The Associazione was established in 1971 ( incorporated under the companies act) for the purpose of a non political and reglious character for persons of Eolian birth,origin or descent resident in Australia.
Isole Eolie (Eolians the people) means the Eolian Islands being a group of seven islands , situated off the north coast of Sicily in the Mediterranean sea.
Its objects include social, religious and cultural relations for Eolians and to assist them to settle and become assimilated into the Australian community and way of life and to foster and maintain the spirit of co operation between Eolians and the Australian people.
Social functions are conducted throughtout the year for Eolians and friends of Eolians regardless of their background to promote the spirit of co operation and offer non Eolians an invitation to become Associate Members.
Our major reglious function is the celebration of Saint Bartolomeo (Bartholomew) Apostle, the patron saint of the Eolian Islands. held annually in February at Five Dock Park.
Man has always sought his roots then tended to congretate with his own kind wanting to socialize with them and help them when in need.
This phenomenon is especially manifested in a multicultural society as in Australia with its many ethnic group, exemplified by a particular group – Eolian Society founded in Sydney in 1903 known as ‘Il Cirola Isole Eolie ‘
The Centenary will be celebrated on 22 November 2003 sponsored by its successor, the Association Isole Eolie and will be commemorated by the release of this monograph "100 Years of Eolians in Australia" so as to leave a legacy of Eolians in Australia, to current and future generations of Eolian- Australia and associates.
This books depicts the need, the development and function of the Eolian Society and its influence in Australia, the success of its many member, its demise during world war 11 and the resurgence of its successors – The Associazione Isole Eolie in 1971, activated by the influx of post war Eolians for the promotion of culture, tradions and social intercourse amongst Eolian and their descendants.
The major contributor and resource fellow for the composition of the book is Gaetano Natoli from the island of Lipari who's insatiable search for Eolian development in Australia took him over ten years of research both in State Library of NSW and the numerous interviews with knowledgeable and well known elders of the Eolian Community in Sydney.
This explains why most of the contents in this book details the Sydney Eolian Society and makes reference to the Melbourne Eolians Society, which is also bound to have just as rich a heritage.
The information gathered was condensed and written expertly and professionally by Dr Francesco Alafaci a PhD graduate in history and an Italian Degree in Arts, and a member of the Association.
The Eolian community is forever grateful for his dedicated effort in compiling the book.
Guy Farlazzo designed the cover of this book.
Stephen Fonti ,Barrister in Law, wrote the introduction.
The preface and final chapters were written by Dr Felice Merlino.
The other major collaborator was Rosario Maniaci who conceived the idea of the book, and helped edit and assemble the final format
Thanks are also extended to all who have contributed in some way great or small ,to this book
Dr Felice Merlino President
