We weren't able to gather as usual for Ferragosto this year, but we still celebrated our fantastic Italian food, culture and heritage on Sunday 16 August.
To celebrate Ferragosto at home, we encouraged residents and businesses to put up Ferragosto decorations in red, white and green and host a Long Table Lunch or 'Pranzo Ferragosto'. We also appointed our very first Ferragosto Ambassador, Vincenzo of Vincenzo's Plate, who hosted a live cook-a-long on the day and showed us how to make some delicious Italian food. Click here to download the recipes.
A live online broadcast aired on the day with performances, interviews and much more. You can watch the broadcast in its entirety on the City of Canada Bay Facebook page. Click here to view.
Online Broadcast Programme
The Ferragosto at home online broadcast was live on Sunday 16 August from 10am to 4pm. The broadcast included interviews, performances and competitions and wouldn't have been possible without the contribution from local businesses, community groups and schools.
A summary of highlights is provided in the table below. Time codes have been included so that you can easily watch your favourite parts back.
| Time code | Segment | Description |
| 0:01:56 | Broadcast commences | Video highlights from past Ferragosto events |
| 0:03:19 | Welcome | Our hosts, Chris Castle and Francesca Savige, welcome you to Ferragosto at home and provide an overview of what to expect throughout the broadcast. |
| 0:08:50 | Italian Bilingual School | Learn about the Italian Bilingual School, an independent primary school in Meadowbank offering the NSW curriculum in two languages. |
| 0:16:45 | Belinda’s Art of Dance | Pre-recorded clip of some of the students at Belinda’s Art of Dance performing many styles of dance, from Classical Ballet to Hip-Hop and Musical Theatre.
|
| 0:23:32 | Velani | Interview with Nicky from Velani, a bridal boutique in Five Dock. |
| 0:34:28 | Cook-along with Vincenzo’s Plate | Our Ferragosto ambassador, Vincenzo from Vincenzo’s Plate, cooks up a storm and shows us how to make a simple tuna crudo salad and prawn pasta. |
| 0:55:20 | Viva Voice | Amy Hume, Creative Director at Viva Voice, talks us through the drama and voice classes on offer. |
| 1:01:09 | Vincenzo from Vincenzo’s Plate | An interview with our Ferragosto at home ambassador, Vincenzo from Vincenzo’s Plate. |
| 1:06:13 | Co.As.It | Chris Castle interviews the General Manager of Co.As.It, Mr Camporeale. |
| 1:17:50 | Embroiderers’ Guild NSW | A live walkthrough of the Remembering Ricamo Italian textile exhibition at Gallery76 in Concord. |
| 1:32:12 | Risotto demonstration | Luca Ciano demonstrates how to make risotto with prosciutto di parma, zucchini flowers and aged balsamic vinegar. |
| 1:36:41 | Mayor Angelo Tsirekas | Chris Castle speaks to Mayor Angelo Tsirekas about celebrating the 23rd year of Ferragosto in the City of Canada Bay. |
| 1:45:12 | Marco Coletta accordion performance | A regular at Ferragosto in past years, Marco Coletta treats us to a performance on the accordion. |
| 1:56:25 | Cannoli eating competition | Four competitive eaters battle for the title of Cannoli eating champion. A big thank you to Pasticceria Papa for providing the mouth-watering cannoli for this competition. |
| 2:05:49 | Concord High School | Students at Concord High School performing Bella Ciao, Vivaldi 1st Movement and Vivaldi 3rd Movement in E minor. |
| 2:12:49 | Cook-along with Vincenzo’s Plate | The live cook-along continues with Vincenzo from Vincenzo’s Plate as he shows us how to make a pork Milanese. |
| 2:26:47 | Children’s Tumour Foundation | Interview with Ruth Lindsay, Support Coordinator at the Children’s Tumour Foundation based in Five Dock. |
| 2:36:42 | Little Kickers | Jonathan from Little Kickers tells us a bit about the program and gives a short demonstration. |
| 2:45:14 | Supermarket challenge | Robert whips up a quick dessert using a few simple ingredients. |
| 3:00:22 | Marco Coletta accordion performance | A regular at Ferragosto in past years, Marco Coletta treats us to a performance on the accordion. |
| 3:05:19 | State Emergency Service (SES) | Two local SES members tell us a bit about the important work they do for our community. |
| 3:13:20 | Stars Tribute Band | Promo video for “Made in Italy”, a stage show held at Club Burwood earlier this year. |
| 3:18:01 | Little Kickers | Short soccer demonstration and tutorial for kids to follow along at home. |
| 3:29:11 | Team Perosh MMA | Anthony from Team Perosh Mixed Martial Arts tells us a bit about the sport and Natasha and Nick do a live demonstration. |
| 3:38:00 | Musica Giovane | Nick Lavermicocca from Musica Giovane talks about the radio station’s history and current programs. |
| 3:48:11 | Cheese wheel rolling competition | Four contestants battle it out to see who can roll a wheel of cheese the fastest. |
| 3:50:25 | Ed and Elio Valastro | Ed and Elio Valastro perform a cover of Perfect by Ed Sheeran in Italian and English. The song is played in the background of a slideshow acknowledging some of our local businesses. |
| 3:55:19 | Team Perosh MMA | Team Perosh MMA give us another martial arts demonstration. |
| 4:07:50 | Casa de Miele | A regular stallholder at Ferragosto, Casa di Miele, present their Ferragosto special - soft gingerbread and hard honeybread. |
| Offline | Rosebank College | Rosebank choir singing Photograph by Ed Sheeran. Click here to view. Two year 11 students, Luke Waked and Hahbin Bae, perform Hungarian Dance No 6 by Johannes Brahms. Click here to view. Luke Waked and Hahbin Bae perform Re-write the Stars from the Greatest Showman. Click here to view. Rosebank College Concert Band perform a medley from the musical Chicago. Click here to view. |
Menu del Giorno
Our special menu of the day was presented by our Ferragosto Ambassador, Vincenzo of Vincenzo’s Plate, with a live cook-a-long to demonstrate how to make some delicious Italian food.
