Salami, stories and shared culture

The Tatura Italian Social Club, shaped by migrant roots and community spirit, has grown from a small hall into an inclusive hub where traditions like Salami Night unite generations and celebrate shared culture.

The story of Nello Giansiracusa’s Australian life begins in 1961. He was a baby when his Sicilian parents joined thousands of other Italian families seeking new beginnings in a young and growing nation. Like many post-war migrants, they first settled in Melbourne, but it wasn’t long before the lure of open skies and farmland drew them north to the Goulburn Valley. 

“My father preferred farm work over the factory,” Nello recalls. “We had relatives in the country, and once we moved, we never left.”

That decision would ultimately connect his family not only to the land but to the heart of Tatura’s Italian community—a connection that continues today through Nello’s role as President of the Tatura Italian Social Club.

The Tatura Italian Social Club opened its doors in 1982, the product of dedication and vision from its founding members, including Nello’s late father-in-law. 

“Back then, it was a small place—just a hall and kitchen,” Nello explains. “Over time, it grew, especially once bocce became so popular.”

A dedicated bocce shed was soon built to accommodate the spirited games that became a hallmark of the club’s early years. While participation in bocce has since declined, the club’s purpose has evolved beautifully. Today, it’s far more than an Italian enclave—it’s a vibrant community hub hosting weddings, wakes, birthdays, and local events.

“It’s not just for Italians anymore,” Nello says proudly. “We’ve worked hard to make everyone feel welcome. This is a place for the whole community.”

The club’s success lies in its balance of tradition and broad inclusivity. Regular pasta nights and cultural events bring together a diverse crowd—roughly half Italian and half from other backgrounds.

“We teach traditional Italian practices, like salami making,” Nello shares, “but the beauty is that everyone gets involved—no matter where they come from.”

Generations mingle effortlessly at the club’s events. “You’ll see kids as young as three and people in their nineties all in the same room,” he adds. “That’s what makes it special—it connects us across ages and cultures.”

One of the club’s most beloved traditions is Salami Night, an annual event that began in 2005. The idea was born after the closure of Riviera Reception, which once hosted a similar celebration. Newly appointed as president, Nello saw an opportunity to keep the tradition alive.

“It started small, but it caught on quickly,” he says. “Now it’s one of our biggest nights of the year.”

The event celebrates not just the art of salami making, but the sharing of culture itself. Participants—both Italian and non-Italian—bring their homemade salami to be judged in friendly competition. 

“Some of the non-Italians have actually won!” Nello laughs. “And that’s what we love—it shows how much people have learned and embraced our traditions.”

The judging panel and evaluation process for the forty-five salami entries were led by James Mele, an award-winning salami maker from The Meat Room in Kilmore, who chaired a panel of experienced experts. He was joined by Brady Bourke, Marco Finanzio, and Sara Jones, who assisted throughout the judging. Judge Mele noted that the standard of entries was consistently high, with most submissions presenting an ideal meat-to-fat ratio. Entries were assessed on appearance, taste, texture, and aroma, with each receiving scores across all categories.

Adam Gordon achieved first place with an impressive 138 points, marking his third consecutive victory after wins in 2023 and 2024. Michael Cardillo secured second place with 125 points, and Zac McLeish followed in third with 121 points. Notably, Adam continues a family tradition of excellence—his father, Gordon senior, was also a recipient of this distinguished prize.

Beyond the competition, Salami Night embodies what the Tatura Italian Social Club has become: a place where heritage, hospitality, and harmony meet.

As Nello reflects on the club’s journey, his focus is firmly on the future. 

“We want to keep reaching out, showing people that this is their club too,” he says. 

Plans are in place to expand community events, continue documenting members’ stories, and preserve the cultural fabric that the founders wove more than forty years ago.

In Tatura, a small town with deep roots and a big heart, the Italian Social Club stands as a testament to what happens when tradition is shared rather than kept, and when food, friendship, and family become a truly universal language.