Club Italia |
Club Italia (Geelong) was formed in May, 1995, following the amalgamation of the Geelong Italian Social Club and the Conca DOro Association.
The history of both Clubs dated back some 25 years and 26 years respectively.
The Geelong Italian Social Club was founded after a group of 50 individuals got together and donated enough money to purchase 5 1/4 acres of land, on which the Club is now situated.
On the land was a corrugated iron shed, which still stands today.
This shed was the first "home"of the G.I.S.C., where on every Sunday and most Saturday nights, literally hundreds of first generation Italians and their families congregated together to talk about old times, dance, and just have fun.
The traditions and heritage of Italy was very much alive in those days as many, many Italians and their Australian friends dug deep into pockets and into their free time to enable a magnificent Club building to be erected.
The Club was officially opened by the then Premier of Victoria the Hon. Rupert Hamer in 1976.
The Club has enjoyed much success over the years, along with some not so good time in the late 80s.
Recent years have seen the Club return to the success of its hey day with the Club boasting a real multicultural membership group, and first, second, and now third generation Italians displaying a renewed love for the past traditions and heritage.
The history of the Conca DOro Association followed a very similar pattern to that of the G.I.S.C. Having been founded some 20 years ago, Club Rooms were built 17 years ago in Moolap Station Road, on land donated by the then Bellarine City Council.
Similarly the Club Rooms were erected with the help of voluntary labour.
Similarly also, the Conca DOro enjoyed its good and not so good times, in the past.
In May 1995, after lengthy negotiations both Clubs agreed to amalgamate under the banner of Club Italia (Geelong) Inc.
The main objectives in the founding of these Clubs were to promote, foster and maintain Italian activities, to promote the welfare of Italian migrants and their families, and to promote social, sporting and cultural events.
Both venues are currently being managed by an elected Committee of 14 people, and a Manager, all of whom work very actively in promoting Italian heritage, social and cultural events.
In May 1998, Club Italia officially opened its new $100,000 Indoor 6 lane Bocce Court Complex, by hosting the State League Bocce Championships. The first time these Championships have being held outside the Melbourne area.
Today Club Italia (Geelong) boasts a active membership offering activities including Bocce, Quality Ballroom Dancing, Folk Singing and Dancing, a Senior Choir Group, Cantiamo Insieme, and regular family social activities which reinforce our commitment to promote, foster and maintain Italian activities, and to promote the welfare of Italian migrants and their families, and to involve the local community to the fullest
❊ Address ❊
⊜ 515 Bellarine Highway Moolap 3221 View Map
✆ Telephone: 03 5250 2349
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ Club Italia
Update Page
