Italian Club celebrates history

As a young second generation Australian, his family are from Sicily, he said the club was the best place to go to meet up with other young people from migrant families.

‘It was a meeting place for all Italians,’ Mr Radici of Dianella said.

‘There were plenty of people who met their future husband and wives here at a dinner dance. It also provided an opportunity for people to find work and get support from other Italians.’

Mr Radici is now president of the club, which continues to be an iconic spot for WA Italian migrants as it celebrates its 80th anniversary in September.

‘At its peak it boasted about 7000 members,’ he said.

‘It was the only Italian club in Perth until about the 1970s, so people used it as a meeting place.’

A ball is being held at the club to celebrate its anniversary on September 6, which Mr Radici said would offer a chance for families to introduce the club to the younger generations.

To coincide with the milestone, club member Christine Madaschi of Carine has written a history dating back to the days when the club filled a small house on Fitzgerald Street.

‘In the last five years a lot of the older generation are starting to pass away but a lot of the history and their stories have not been documented,’ Ms Madaschi said.

‘Before too many more people go, we wanted to get their anecdotes of what happened and what it was like on shopfloor.’

Ms Madaschi said the book, which will be on sale at the ball, highlights the history of the club.

Tickets and more information about the ball are available by calling 9328 4104.