ITALIANS OF WOLLONGONG: September 2025

Back when I started this journey of writing stories about the Italians of Wollongong, I spent many early days at the Wollongong City Library upstairs, where there is access to a variety of resources. History and information about the past in Wollongong, stories, local news items and a room full of newspapers all on microfiche film. Microfiche is an older technology that was eventually replaced by digital technology. Though we are still able to read the film and with the use of modern technology download it to computer files: with great relief.

Whilst I was doing research I had so much help from the wonderful staff who were only too willing to assist and encourage me. They found some fantastic articles and showed me how and where to search for information ect.

An article was found in the South Coast Times (Wollongong`s Premier Newspaper back in the day) dated Monday August 27, 1956 (PAGES 21 -28). In fact it wasn’t an article it was an eight page supplement called `ITALY IN W`GONG`. So much information and I was so grateful. It talked about the many businesses in Wollongong started by Italians with messages from the mayor, Wollongong City Council, editorials and advertisements. So many of the stories that I have written were about the people who were mentioned in this supplement. This supplement also gave me clues to finding out more information and led me to people I had never even heard of before.

FILIPPE D`AURIA. I knew of two tailors in Wollongong and one was by first name only and I had been trying for months to find him. I saw this small advertisement in the supplement that showed me his last name. It was Filippe D`Auria. Once I had his name I was then able to track down his son (which took quite a while) and learn all about him. Filippe D`Auria worked for almost 30 years as a tailor and he was quite an accomplished musician as well.

GINO BATTOCCHIO. I came across Gino`s name through an editorial in this supplement. Gino was mentioned as one of many who had their creative works on display at the West Wollongong TAFE. I was able to track Gino`s brother down (who lives here in Wollongong). I learnt about Gino and wrote his story. Gino`s metal creations, and what he built and donated to the church, were amazing pieces.

Others who had their works on display at the TAFE were Peter Menegazzo who’s story was published in two parts. Raimondo Brugnera who was a tailor but also designed and built furniture, was mentioned in our stories in the Tailors of Wollongong. Filippe D`Auria also had his tailored clothes on display.

Advertisements by E. Guido & Co, (that was managed by Ebe Formigoni who eventually purchased the business) who’s story was also published along with Borgo Wines and Bruno Ballesi from Photo Roma. Others who I am still searching for to write their stories. The whole supplement was filled with so many articles and names about the role of Italians in Wollongong and their contributions.

Page 21: Talks about the opening of the exhibition and how it was the first ever international exhibition held on the South Coast. It also mentions those who were featured in the exhibition and about the artisans whose works were on display at the West Wollongong College of TAFE. The exhibition at the TAFE was held over several days with a message from the Mayor at the time J.J. Kelly and a message from the Council of Wollongong.

Page 22: Features articles talking about the cultural impact and benefits of the Italians in the Wollongong community. It also honours the many Italians who had become Australian Citizens and how a large portion of those were Italians, as well as advertisements.

Page 23: The importance of the Italian Centre in Wollongong and the role it played and it’s social value. Even the coffee machine that was used at the Italian Centre was on display at the exhibition along with more advertisements.

Page 24: A Wonderful editorial piece on how Migration had boosted South Coast Industry. How more than 1500 Italians worked at the Port Kembla Industries, others at EPT (Electric Power Transmission). The many skilled and unskilled migrants who made up the work force, how important they were. The number of Italians in Australia at the time and how it was increasing every year.

Page 25: Features E.P.T and it’s contributing growth to Australia and other industries.

Page 26 : Talks about the Immaculate Conception Church at Unanderra with articles about (well known) Italian world wide companies.

Page 27: Features an editorial on E Guido & Company’s store and the many customers they serviced not only in the Wollongong area, but even the Southern Highlands and Kiama.

Page 28: Speaks about how Italy is a paradise for tourists and the number of people visiting the country. Our wonderful cruise liners and an editorial on Borgo Wines and some more advertising.

Following is the article written on page 23 about the Italian Centre, Wollongong.

Italian Centre’s Important Role

`Playing an important role in the assimilation of Italian migrants on the South Coast is the Wollongong Italian Centre.`

The social value of the Centre has been fully realised by the Wollongong City Council, the Good Neigbour Council and all the other bodies associated with the assimilation of migrants.

The Centre, situated at 33 Burelli Street, Wollongong was founded and is now conducted by the Pious Society of St Charles, a Catholic Order dedicated to the spiritual and temporal welfare of Italian migrants all over the world.

Moved by the great post-war influx of Italian people to the South Coast, the Society in June, last year acquired the property in Burelli Street. An old home was standing on the land which has a 66` wide double frontage to Burelli and Stewart Streets, Wollongong.The home was renovated internally to provide a modern welfare and recreational centre for the Italian people of the South Coast.

In an endeavour to help fit Italians for better positions in the community, the priest in charge (Rev. Father L. Bianchini) started classes in English for the migrants. These English classes are now held at the centre every Tuesday and Friday nights and are helping Italians to settle in the community within a short time.

Classes in Italian are also provided for Australians who desire to learn the Italian language. Among the many people attending these classes is an engineer who is directing Italian workmen, and local singer whose operatic work demands a grasp of the Italian language.

Since the Centre was established last year, more than 2000 cases have been assisted in one way or another. Financial aid when necessary and assistance with immigration, taxation, housing and industrial problems has been given new settlers at the Centre.

Recreational facilities at the Centre have been warmly appreciated. They include table tennis, and an indoor soccer table made by Mr Gino Sanguinetti of Wollongong.

