Associazione Nazionale Famiglie Emigrati
ANFE is an acronym for “Associazione Nazionale Famiglie Emigrati” which means National Association of Migrant Families and was founded in Brisbane in 1962 by Comm. Carmelo Caruso by request of the Italian Government.
It is a “not for profit” organisation and a moral entity which was founded in Italy in 1947 by the Hon. Maria Federici Agamben and which was formally recognised by the Italian Government by decree of the President of the Italian Republic in 1968.
Maria Federici Agamben (L’Aquila, 1899-1984), donna della Costituente (la Commissione dei 75) e fondatrice dell’A.N.F.E. Associazione Nazionale Famiglie Emigrati nel 1947, eretta ente morale con DPR n.658 nel 1968.
A Little Piece of Italy Right Here in Brisbane
The original aim of the association was to assist the migrant and their families which were sometimes left back home when the breadwinner (usually the husband or father) migrated to another country. All representatives worked on a voluntary basis. Through these, ANFE provided assistance to the entire family nucleus exposed to the hardships of migration.
With the change in society, ANFE’s aim has now evolved and its primary objective is the safeguarding of its original cultural heritage by preserving its history and traditions. It also offers interaction amongst others with the same cultural interest and where necessary, provides social welfare and assistance.
ANFE avails itself of an organised and structured network, constituted by Regional, Provincial and communal branches in Italy as well as branches in European and non-European countries.
In Italy. ANFE has eleven regional delegations, forty provincial branches, and numerous communal delegations (mainly present in southern Italy). Around the world, ANFE has approx. 54 representations in countries like Belgium, Switzerland, France, Germany, Holland, Luxembourg, England, Scotland, Tunisia, USA, Canada, Argentina, Cuba, Venezuela and of course, Australia where we currently have five representations (Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Fremantle).
The National Delegate for ANFE Australia is Comm. Carmelo Caruso A.M. who is also the Patron of ANFE Brisbane.
Comm. Carmelo Caruso A.M., J.P. Founder and National Delegate of ANFE in Australia and Patron of ANFE Brisbane.
The first Brisbane ANFE branch was located in Wyandra Street, Newstead and always had an extremely strong following from not only the Italian migrants, but also from the local community as well providing both social and recreational activities, especially for the older generation which travelled from afar to attend their social Sunday afternoons. In 2025, ANFE move to their new premises at 429 Stafford Rd, Stafford.
HOW IT STARTED
The first ANFE committee of 1962 was composed as follows:
PRESIDENT: Carmelo Caruso; VICE PRESIDENT: Gina De Martini; TREASURER: Mariano Regano; PUBLIC RELATIONS: Vera Frola; Committee Members: Cristina Ridolfi, Vilma Frola, Giovanni Dettorre, Ursula Castellano, Maria Guarrera, Aniello Rizzo, Elida Pierini, Filippo Mangano, Eddy Krieger, Maria Pizzica, Dolores De Mattia, Angelina Masci, Giovanni Sassu and Emilia Regano.
HONORARY PRESIDENT: Dr Francesco Castellano
After forming the initial committee, it became clear that neither the Italian nor Australian governments were able to provide the necessary funding for the vital services ANFE was offering to migrants. Faced with this challenge, the committee realized the need to find alternative sources of financial support to continue its work. In addition to traditional fundraising efforts, ANFE decided to establish itself as a formal Association recognized by Australian authorities. This move would help organize the community and create a sustainable model for fundraising and service delivery.
To achieve this, ANFE adopted a local constitution modelled on the ANFE Constitution from Rome. The process of creating the constitution was supported by the Hon. Samuel Ramsden, a Member of Parliament at the time, who assisted in ensuring that the Association’s structure would comply with local laws and meet the needs of the migrant community.
In 1963, the ANFE Association was officially launched, marking a new chapter for the organization. Following a year of membership subscriptions, ANFE held its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 28th of January 1964. The meeting took place at the Carrington Lounge on Wickham Street in Fortitude Valley, and it was here that the future of the Association began to take shape.
Carmelo Caruso stepped down as President, passing the torch to Vera Frola and a newly elected committee was formed as follows:
PRESIDENT: Vera Frola; VICE PRESIDENT: Joan Calvisi & Eddy Krieger (co-shared); TREASURER: Ralph De Pasquale; SECRETARY: Elida Pierini; DEPUTY SECRETARY: Emilia Regano; PUBLIC RELATIONS: Carmelo Caruso; COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Ursula Castellano, Maria Pizzica, Gina De Martini, Vilma Frola, Cristina Ridolfi, Mariano Regano, Aniello Rizzo, Franco Corallo.
The committee met at Carrington Lounge every first Tuesday of the month.
