August 2009

AUGUST 26 2009

We all experienced a most enjoyable night when Tony Rullo, Marketing Manager of Paisenello Cheese Products, related the story of the SOMMA family. This family pioneered the first original Ricotta manufacture in Sydney following World War II.

Fifty five people came to the Puglia Assosciation rooms in Renwick Street Leichhardt to also enjoy a night of tasting many other soft cheese varieties.

Linda Nellor, Co.As.It's project Heritage officer, was pleased to announce that Sydney City Council has now become the second major sponsor of the Sydney photographic exhibition of Sydney Italian Fruit Shops. Linda is still seeking material for the event in order to make the exhibition a great event. The official opening will be held at the NSW State Parliament at the commencement of Italian Week in Sydney in June 2010.

Our chairman, Domenic Arrivolo, spoke of being invited to have our group's details entered on the official Italian Consulate list of organizations operating in NSW He continued by providing details of the ten day bus tour of inland Queensland being planned by the CAS Association. Flyers containing details were available on the front table

Dominic further added that he had personally joined the Italian Forum Ltd. The long awaited first stage will be opening in Leichhardt on Sept 19. He had been privileged to make a private inspection of the centre which had impressed him so much that there left no doubt that the Centre would be a most suitable location for our Family meetings in the new year.

Tony Rullo's electronic presentation told the wonderful story of Umberto Somma who had migrated to Australia in 1956. Umberto was then 26 years of age. He came from Pimonta in the Region of Napoli His family had continued the local tradition of making a style of soft cheese, from that particular place in Italy. Umberto began cheese making from the time he was fifteen.

On arrival in Sydney he worked and lived in the Windsor district as a labourer for 3 years before starting to make his ricotta cheese from fresh supplies of milk from local dairies. He sold his product to local Italians in the evenings and at weekends. In 1962 he purchased a house in Gerald St Marrickville which included an adjoining building at the rear. This enabled him to start manufacturing. From this location he began to supply the general public, restaurants and local delicatessens

Teresa Magrino arrived in Sydney in 1967. She came from Torre Annunzata near Napoli. He married Umberto within a year, and was then able to assist Umberto in the business. Two sons were born, Joseph and Max.

In addition two more Umberto brothers arrived in Australia in 1973. They assisted in building the business. They both returned to Italy five years later.

Unberto was awarded the title of Cavaliere through his work and achievement in bringing those specialized types of soft Italian cheeses to the Italian community. He passed away in 1988 at 58 years of age, leaving the business to his family to carry.

Tony Rullo went on to explain how the family have retained the traditional methods of manufacturing the various varieties of soft cheeses. He added that the highest quality of some varieties came from dairy farmers who had buffalos. There are very few dairies carrying this breed of animal.

It was a truly a most interesting evening, concluding with sampling many of the products that Tony had brought with him.

The meeting closed at 8.45pm