The history of the Mildura Club DaVinci started with a dream.
In the Easter of 1958, a number of newly arrived Italian migrants decided to put on the Passion of Christ or “Opera Sacra”. Various members of the young Italian community showcased their ability to act, choreograph, and put on the show. The event was held in the Yugoslav hall and proved to be a hit for the community.
After the show, the opera director Beniamino Cirillo and Giuseppe Roccisano discussed the night with Fr Monahan and Fr Gregorio and shared their dream of having a social club for the Italian community. Both priests were supportive of the idea, and Fr Gregorio suggested they start with something modest and build upon it.
With a dream in their hearts and encouragement from Fr Monahan and Fr Gregorio, they set about making the dream come true. Joe and Ben approached members of the Italian community who had been in Mildura for some time and shared their dream. They received support, and in 1958, the first committee of the Mildura Club DaVinci was formed.
Committee Members: Angelo Buffone, Domenico Cavallaro, Beniamino Cirillo, Roger David, Cosimo Dichiera, Giuseppe Dichiera, Vincenzo Dimasi, Giuseppe Dimasi, Vincenzo Leonadis, Pietro Mazza, Antonio Marciano, Giuseppe Moro, Filippo Mammone, and Antonio Surace.
The committee set about developing a constitution for the club, raising funds, purchasing land, erecting the building, furnishing the building, and appointing caterers. The writing of the constitution fell to Ben Cirillo with help from Fr Gregorio. The document, consisting of 26 points or articles, was approved at a general meeting in July 1958.
With the constitution accepted, the committee proceeded to the next stage: raising money. The Sunraysia area was divided among the committee and other interested members. All Italians in the district were approached and given the opportunity to join. The fee of 30 pounds was set, which equates to approximately $2000 in today’s figures. 230 pledges were made, and 158 fully paid, becoming foundation members.
Land was purchased on 24th November 1958 for 1190 pounds by Donald Piscioneri, Giuseppe Roccisano, and Filippo Mammone, as trustees for the club. With the land purchased, plans were drawn up, and the building contract was awarded to SJ Weir for 4500 pounds.
As the building went up, payments had to be made. However, many declined to pay the second and third installments, leading to a significant shortfall in 1960 as the club neared completion. Angelo Buffone and Cosimo Dichiera stepped forward and loaned the club 1500 pounds each.
The club opened its doors to the first function, the engagement of Joe Caia and Mary Leonardis, on 17th April 1960. This was followed by the first wedding of Pietro and Nicolina Mazza. In 1962, the Opera Sacra was held in the club, a fitting function as the catalyst to the building.
The early days were difficult for the committee as funds were short and profits were low. The committee held many social functions to try and raise money to meet the debt. On many occasions, the committee would supply tablecloths, cutlery, and glasses, and their services free of charge to help the club.
Mildura Club DaVinci Accomplishments
The Ladies Committee
Formed on 26th July 1976. The committee was very active in organizing social functions from 1976 to 1995. The first social function was a picnic dance. The band "The Ultratones" cost $150. The fee was $2 for adults and $1 for children. The supper for the night consisted of cabana, cheese, salted peanuts, salada crackers and tea and coffee. The function returned a healthy profit of $118.55.
The ladies took it upon themselves to run many social events and fundraisers over the years. In 1976 they raised $1714 for the Italian earthquake appeal.
The funds from the fundraising went back into the club. The committee bought the hand dryers and they purchased the orange chairs to replace the metal ones. They bought curtains and were an important part of making sure the club lifted its standard in its appearance and presentation and their last contribution was the chandeliers over the dance floor.
There are also two other people whose contribution to the club has not been matched and must be mentioned. They are Joe Roccisano and Steve Panuccio. Both members were on the committee from the day it was formed until they passed away. Both held office on the executive. Joe Rocissano was president for 5 years and treasurer for 17 years and club secretary, he was also the head cook and catering manager for many years. Steve Panuccio was president for 34 years, of which 32 were consecutive. They both acted as club trustees along with 7 other people who put their personal assets on the line if anything went wrong.
During their terms of office they set down a good foundation for the next generation to build upon.