The CNA Annual General Meeting was held on Saturday, 12 November at the association’s premises in Bossley Park. President Bruno Lopreiato opened the meeting thanking all participants and the amazing work of the volunteers and staff throughout the year 2021-2022.
Despite the pandemic and a substantial reductions in the allocation of funds for Patronato Services, Epasa-Itaco continues to operate by offering pension and social security assistance services, above all remaining a leader in the Fairfield-Liverpool area, but also expanding the number of clients in rural and remote areas across NSW.
Care Services saw a decrease in services offered due to the pandemic, but the organisation has continued to assist seniors through the centre-based care at Carnes Hill, outdoor leisure opportunities, daytime excursions and connecting with those who have continued to suffer from isolation after the pandemic with remote assistance via telephone and with visits by volunteers.
Marco Polo – The Italian School of Sydney in 2021-2022 continued to operate with 5 after-school classes comprising primary school and adult courses. The school continues to serve as an Examination Center for the Certification of the Italian Language in partnership with the University of Siena and as an examination platform for degree courses offered through the ICoN Consortium.
There was also an increase in administrative services carried out by Sportello Italia, especially in assisting locals with documents and applications for Australian citizenship, information services on taxation, unemployment benefits for workers repatriated to Italy and other services to connect locals with the Italian public administration.
Particular praise went to Franco Baldi, Life Member of the CNA, for his constant and industrious attention to the community residing in south-west Sydney, widely visible through the continuous and expanded publication of the Allora! weekly newspaper.
Finally, President Lopreiato thanked all volunteers, sponsors, benefactors, the Marconi Club, the City Councils of Fairfield and Liverpool, state and federal members who continue to provide vital support to the work of CNA.
Members elected 7 members to serve on the Board for the term 2022-2023, which includes: Bruno Lopreiato (President), Maria Stella Trombetta (Vice President), Stella Maimone (Secretary) and the Members: Giuseppina Auteri, Maria Lopreiato, Nick Speciale and Maria Tripodi. The Board confirmed Giovanni Testa as Executive Officer.
