Food, culture and friendly atmosphere

BEGINNING in the early ‘80s, Italian families whom had migrated to Wonthaggi from a small town in the Italian alps called Sandonato, in the Veneto region, began an annual reunion to keep their culture and traditions alive.

On Sunday, May 29, the Sandonese families all came together at the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine to celebrate what they call Polenta Day (known as poor man’s bread) – polenta being a traditional Italian meal in the Veneto region.

Families and friends travelled from Melbourne to rejoice in the traditional Italian gathering, sharing Vin brulé wine, a traditional method of boiling the wine and burning the alcohol leaving with a hot medicinal wine.

Frank Cengia, coordinator of Sandonesi Wonthaggi, welcomed those from Bass Coast and Melbourne surrounds to embrace community connection after two years of being apart.

“The day was an extremely good time, we usually hold our Veneto Day between February and March but this year we were sceptical of people’s health and isolation; however due to the demand we decided to go ahead and the sun was shining,” said Frank.

The event brings culture and tourism to the town of Wonthaggi, with local hotels booked out, accommodating those travelling from far and wide.

“We don’t want to lose our traditions, we follow from our forefathers, roasting the chestnuts and cooking for the entire community – a tradition that goes back generations in Northern Italy,” said Frank.

The Wonthaggi Sandonese have kept the tradition going with thanks to the friends of the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine and Parks Victoria. The not-for-profit organisation welcomes not only Italian from the Veneto region but also Italians in Wonthaggi from other regions and provinces of Italy – including many local Australians whom have integrated with the Wonthaggi Italian community from the early days of migration.

“Any profits made by the Sandonese families is given back to the community and over the years the event has given to the Friends of the State Coal Mine for enhancement or repairs to the iconic centre – our thanks for allowing us this facility for our annual event,” said Frank.

The 2022 event collaborated with Italian committee Ente Vincentini from Melbourne, helping Veneto Day become bigger and better in the future.

“We give our special thanks to those helping in the kitchen and catering for the hundreds that turnout to share in this historical event,” said Frank.

The Veneto Day will continue their traditions for the next generation.