Community & Business
28 July, 2021
40 year celebration of Fogolar Furlan
THE Fogolar Furlan Club of Dimbulah was established nearly half a century ago, providing a place for Italians moving to Australia where they could feel comfortable in their strange new country.
THE Fogolar Furlan Club of Dimbulah was established nearly half a century ago, providing a place for Italians moving to Australia where they could feel comfortable in their strange new country.
After WWII ravaged Italy people struggled to find work to provide for their families, hence many became immigrants moving to different countries, Australia included.
Around 150 families were involved with the Fogolar Furlan Club of Dimbulah when it was founded in 1981, now 40 years on they still hold a high number with 74 families involved.
Ermes Schincariol has been involved in the club since the beginning, holding the position of treasurer on the first committee in 1981.
Establishing the club was good for both Italy and Australia as Mr Schincariol believes they acted as “ambassadors”.
“This was good for both Italy and Australia because we kind of acted like ambassadors,” he said.
“We didn’t know anything when we moved here.
“We would come together one a week, a fortnight or a month and have a couple of beers.
“It was a way for everyone to get together and talk, laugh and reminisce.”
Lawn bowls is often on the agenda for the Fogolar Furlan Club as they play the local Trevisani Club, another Italian club with members from Treviso, Friuli’s neighboring region in Italy.
“We have a party after we finish, it doesn’t matter who won and all the afternoon you have some beers and smoko,” Fogolar Furlan Club member John Pin said.
The Fogolar Furlan club of Dimbulah now holds two biannual events, a BBQ in Dimbulah and a dinner and dance at the Mareeba International Club.
August 14 is the next upcoming dinner and dance where they will also officially celebrate the 40th anniversary of their club, the club invites any members of the community to come along and celebrate with them.
Bookings can be made by calling the Mareeba International Club on 4093 2153 after hours.
