A hub of family traditions

“We love the events and catching up with family and friends,” she said.

“For me, the club is a reminder of the people who came here before us and worked hard to build a life. A lot of families around this region have stories like that.

“The club keeps those stories and traditions alive, but it’s also a place where people come together, share a meal, have a laugh and enjoy each other’s company.

“It’s welcoming, it’s friendly, and it feels like home for a lot of people.”

Growing up, Carley said family was everything.

Her grandparents migrated from Sicily in the 1950s and, like many others, came to Australia, raised a family and built a life here, while holding on to the traditions that were important to them.

She remembers sauce days, sausage-making days, salami-making and family dinners where there always seemed to be enough food for whoever happened to turn up.

Looking back, those remain some of her fondest memories.

“To be honest, when I was younger, I didn’t really think much about where those traditions came from. It was just what our family did,” Carley said.

“It’s only now that I’m older, and especially now that I have Luca, that I realise how special those traditions are and how much they shaped who we are.”

After moving back from Melbourne five years ago, Carley found herself searching for something familiar — something that connected her to her family’s story and history.

She started attending events at the Shepparton Italian Club, but soon became curious about what was happening in Tatura.

Since walking through the doors of the Tatura Italian Social Club, she quickly realised it was much more than just a club.

“It became somewhere our family gathered, celebrated birthdays and special occasions, and spent time together,” she said.

“The pasta nights are a favourite in our house, along with the dance nights and live entertainment.

“We love the nights with performers like Rick Brun. It always makes me smile because Rick played at my parents’ wedding years ago.

“Now I’m standing there watching Luca dance in front of the stage while Rick is performing. It’s funny how life goes full circle.”

From pasta nights and live music to Mother’s Day celebrations and a range of other special events, the Tatura Italian Social Club’s doors are open to everyone.

Carley said it’s a place where you don’t need to be Italian and you don’t need to know anyone to feel welcome.

“The older generation have so many stories, so much knowledge and such a great sense of community. It’s nice seeing younger families become part of that,” she said.

“The kids all run around together, the adults catch up, and everyone seems to know everyone.

“Most of the time it feels more like a big family gathering than a club event.”

With Luca growing up around the club since he was born, Carley said it had become an extension of family.

After losing her grandparents several years ago, she said one thing she didn’t expect was how much she would enjoy watching Luca build relationships with people from that generation.

“He’s collected quite a few honorary nonnas and nonnos along the way who always stop for a chat, make a fuss of him and seem genuinely excited to see him,” Carley said.

"I often joke that Luca has collected more nonnas than I ever had, and that sense of connection is something I really treasure.

“There’s always a friendly face, plenty of food and a spot for you at the table.”

For further information on becoming a member, getting involved or simply enjoying a night out, call Nello Giansiracusa on 0408 242 135 or visit the Tatura Italian Social Club Facebook page.