Home Preface Foreword Introduction Sample Chapter About Trish About the Book Publicity Book Order

Introduction

From the first European settlement migrants have come to Australia in search of a better life for themselves and their children. They have worked hard and saved their money, becoming more prosperous than they could have dreamed of in their old countries. But what many couldn't leave behind were the ingrained habits of sacrifice and austerity, resulting in a mixed legacy for their children. At the same time that they were setting up their offspring for a bright future, they were depriving them of the many daily pleasures enjoyed by their friends. Some children resented this and rejected their parents' values; others used it as a spur to ambition. They appreciated what had been done for them, and they had learned how to work hard and to achieve material and educational goals. At the same time they were determined to enjoy the good things of life. I am one of these people. I loved and honoured my parents, even as I planned a different future for myself.

The 1950s were years of peak immigration from Europe, with 170,420 people arriving over the decade. During those years, Italians made up twenty per cent of the total number of immigrants, a figure exceeded only by those arriving from the British Isles. After the Second World War, the largest group of Italians came from Sicily, followed by those from Calabria. Many of them left for Australia from the port of Messina in Sicily.

For those arriving in Australia in the 1950s the conditions were not always as rosy as the government's advertising had led them to believe. Instead of employment and prosperity, many spent long months searching for work. During the 1960s the numbers fell considerably and by 1971 only few Italians made the journey to Australia.

Many Italians have made important contributions to Australian society in public life, the arts, business, sports and politics. While the part played by high profile individuals is often acknowledged, the contribution of many thousands of ordinary men and women of Italian background is understated. Yet they too have played a major role in the growth of the Australian nation and have had a significant influence on the Australian lifestyle. In an address given in Melbourne as part of the Bicentenary celebrations in 1988, His Excellency the Right Honourable Sir Ninian Stephens, Governor General of Australia, said, 'Today Italians are the third largest ethnic group in Australia, immediately following the British and the Irish. Italian history is an important part of Australia's history. With many more than a million Australians who look to Italy as their ancestral home, the story of Australia's Italians is very much a part of the Australian story …'

Italians, and Australians of Italian origin, have formed many clubs and associations over the years. Through these organisations they have expressed their identity, maintained aspects of their culture, worked for causes in which they believed, followed their interests and enjoyed each other's company. Italian immigration has benefited both Australia and the migrants. Italian migrants and their families succeeded very well in establishing themselves in a new homeland. And by managing to preserve and share aspects of their cultural heritage, they have enriched the wider Australian community.

I am proud of my predecessors and want to share their story. Those who share a similar background may have their own memories stirred by this account. Others may wonder at the hardships that my siblings and I endured and be thankful that their own childhoods were easier. But ultimately, those of us who did it hard may be thankful that our steel was forged in a hot fire, and salute our parents for the life they opened up for us.

"Trish Rechichi's book presents us with a compelling account of how to face cultural differences and go beyond them. An amazing reading for all people investigating their cultural identities."

Dr Giorgio Taborri
Consul of Italy in Western Australia