IMSMC Christmas party 2025

On Sunday, 30th November, 170 participants — made up of members, family, and friends — attended our 2025 Christmas Fundraiser Lunch at Novella. The atmosphere was wonderful, as the great service and hospitality of Novella were enjoyed by all.

Our members and guests supported the fundraiser by bringing many items (toys and games) and non‑perishable food items to assist Hawkesbury Helping Hands (HHH).

Having served over 1 million meals to date to those in need, Hawkesbury Helping Hands has also provided disaster relief and significantly supported the community during the last eight floods, fires, droughts, and COVID. Their services include:

• Free community meals served on Saturdays and Sundays

• One‑off emergency hampers for Hawkesbury residents

• A drop‑in hub from Wednesday to Friday, 8 am – 1 pm, where those in need can enjoy a shower, a cuppa, and a bite to eat

  

They are truly a very special group of individuals who go above and beyond to ensure no one goes without, especially at Christmas time.

In addition, we collected $1,875 in gift vouchers from our members and guests, which will be donated to HHH. Our club raffle also raised $2,000, which will allow us to support other charities throughout 2026.

Finally, we had a visit from Santa Claus, bringing smiles to many children — and to plenty of the “big kids” too! 🎅✨

Auto Festa 2025

Sunday, 26th October 43 cars were presented by the Italian Made Social Motoring Club as part of Auto Festa, the Norton Street Festival of Leichhardt.

One by one from 8am, our cars moved into position in an orderly fashion, creating a wonderful display of historic and modern Italian auto engineering. Immediately, members set up camp under the large willow trees and began sharing homemade delights. Once again, we thank the ladies who catered these homemade goodies.

Every member driver received a complimentary coffee and pizza voucher from Grinders Coffee and Ami Pizza. There was never a shortage of good food, as Norton Street was lined with over 100 stalls offering a wide variety of Italian and international foods and beverages!

Our cars attracted all the right attention throughout the day, with members sharing their experiences and knowledge in response to the many questions asked by the public.

At 2:30pm, the first opportunity for members to exit was presented. Once again, each moved out safely and in an orderly fashion, with the remaining member cars exiting at 5pm. A great day once again! Thank you to the team of organisers, and thank you to the large number of members who presented their cars and those who visited our display area—reflecting the family that we are!

Concorso D’Eleganza 2025

On Sunday, 28th September fifty member cars were presented at Gough Whitlam Park, Tempe, to show off our magnificent machines for the annual Concorso D’Eleganza, invited by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club of NSW.

The weather was beautifully sunny and warm—despite the forecast. It was pleasantly cool under the shade, with a panino and drink in hand.

Each member exhibited their wonderful machines for all to appreciate and admire. We are fortunate to have a diverse range of historic, classic, and modern Italian-made vehicles in our club. The designs that have come from Italia throughout the last century (and beyond) are the envy of the automotive world.

The day would not have been complete without an abundance of gelato, caffè, and panini. But above all, there were smiles and great friendships, shared alongside some of the finer homemade delights.

As always, our judges did an exceptional job, and we thank them for their time and efforts. It’s not an easy task, but they certainly made it look like a “walk in the park.” Thank you to Gerardo Mediati, Nat Stillone, Tony Portelli, Gianni Melissari, and Raffi Babkenian.

Awards & Recognition

The four presidents of the respective clubs selected the wonderful Autobianchi Furgoncino as the “Car of Cars” of our display. Congratulations, Nat Stillone.

We also congratulate Amadeo De Crea, who unveiled a beautiful historic Fiat Abarth 595—a credit to both him and Gerardo Mediati for the creation of such a wonderful car.

alomg with our winners for the day:

• Emmanuel Ziino – Modern Spider – 2002 Alfa 916 Series

• Daniel Cipri – Modern Sedan – 2018 Giulietta Veloce

• Mario Piredda – Modern Coupé – 2007 Maserati GranSport

• Christian Cipri – Modern Abarth – 2020 595

• Amadeo De Crea – Historic 500 – 1969 595 Abarth

• Rob Losinno – Historic Coupé – 1970 Alfa 105

• Amadeo De Crea – Historic Sedan – 2002 Fiat Uno Turbo

• Vito Mazzotta – Historic Spider – 1984 105

• Sandy Stillone – Encouragement – 1969 Fiat 500F

• Charlie Losinno – Special Interest – 1948 Topolino

Congratulations to all!

It was a fantastic day with a great turnout, and the support shown by non-winning members to the winners was truly heart-warming. After every category announcement, comments like “Well done, mate” and “Well deserved” echoed from the audience.

We look forward to many more opportunities to showcase our wonderful vehicles.

Shannons/CMC Sydney Classic & Ferragosto

Sunday, 17th August saw over 60 IMSMC members attend two separate events across Sydney.

17 Club cars assembled at Eastern Creek for the Shannons/CMC Sydney Classic. In all their splendid colours, our vehicles drew admiration from attendees representing 106 other Classic Car Clubs. A big congratulations to all members for the outstanding presentation of their cars. This year, our Club lap took place early, with a 9:30 AM parade. Special thanks to Charlie Losinno for presenting his FIAT Topolino in the 1940–49 Class of the Presidents Concourse.

Meanwhile, 23 IMSMC cars gathered at the Officeworks car park in Five Dock before heading to Second Avenue for the annual Ferragosto festivities. We welcomed new member Domenico Fuda (great Alfa 75!) and his family, and after some lively discussion, the cavalcade made its way to the event, departing at precisely at 8:15 AM. Upon arrival, Christian Cipri took the lead and assisted all Club cars into reverse park position.

A standout this year was a red Fiat 600 sporting green P plates on a white background—red, white, and green! A perfect tribute to the Italian flag. Well done, Alessandro Romeo!