The menu of the day consisted of Tuna Crudo, Linguine & Prawns, and Pork Milanese. Click here to download the recipes.
Online broadcast
A big thank you to all of the performers who have created some great content for us to share with you via the online broadcast.
Viva Voice Studio, based in Wareemba, brings together Sydney’s best speech and drama teachers in one safe, creative and inspiring space to give your child the support and guidance they need to become confident and articulate, whether on stage or in the classroom.
Directed by internationally esteemed voice coach Amy Hume, Viva Voice is a creative hub in Sydney’s Inner West, offering classes and workshops in drama, public speaking, audition technique and Viva’s own signature program Voice and Acting™.
Click here for more information about Viva Voice.
The Sandra Malone Dance Centre was established in 1981 and has continued to grow and achieve outstanding results for students. With one of their dance studios located in Abbotsford, they specialise in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Entertainment, Drama, Modern, Acro, Cheerleading and Hip Hop.
http://www.sandramalonedancers.com.au/index-2.html
Belinda’s Art of Dance is one of the Inner West’s finest and reputable dance schools offering classes in all areas of dance and performing arts, from specialised Tiny Tots classes to Classical Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Funk, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, and Singing, Drama, Musical Theatre & performance troupes. A love of dance is particularly nurtured within all classes. Belinda's Art Of dance is located in Mortlake and offers a free trial class to all boys and girls from ages 3-18 years. They are a dance family that would love you to come and join them.
“Made in Italy The Show” is a flash back to 80’s Italian style. It has one objective, which is to help preserve live Italian music.
Featuring 3 amazing vocalists and backed by some of the best musicians in Sydney, this live show includes a video DJ at selected venues to keep you on the dance floor all night. Starring Tony Mazell. Born and bred in Sydney to Italian parents, Tony has become one of the most respected and sought after entertainers. With a career spanning decades, Tony launched his hit song “Bella” in 1983 at Musica Giovane. Also headlining is Cristina Capponi. Carving a career in both Australia and Italy, Cristina has worked and toured with the best. An accomplished vocalist and actress, Cristina has worked with the likes of Albano & Romina Power, Toto Cotugnio and Umberto Tozzi. Joining the line-up is Sara Mazell, a fresh, vibrant and extremely talented vocalist. Sara’s passion and charisma has made her a “stand out “young vocalist and her enthusiasm and talent has enabled her to tour throughout the UK, Europe and Singapore.
Instagram: @madeinitalytheshow Facebook: @MadeInItalytheShow
Ed and Elio Valastro are local musicians from Five Dock. They participated in the City of Canada Bay's Make Music Day program earlier this year and are gearing up to grace us with some fantastic performances for Ferragosto. These brothers have very different vocal styles but are each fantastic singers in their own right.
Click here to listen on Spotify.
The Italian Bilingual School (IBS) is an independent primary school in Meadowbank.
Established in 2002, IBS is the first Australian school to offer a fully bilingual education in English and Italian. IBS caters for children from preps to year 6 and delivers the NSW curriculum in two languages. The school offers a range of programs including STEAM, visual and performing arts, dance, sport and instrumental tuition as well as a popular Out of School Hour Care program in English and Italian.
Click here for more information.
A dynamic and comprehensive school, providing a rich education in a context of achievement, respect and responsibility. Concord High School focusses on quality teaching and learning.
https://concord-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/
Russell Lea Infants' School was established in 1931. It draws students from kindergarten to year 3 from within the local area. The school is set in a secure, beautiful, native bush garden environment. It has a friendly, family atmosphere and is highly regarded by the whole community. Supported by highly professional teachers, the school has a well-balanced program across the week. This includes physical education, sport, history, geography, science, technology, computer studies, visual arts and music with a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy. Other activities include chess, gardening, year 3 choir, recorder group, ukulele band and public speaking.
https://russelllea-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/
Rosebank College in Five Dock, is a Good Samaritan Benedictine Catholic co-educational school committed to the successful integration of e-learning and innovative pedagogy across the curriculum for years 7 to 12. Continuing in the tradition of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan and belonging to the community of ten schools across Australia called Good Samaritan Education (GSE), the College has a rich Benedictine heritage. Following the example of the Good Samaritan and in the spirit of the Rule of St. Benedict, we encourage a love of Christ, stewardship, hospitality, compassion and service to each other and the wider community.
http://www.rosebank.nsw.edu.au/
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
A long history of excellence in education is fostered through highly experienced, professional and committed teaching staff.
