MACKAY and district Italian Association incorporated gave away Service Awards to Marcie Perna and Aldo Romagnolo

Mackay, 21 April 2024, (MCCQ

News Desk Press Release Contact person: Carmel Baretta Ph: 0400713535; Email lbaretta@ bigpond.net.au)

SERVICE AWARDS:

To have a strong, active and passionate association one needs a committee that is dedicated, hardworking and able to commit to the ideals as set out in its Constitution.

On Sunday 21 April last, two such members were honoured for more than ten years of continuous service.

Secretary Marice Perna, capable and quietly efficient, has fulfilled her role admirably recording Minutes, informing member by emails of upcoming events as well as sharing relevant information pertaining to the Italian Community of Mackay and elsewhere. She is also heavily involved with the CWA at Seaforth, Mackay and the Canegrowers Network Mackay which promotes the role women play in the industry. Typical of her nature, Marice has unselfishly accepted to serve another year as Secretary of Mackay and District Italian Association Incorporated.

Aldo Romagnolo, a retired Accountant, has taken on the role of Treasurer for more than ten years. His account-keeping skills are faultless and each balance is correct to the last cent.

Supported by his wife, Janice, he attends every function including our annual Street Parties, handles all monies personally and reports, with diligence, the financial results thereof.

Not having adapted to modern technologies, Aldo records each transaction by hand in his journal with handwriting that is the envy of every schoolteacher. Aged 86, his mind and account keeping skills have not faded. At our AGM earlier this year, he graciously agreed to continue with the role of Treasurer for another term.

After five years of lobbying, the Association, under the leadership of newly-elected President Lou Rosati, continues to consult with Mackay Regional Council to have an Italian Precinct built at River Street, Mackay, adjacent to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. The aim is to honour Italian migrants who chose Mackay for their new home and acknowledge their contribution to the sugar industry as well as to the development of the city. With the election of new Councillors and the re-election of Mayor Greg Williamson, we are striving to seek a very satisfactory conclusion to this project.