Claire Clutterham (Sturt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

On Sunday 28 September 2025, I had the privilege of attending the 70th Madonna di Montevergine feast, including the procession, mass and party held on the grounds of the St Francis of Assisi School at Newton in my electorate of Sturt. The morning mass emphasised the importance of kindness and empathy for others, and the evening party emphasised food, culture, connection, language and family. Beautifully led by the Madonna di Montevergine organising committee president, Mr Dominic Zollo, the festival was supported by community organisations, including Radio Italia 531, especially John di Fede and Eleonora Finoia, which broadcast the event across South Australia and beyond.

I was very proud to attend in my capacity as the member for Sturt because, for the first time since the feast's inception, the federal government contributed funds to the organising committee to help them put on a day to remember. This 70th anniversary was truly a wonderful community celebration. The food area had to be seen to be believed, with pasta, tripe, gelato and zeppole as far as the eye could see. Thank you, Mr Zollo, for your energy. Thank you, Dames di Montevergine, for your commitment to your faith and your community. But the biggest thank you has to go to the volunteers who worked day and night to make the event possible, especially the volunteers in the many kitchens operating across the event. E stata una festa di ricordare. Congratulazioni a tutti.

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