By AIDAN KNIGHT
LATROBE City is a municipality rich with multiculturalism and migrant communities, some of whom have been a part of the area for the better half of a century.
One of the most populous in the region is the Italian community.
What some residents may not know is that many of these locals actually originate from the same hometown in Italy.
In Morwell in particular, the strongest influx came from a village called Corleto Perticara, a province of Potenza, 150km south-east of Naples.
On Saturday, the remaining residents and their descendants, totalling 250 strong, showed in force at the Italian Australian Club for a reunion, which they hope to be the first of many.
The day was filled with joyous unification, cultural food and presentations. Posters and infographics were plastered on every corner of the room, and the crowded room was treated to a slideshow of photos from the old country, of migration to Australia and to the Valley, as well as what the family looked like in Italy now when locals returned home to visit. The event, arranged by group Amici e Paesani Lucani (translating to Friends and Countrymen), was driven by a desire to bring together families connected to Corleto Perticara and celebrate their shared heritage.
“The only reason it took so long to do was that nobody thought to do it,” committee member Giovina Filippo said on the day.
The event brought together descendants of migrants from the Basilicata region, who settled in Morwell throughout the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, many of whom maintain strong cultural ties to their hometown.
The presentation also included images of surrounding towns such as Guardia Perticara, Spinoso, Montemurro, Laurenzana, Anzi, Gorgoglione and Armento, alongside family photographs spanning decades of migration and settlement.
Organiser and fellow committee member, Maria Niell, said the gathering was aimed at reconnecting families and preserving the traditions and identity of Corleto Perticara within the local community. She said the gathering was not just a social occasion, but a chance for attendees to reaffirm their identity and heritage.
Celebrations also included the cutting of a commemorative cake made by committee member Rosanna Della Fortuna, as well as biscuits prepared by Rosa Demetrios for attendees to take home.
The event provided an opportunity for older and younger generations to come together, share stories and reflect on the legacy of those who made the journey to Australia.
Organisers said they were pleased with the strong turnout, and hoped the event would help ensure the community’s cultural connections continue for years to come.
Laughter and conversation filled the room as attendees reconnected with old friends and met younger generations, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging.
Ms Neil said “the event succeeded in bringing families together and would help ensure the story of Corleto Perticara is passed on to future generations.”
The name Corleto Perticara means “place where hazel trees grow”, referring to the villages history as an agricultural hamlet within Potenza, and is located in a mountainous, inland region with dramatic views and relative isolation to the more stereotypical coastal regions.
The committee is now looking to build on the momentum, with plans to organise a follow-up event that would also include members of the Corleto Perticara community now living in Melbourne.
And they did indeed play ‘That’s Amore’.
