a tuckshop parent, a seamstress, and a judge of sewing and handicrafts at local agricultural shows.

“I should point out that Ellie is in her 90th year, and only last year retired from her role at the Seniors Day Club and is now enjoying the benefits as a participant,” Saffin said.