In 1966, under President Cav. Pasquale (Lino) Antonelli, ANFE began attracting more and more members and at the AGM held on the 18th of February, a new committee was elected:
PRESIDENT: Cav. Lino Antonelli; VICE PRESIDENT: Italo Tomasin; SECRETARY: Nerina Gonfalonieri; DEPUTY SECRETARY; Deanna Gallina; TREASURER: Mariano Regano; DEPUTY TREASURER: Giovanni Ridolfi, PUBLIC RELATIONS: Carmelo Caruso; COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Orazio Scimone, Rocco Masci, Concetto Lo Giudice, Filippo Mangano, Emore Giaroli, Giovanni Sassu, Vilma Frola, Angelina Masci, Paolina Montagner.
The Association's voluntary work continued to flourish over the years, and ANFE became an increasingly popular and trusted resource for Italian immigrants in Brisbane. Its role as the first port of call for newcomers to the city solidified its importance in the community. ANFE organized numerous social functions and cultural events, often in iconic venues that have since disappeared, such as Orana Hall, Cloudland Ballroom, Carrington Lounge, Buffalo Hall, and the Astor Cinema in New Farm. These events were a vital part of ANFE’s efforts to bring together the community and foster a sense of belonging.
The committee's activities extended beyond social gatherings, as they organized important initiatives such as Flood and Earthquake Relief Appeals, Italian Language Scholarships, and the coordination of visits by Italian sports teams, including the renowned A.S. Roma football team. The association also hosted concerts featuring famous Italian pop stars like Mina and Peppino Di Capri, and held charity queen pageants, card tournaments, and Christmas gift-giving functions. All these events were crucial in maintaining the association's operations and in ensuring that its services remained accessible to the community.
ANFE also played a pioneering role in the travel industry, helping migrants reconnect with their roots and families. Through Carmelo Caruso’s “International Travel Agency,” ANFE organized several ‘travel groups’ for migrants returning to Italy for the first time since their migration. The first such trip took place in collaboration with Alitalia Airlines on June 15, 1965, marking the beginning of a long-standing tradition. The success of the ‘travel groups’ continued, and in April 1966, one of the largest groups ever, 57 people, embarked on a journey to Italy. This particular trip made headlines when it set a record for delaying the flight due to the large number of relatives who turned out at the Brisbane airport to say their farewells.
In 1967, as the association's activities expanded, ANFE began looking to secure a permanent home for the growing community. They acquired a block of land in Cintra Road, Bowen Hills, with the intention of constructing a new facility to better serve their members. Architect John Curro, famed for his association with the Queensland Youth Orchestra, designed plans for the new building, which would include a large function hall, a recreation room for activities like table soccer and card games, and even a small kindergarten. The committee worked tirelessly to raise the necessary funds, estimating a required capital of approximately $140,000. However, securing the funds proved to be a significant challenge, which delayed the realization of their dream of owning a dedicated community space.
In 1972 a pivotal change took place. In November of that year, the Association took on a new direction with the election of a new committee determined to make this dream a reality.
The new committee was composed as follows:
PRESIDENT: Annibale Boccabella; VICE PRESIDENT: Luigi Pizzica, SECRETARY: Vilma Frola, TREASURER: Italo Tomasin; PUBLIC RELATIONS: George Cali; COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Francesco Mazzucca, Rocco Di Labio, Pacifico Petracci, Santino Di Luzio, Filippo Mangano, Filippo Arena, Giovanni Pennisi, Orazio Scimone, Filippo Ranieri, Giuseppe Nave, Alberto Di Vincenzo, Pantaleone Angelucci, Lino Miolo, Biagia Magno, Bruno Norbido.
It was also during this administration that ANFE decided to downsize their project to make it more accessible and therefore sold the block of land in Cintra Road and purchased the land at 10 Wyandra Street, Newstead to construct their new premises.
On the 22nd of November 1981, ANFE House, Newstead was officially opened by the then Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Ald. Frank Sleeman.
For over 30 years, ANFE flourished under the dedicated leadership of the iconic President, Mr. Annibale Boccabella, a New Farm local who, along with his committed committee members, worked tirelessly on a voluntary basis. This period marked a time of great dedication and service to the Italian community in Brisbane. Many members, such as Concezio Ottobrandi, Giuseppe Colagrande, Giannina Ridolfi, and others, served on the committee for more than 40 years, providing unwavering support to ensure the continued success and growth of ANFE.
Week after week, year after year, they organized events, fundraisers, and activities to pay off the loan ANFE had taken out to construct their clubhouse and to ensure the Association's longevity. Their hard work and unwavering commitment were essential in keeping ANFE afloat during its formative years.
Every Sunday, the ANFE Committee and volunteers would come together, taking turns to cook beloved traditional dishes like Pasta al Ragù and Bistecca al Piatto which eventually became the club’s signature dishes. The Pasta al Ragù, with its rich, slow-cooked sauce, brought the comforting flavours of home to life, while the Bistecca al Piatto, or marinated steak, delighted everyone with its delicious taste. These culinary delights became a cherished part of the weekly gatherings at the ANFE hall in Newstead. Hundreds of people would flock to the hall, creating a vibrant atmosphere of socializing, playing card games, bocce and enjoying a meal together. The Sunday gatherings became a beloved tradition, where food, community, and culture intertwined, strengthening bonds and preserving the flavours of their heritage.
