The exhibition ‘Paesani – The Bayside Italian’ grew out of a 1998 exhibition that examined the diversity of cultures living in the City of Botany Bay.

A George Hanna Memorial Museum, City of Botany Bay and NSW Migration Heritage Centre project.

Caterina Taviani Paesani - The Bayside Italians

Author: Caterina Taviani,  Italian community, George Hanna Memorial Museum It was 1959. I was 30. My husband and I made a huge decision to emigrate to Australia. We left with our two young children. Our motto was “Dove si finisce … Continue reading →

Federico Di Campli Paesani - The Bayside Italians

Author: Federico Di Campli,  Italian community , George Hanna Memorial Museum It was 1956. I was 21. I left Lanciano, Italy with one wooden suitcase full of my belongings. The Australian consulate was looking for workers to go to Australia … Continue reading →

Giuseppe Privitera Paesani - The Bayside Italians

Paesani – The Bayside Italians Author: Giuseppe Privitera,  Italian community , George Hanna Memorial Museum It was 1959. I was 29. I left Sicily with a large trunk, my bicycle and a small hammer that I used in the metal … Continue reading →

Luigi Mainente Paesani - The Bayside Italians

Author: Luigi Mainente,  Italian community, George Hanna Memorial Museum It was 1959. I was 22. I left Verona, Italy with my faith and my hope to return after two years. The employment offices used advertisements of beautiful Australian beaches and … Continue reading →

Maria Patti Paesani - The Bayside Italians

Author: Maria Patti,  Italian community , George Hanna Memorial Museum It was 1952. I was 3. I travelled with Mum. Dad had emigrated in 1950 and worked on the Queensland canefields. In 1955 Mum and Dad found jobs in a … Continue reading →