Meals cooked in the Italian manner are also served at the Centre, the cook being Mrs Rina Montagner, formerly of Venice. The Centre in not a club. There is no membership fee and it is maintained solely by donations and goodwill of all who regard it as a means of bringing the Australian and Italian people together in the true spirit of assimilation.

What a treasure trove of information and dedication to the Italians in Wollongong. If anyone wishes to read and see the old newspaper articles they are held in Wollongong City Library upstairs they are available to look at on the microfiche reader and the staff are only too willing to help.

(Information obtained from the South Coast Times Newspaper Monday August 27, 1956.

from the Wollongong City Library archives)

Newspaper article about the exhibition and Virgilio and Alberto Gnata

at the West Wollongong TAFE exhibition of art work standing in front

of some of their creations.

Gino Battocchio at the West Wollongong TAFE exhibition viewing

the artworks on the wall.

Above images from the collection belongingto Jessica Zerlinda Gnata

Gino Battocchio with his creations as part of the exhibition with

two ladies enjoying the wares on display.

Image from the collection belonging to Cristina Battocchio

On September 2nd 1966 when Mario Mastroianni arrived in Australia he was 13 years old. He travelled on the ship Galileo, with his mother Giuseppina and his brother Fiorenzo who was almost six. Mario`s father Giovanni was already in Australia. Giovanni first arrived in 1955 aboard the ship Surriento arriving June 6. He stayed for a few years working on the Snowy Mountain Hydro scheme and then went back to Italy. Giovanni returned again in 1960 arriving November 18, on the ship Roma. He went to Redfern for some time before going to work at Warragamba Dam. He was living with his sister in-law Concetta. Giovanni became an Australian citizen May 2nd, 1962. By the time the family arrived in 1966 he was living in his own house that he purchased at Mt St Thomas and was working at BHP as a rigger.

As a young boy Mario enjoyed playing soccer locally in his home town in Italy and soon joined the local soccer club Coniston after arriving in Australia. He was good at soccer and loved to play. Fiorenzo also joined the club a few years later. Coniston Soccer Club began in 1955 as a Junior club only. It wasn’t until 1984 when they merged with Crown United that it brought together Junior and Senior teams. They entered the Premier League and won the grand final in 1981, 2001 and 2003 and have recently entered a women’s team in the Premier League for the first time.

Mario went to school at Keira Boys High and left in Year 10 to pursue an apprenticeship as a Fitter and Turner at BHP. Soccer became a big part of life for Mario and in 1970/71 he became a Junior referee for the club at age 18. He was also a referee, for Junior and Senior reserve games (local competition). At 21 he began to referee all Senior games then later moved to Premier League games. He reffed many grand finals of the top 3 teams each year. Mario refereed five Illawarra Premier League grand finals.

He was part of the Referee association of Illawarra. Mario also was a referee for local grand finals and the Bert Brampton Gala Day. The Bert Brampton Cup was a knockout competition for soccer clubs in the South Coast competition. Bert Brampton was a football (soccer) official and a former board member of the Illawarra Football Association. The cup was in honour of his contributions to local football.

Mario continued reffing soccer games and in the late 1980`s he left his job at BHP and purchased a business called Piccadilly Gifts and Cards in the Piccadilly Shopping Centre in Crown Street, Wollongong, near the train station. Mario soon expanded the variety in the shop and sold soccer memorabilia and collectors items, Italian cards, soccer jerseys etc. His shop had many customers who enjoyed the variety on the shop floor.

Prior to opening his shop he became involved with the San Giovanni Battista committee who ran their yearly festival. In 1981 he was elected secretary and stayed in this role in for almost 25 years. As secretary he was responsible for all correspondence. He knew many people and was great at the role. Mario also did a tremendous job with the entertainment for the festival. The San Giovanni Battista festival was the flagship festival for Italian entertainment in Wollongong and the Illawarra.

In 1991 when Mario was 38 he became a NSW State Games referee. Mario was not very tall and he received the nick name `MOUSE` but his height was never a deterrent for him. He was known for standing up to the older players who were much bigger than him. He became well known as a referee and was well respected too!

Mario was also director of the Wollongong wolves when they won two consecutive championships in the National Soccer League: 1999-2000 and 2000-2001. He was also a share holder. Mario would help organise the programmes and sponsors for the team. He was very hands on and worked tirelessly for the good of the organisation.

Every year when the World Cup Soccer was on Mario would organise functions at the Fraternity Bowling Club at Fairy Meadow. He would coordinate the early morning match viewing (around 3am) for members and guests and it was always popular. When the 2006 World Cup was held in Germany, Mario set up a small merchandise shop at the Fraternity Club for the duration of the cup. He sold all soccer memorabilia, including German and Italian soccer balls. When Italy won it was just the icing on cake for him.

Mario was set to referee a friendly A-League practice between match between Perth Glory and Sydney FC. The match was set to take place on August 6, 2006. Sadly the day before, Mario suffered a heart attack and passed away. He was only 52 years old. It was such shock to everyone.

Piccadilly Gifts and Cards closed for approximately three months. Mario`s father Giovanni, who was in his seventies then, ran the store for another 12 months before closing the shop all together.

Giovanni Mastroianni passed away January 21, 2018, he was 90. Wife Giuseppina passed away 22nd May, 2019. She was 86.

Mario`s brother Fiorenzo had all his children, both sons and daughters playing soccer and now his grandchildren play too. Mario left behind a legacy in local Wollongong as a referee and a champion for local club soccer. He was also instrumental with the San Giovanni Battista Festival as secretary for many years. His work in the community is not forgotten.