Our welcoming, diverse community ensures that every child is nurtured to realise their passions and strengths to achieve their potential. The collective spirit of our students, parents and staff makes St Mary’s an excellent education choice for those looking to prepare children for a successful and thriving future.
https://www.stmconcord.catholic.edu.au/
St Mark’s Catholic Primary School Drummoyne
St Mark’s Catholic Primary School Drummoyne is a nurturing, positive community that delivers excellent academic results through a student-centred learning approach. We are committed to ensuring that all students experience growth in their learning and are adequately challenged and supported to achieve their best. Staff are highly professional, committed, collaborative and enthusiastic.
We cater for gifted learners, and provide opportunities in the creative arts and in many sporting areas. If you would like your child to realise their full potential, St Mark’s is a wonderful educational choice.
“Musica Giovane” (in English - “Young Music”) is the name of an Italian music radio program which started broadcasting in January 1980 on 2SER-FM, only months after the station first went on air in Sydney.
To fund the 2 ½ hour weekly shows, disco dance nights for young Italo-Australians were held each week starting in June 1981. For many years they were held on a Friday night at the James Craig Tavern in Birkenhead Point, along with Harbour Cruise disco dance nights that were held every summer.
Click here for more information.
Gallery76, run by the Embroiderers' Guild NSW is Sydney's only dedicated textile art gallery. They are a state wide membership organisation established in 1957, with their HQ based in Concord West. The Embroiderers' Guild building houses their gallery, workshop and studio spaces, along with a specialist textile library and an historic collection. A programme of textile art exhibitions as well as workshops, courses and classes are run monthly.
In honour of Ferragosto, this month they have an exhibition of Italian needlework titled Remembering Ricamo, which brings together traditional embroidery styles from all across Italy.
Entry to this exhibition is free and they are proud to be a registered COVID Safe business. For those wanting to attend, the gallery is located at 76 Queen Street, Concord West with the exhibition being open between 9 and 4pm weekdays and 10am to 2pm weekends, until August 30.
They are also holding a special Open Day on Saturday 15 August for Ferragosto, with ladies demonstrating some of the stitches from 10am to 2pm.
Instagram: Gallery76_QueenSt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embroiderersguildnsw/
https://www.embroiderersguildnsw.org.au/
Team Perosh Mixed Martial Arts have classes in Sydney in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai Kickboxing for adults and kids from beginners to advanced. Train with Team Perosh Mixed Martial Arts at our Five Dock location.
Team Perosh Mixed Martial Arts is headed by Anthony Perosh. Anthony is a UFC light heavyweight veteran and 4th Degree BJJ Black Belt.
Canada Bay State Emergency Services
NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is an emergency and rescue service dedicated to assisting the community. We are a volunteer-based organisation that provides emergency assistance to the people of NSW 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It is the approximately 9,000 volunteers across the state that make this possible. NSW SES volunteers come from all walks of life, bringing with them many different skills, interests and backgrounds. They are united by the purpose of supporting their communities in times of need.
While our major responsibilities are for flood and storm emergencies, NSW SES also provides the majority of general rescue effort in the rural parts of the state.
This includes:
- Road accident rescue
- Vertical rescue
- Bush search and rescue
- Evidence searches (both metropolitan and rural) and other forms of specialist rescue that may be required due to local threats.
Co.As.It. Italian Association of Assistance was established in 1968 to promote Italian language and culture in NSW and to assist the growing number of migrants arriving from Italy. Co.As.It. has grown to offer language classes to adults and children as well as a range of community programs including aged care services. Co.As.It. also runs an independent primary school, the Italian Bilingual School, with the NSW curriculum delivered in Italian and English.
Click here for more information.
Everybody strives to live well—happily, healthily, fully. The Children’s Tumour Foundation (CTF) believes tumours should never be a person’s normal, so they are on a mission to #CONQUERNF. The CTF exists to help those impacted by NF navigate a pathway from fear to hope.
Dress the driveway
To celebrate the festival at home, we encouraged residents and businesses to decorate their drive, garden, or balcony in Ferragosto style and enter the Dress the Driveway competition.
Click here for full details.
Ferragosto Faves
We asked residents to share any memories or pictures from past Ferragosto celebrations to our Facebook event page.
We also asked for suggestions for the Ferragosto at home Spotify playlist. Click here to check it out.
Ferragosto Business Map
Check out the listings on the map below to find out what Ferragosto offers, activities and support are being offered near you.
How business can get involved
Any business in the City of Canada Bay can help to support Ferragosto through any Italian themed promotion of their products or services. No matter what you do to celebrate Ferragosto, how big or how small, tell us about it and we will promote it through our marketing campaign to drive interest in businesses across the city. Any special activity on the day itself will also generate interest during the live online broadcast.
To find out more and register your interest, click here to visit the Ferragosto page on the Business Hub.
