History of the AIC

The Launceston Australian Italian Club was started in 1957 by Pietro Uliana. He formed a group of Italian migrants who were working mainly on Hydro schemes, mining, or for themselves in various trades. It began as a place where they could meet together on a social basis. After a few months more and more people were joining and the group found they shared similar interests and challenges. Many migrants who worked on the hydro-electric projects were unhappy and led despondent lives, they were looking for a place to socialize when they came to Launceston on the weekend or on holiday.

By the end of 1957 the membership grew to 94 and slowly increased to 117 - which was the quota needed at the time to register a club. The club was registered in October 1958 with 5 Australian members (and cheating the age of Mario Morosini to make up the numbers!). In November 1958 Pietro Uliana, with the help of Senator Justin O'Byrne applied to incorporate the club with the following committee:

* President - Umberto Decesaris
* Secretary - Pietro Uliana
* Treasurer - Ivo Rossetto
* Committee members - Giuseppe Piccolo, Nello Dell'amico, Benvenuto Del Col and Maretino Gerardi

On 12th January 1959 the Australian Italian Club name was officially incorporated under the 1920 Company Act, with the following objectives:

1. To further mutual understanding, goodwill and friendship between Australian and Italian people in the state of Tasmania

2. To provide opportunites and facilities for new Australians of Italian birth or descent to share cultural, social and recreation activites with Australians

3. To provide and assist the setting and useful employment of new Australians of Italian descent in the state of Tasmania

4. To establish, maintain and conduct a club of non-political and non-secretarial character for the accommodation of members of the club and their friends and to provide a clubhouse and other conveniences and generally to afford to members and their friends all the usual things.

Thanks to Sebastian Bordin for the following report

Club activities began in 1957 with family barbecues, picnics and games. Then the group began hiring halls for Saturday night dances. These events became very popular and on November 4, 1958 the club rented the old 3 floor Masonic Club building at 61 - 65 George Street. The building consisting of two large halls, bar, dinning room, kitchen and two ground floor shops cost Fifty Five pound eight and six pence a month rental. In March, 1959, Mr. Ulliana enlisted the services of Labor Senator Justin O'Byrne and applied for a liquor license. The community was shocked to hear that their application was refused and the applicants appealed to the Supreme Court. On July 29, 1959, the Supreme Court granted the license due to the club's work assimilating new Australians into the community.

The excitement and celebrations that followed vibrated through George Street like a mini earthquake! Sebastian Bordin said "To see the happy faces and enjoyment once again was an experience that will live with me forever. We were all proud to be able to have a social club that provided the opportunity to share cultural, tradition, social, knowledge and recreational activities with Australians in a happy atmospheric place".

Number 65 George Street - the home of the Australian Italian Club - started to become more popular every day. Men would go there after work, then home for tea and then back until closing at 10pm.

Australians that patronised the club quickly found out the true friendly nature of the Italians, especially the loud talking, laughing, the funny side and to keep away from the talking, swinging arms.

Senator Justin O'Byrne held the club's first liquor license and was duly rewarded with Life Membership in recognition of his tireless and valuable work in helping to establish the Australian Italian Club in Launceston. Today, the Australian Italian Club has over 500 members and accommodates people of all nationalities.

Sebastian Bordin receiving his Order of Australia medal From Senator Guy Green.	AIC Pensioners on an excursion.	AIC Card Players