In 1984, their perseverance paid off when ANFE finally managed to clear the loan, a significant milestone for the organization. A key contributor to this success was the annual Miss ANFE pageant, which became a major fundraising event, raising the much-needed funds to secure the future of the Association.
In 2006, following the passing of the iconic President Annibale Boccabella, Mr. Giuseppe Cosentino was elected President of ANFE. Taking on this important role, Giuseppe brought with him a deep passion and unwavering dedication to the Association. Under his leadership, ANFE continued to thrive, with Giuseppe ensuring that the community’s values and traditions were upheld while navigating the challenges of an evolving world. His tenure as President, which lasted until 2014, was marked by his steadfast commitment to the success and growth of ANFE.
In 2013, on recommendation from the then Treasurer, Maria Antonietta Maruca, the Association officially became an incorporated association. This transformation marked a significant milestone in its history, providing a clearer legal framework for its operations and allowing for greater flexibility and accountability. Alongside this incorporation, ANFE also took the opportunity to review and refine its aims and objectives, ensuring they aligned with the evolving needs of the community and its members. This strategic review helped to reaffirm the Association’s mission to preserve and promote Italian culture, while also positioning ANFE to better serve future generations and remain a vital part of the community.
On the 28th of October 2014, Maria Antonietta Maruca, the daughter of Carmelo Caruso, the Founder of ANFE Brisbane, was elected President, ushering in a new era for the Association. At the same time, many of the older committee members had retired, and ANFE was facing the challenge of finding volunteers to continue essential tasks, particularly in the kitchen. Maria’s vision focused on encouraging younger generations to join the committee, ensuring that ANFE's work, and values would continue for years to come.
Under Maria’s leadership, ANFE experienced a significant transformation. For the first time in its history, the Association needed to employ professional staff to manage the kitchen, which reflected the changing environment of volunteer associations. To make this possible, the committee undertook a complete restructuring of ANFE’s activities. This restructuring not only ensured the smooth running of the kitchen but also resulted in the organization of hundreds and hundreds of cultural events and activities, which attracted new crowds and members. Maria's innovative approach breathed new life into ANFE, helping it evolve into a more vibrant and dynamic organization while staying true to its cultural roots.
However, as the surrounding area in Newstead became more densely populated, parking became a growing issue for both members and visitors to the club. This, combined with declining participation, put ANFE at risk of losing its cherished building in Newstead. Despite the challenges, the committee and members engaged in much discussion and deliberation to find a way forward. In January 2020, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the members made a difficult but crucial decision. They voted to sell the premises in Newstead with the hope of relocating to a less congested area, where parking would no longer be an issue. The decision was made with the vision of ensuring ANFE's continued viability, allowing the club to thrive in a new space that would better serve its members and the community.
In 2021, after a long search and inspection of numerous properties across Brisbane, ANFE found a suitable property at 429 Stafford Rd, Stafford and began planning for its future. Excited by the possibilities, they began drawing up plans for a new build that would serve as a purpose-built club for the community. However, due to changing town planning laws, constructing a new building proved challenging.
With limited options, ANFE’s committee had to reconsider their plans. Ultimately, the only viable solution was to refurbish the existing building, transforming it into a versatile space that could accommodate a wide range of activities for the community. This decision allowed ANFE to continue its mission while adapting to the evolving challenges of urban development, ensuring that the building could still serve as a central hub for the Italian community and beyond.
After submitting a Development Application In June 2023 to refurbish the building, ANFE received approval in June 2024, almost a year to the day. Renovations began shortly after, marking the start of a new chapter for the Association.
However, in July 2024, ANFE received notice to vacate the building in Newstead they had called home for over 40 years which also meant halting operations and activities. This marked the end of an era for the ANFE community, and on the 18th of August 2024, ANFE held its final event in their historic clubhouse before vacating it the next day. The occasion was bittersweet—while it was a moment of sadness as they bid farewell to a beloved space, it was also a joyful celebration of the memories and experiences shared over decades and at the same time a moment of eagerness and anticipation for the opening of the new premises.
Despite the delays in the renovation process, the committee remained determined and resilient in their efforts to create a new space for the community. Their dedication paid off, and in 2025, the new ANFE Italian Club at Stafford will open its doors. This new facility will serve as a vibrant hub for cultural celebration and social connection, ensuring that ANFE's mission to preserve and promote Italian heritage continues for generations to come.
The new premises at Stafford will offer a fresh start, allowing ANFE to expand its activities and welcome more members into the fold. The club will not only uphold the traditions that have defined the association but also adapt to the needs of the modern community, making it a central space for all to enjoy and engage with Italian culture. With its revitalized home, ANFE will continue to build on the strong legacy of the Italian community in Brisbane, providing a lasting foundation for future generations to connect, celebrate, and thrive together.
