September 2008

CO.AS.IT. ITALIAN FAMILY HISTORY GROUP

23 SEPTEMBER 2008

At short notice, one of our regular members Anthony Ravesi gave an interesting tale of his grandfather Antonino, who came to Sydney as a cabin boy in the late 1800's

There were twelve apologies, including that of Paul Sidoti, one of our foundation members, who has now entered Calvary Hospital.

Our chairman gave a run down on events since the last meeting including details of his visit to Melbourne where he met Paul Santamaria, Chairman of the National Archive Advisory Committee; he is a barrister and son of Bob Santamaria. He also spoke of his visit to the Immigration Museum, where he purchased a copy of the recently released DVD on the History of Immigration in Australia, from as early as 1788. This new DVD features immigrants from all nations, and in itself is a most historic record. This item is to be placed in the COASIT library.

Dominic also related of events that occurred at the official opening of the Italian Cultural Centre at the Forum, in Norton St, on the previous Saturday. The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Federal Minister for Infrastructure unveiled a plaque to commemorate the event in the presence of the Italian Consul, State Minister of Education, Senator Concetta Ferravanti-Wells, Leichhardt Mayor, and Paulo Totaro.

Our chairman took the opportunity to speak to Anthony Albanese who ascertained that Anthony's ancestors were from Naples. He expressed much interest in our IFHG activities and requested that we send him details of our activities. He is also the local federal member for Leichhardt.

The opening of the Cultural Centre is the final episode of the building of the Forum, which has taken 21 years to complete. We now have a place in Sydney which will compete with any other Italian Cultural Centre in Australia.

Anthony Ravesi, our guest speaker, spoke of the history of the Ravesi family. His grandfather jumped ship following the sight of Sydney Harbour. He tried his hand at doing anything he could find. He realized that Sydney was the place for him, leaving behind him an island which barely had enough room to graze a few goats, let alone a buffalo, ancient olive trees, vines and flat leaved figs.

He saved meticulously to the point that he was able to establish himself in a mixed business located at Bondi Beach. He later, brought out his proxy bride, Maria Concetta to Australia. On a trip to Italy he was drafted into the Italian Army during World War I. He returned to Australia in 1921 to his astonished wife, as Maria had received word that he captured and placed in a prison camp in Hungary.

The building still remains today with the name RAVESI cemented on façade of the building. It is heritage listed and the current business owner trades under the name RAVESI'S.

Many of the attendees at the meeting have seen this famous shop and building which still remains as an icon facing Bondi Beach.

The meeting closed at 8.35pm

Our audience enjoyed every moment of the evening, which concluded with the usual treat of Sicilian "Sfinchis" provided by our member Anna Zagame.

Dominic Arrivolo