It’s estimated that over 150,000 people visited the streets of Five Dock to celebrate all things Italian—food, drinks, and produce galore! Once again, our cars made a significant impact. At the end of the day, security and police provided excellent support to ensure the safe exit of our vehicles, even as hundreds of visitors surrounded us.

Ferragosto is now a permanent fixture on our club calendar, and we look forward to a long and fruitful association with the event managers at Canada Bay Council.

Pangallo 2025

On the wildest, wettest Saturday—August 2nd—48 IMSMC enthusiasts gathered for an unforgettable visit to Pangallo Estate.

Members arrived in the early afternoon and were treated to a tasting of blood oranges, olives, wines, and "Cellos," all crafted from Pangallo’s onsite produce. Many took the opportunity to purchase these delicious offerings at the cellar door.

Later that afternoon, the group visited the Cessnock Leagues Club for refreshments and lunch, followed by a brief freshen-up at the Wine Country Motor Inn. That evening, everyone was transported back to Pangallo via minibuses for a lively night of eating, drinking, talking, laughing, music, and dancing.

As the night drew on, we surprised members with coffee, cakes, tea, biscotti—then even more cakes, tea, coffee, biscotti, and of course... more dancing. A full complement conducive to a great night.

We extend our thanks to the staff and caterers of Pangallo Estate for their incredible hospitality and delicious food and our generous members who brought along nibblies, homemade salami, cakes, dips, and other treats.

Pangallo 2025 was a huge success—thank you, everyone.

Bendooley Estate

Sunday, 20th July Sixty-four IMSMC members and friends participated in our Southern Highlands Run to Bendooley Estate for wine tasting, followed by lunch at The Surveyor Inn.

On a crisp winter morning, we gathered at the Partridge VC rest area/truck stop. Within minutes, it was transformed into a typical AutoGrill from the Italian Autostrada—Italian cars everywhere! The only thing missing was the option to purchase cornetti, panini, or pasta... but we managed.

At exactly 9:15 AM, our stallions headed toward the Southern Highlands in a magnificent cavalcade, each vehicle purrrring down the Hume Highway. Upon arrival, 45 wine tasters moved into the cellar door, while others visited the bookshop and library—many opting to purchase a coffee and soak up the warm sun.

Soon after, our troops moved into formation and made their way to The Surveyor Inn for lunch. The staff at both venues deserve high praise for their excellent service and cooperation in accommodating such a large group.

A great event—one we’ll surely repeat in the future.

Annual General Meeting – Sunday, 6th July 2025

 A vibrant gathering of 76 members, including partners, came together for the Italian Made Social Motoring Club’s Annual General Meeting for the 2024–2025 term.

One key message echoed throughout the morning: the importance of reading club communications and providing timely RSVPs. With our events consistently reaching capacity before RSVP deadlines, prompt replies ensure smooth catering and effective planning—allowing us to accommodate everyone comfortably. Members were reminded that friends and family are always welcome, a sentiment reflected in the lively and cheerful atmosphere our gatherings are known for.

The club’s strong financial health was reaffirmed, with financial summaries presented to all eligible members. It was a moment of collective pride to see the club in such a stable and sustainable position.

Membership officer Leo Di Rocco shared an encouraging update on Historic Vehicle Scheme (HVS) and Classic Vehicle Scheme (CVS) registrations, with over 150 successfully processed—a testament to the club’s effective administration. Meanwhile, Rob Losinno is reigniting the spark for mid-month night runs, aiming to restore this beloved tradition. Mick and Cate Stivala continue to be pillars of support, generously offering their ideas, time, and dedication to the smooth operation of club affairs.

Members enthusiastically endorsed the reinstatement of the Monthly Sunday Breakfast Meet—a welcome chance to “take a drive for a Sunday morning breakfast.” We are currently exploring The Luddenham Village Cafè as the preferred location for future meet-ups.

Our sincere gratitude goes out to the staff and management of Club Marconi for their continued hospitality. The impeccable service, food, and presentation added to th

e enjoyment of the event.

Many heartfelt thanks were extended to individual members whose ongoing contributions make our club so special:

• Frances Mediati, Anna Mazzotta, Lena Zannello, and Nina Stillone for their delightful homemade cakes

• Giuseppe Lecce and Anthony Vecchio for their delicious condiments at morning teas

• The Roccisano Family for their beautifully supplied cakes

• Our generous prize donors—too many to name, but deeply appreciated

• Gerardo Mediati, Giovanni Melissari, Tony Albanese, and Nat Stillone, our go-to mechanics who are always ready to get under a classic on the roadside if needed

• The Cipri Brothers and Bruno Ferro for their fantastic contributions to our social media with videos and images that keep our memories alive

Behind the scenes, many contribute in quiet but meaningful ways. To each and every one of you—thank you.

Committee updates include just one change: while Corey Hoskin remains on the committee, Elissa Losinno has stepped into the role of Club Secretary. We’re grateful for her willingness to serve and bring fresh energy to the role.

Finally, President John Di Rocco expressed his appreciation: “I thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to another wonderful year together!”

Alfa Romeo 115th anniversary Lunch

On a bright Sunday morning, the car park of Ottimo House transformed into a stunning showcase of Alfa Romeo heritage. One by one, the Spiders, Coupés, and Sedans rolled in—historic, veteran, and modern models alike—each carrying the legacy of Italian motoring excellence.

As Club President of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia (AROCA), Eddy Failla, humorously remarked, “70 Alfas squeezed into a space meant for 50—only Italians could pull that off!”

Following the visual spectacle, attendees were formally welcomed by President Failla, who then paid tribute to two legendary figures of Alfa Romeo’s racing history: Colin Bond and Brian Foley. With distinguished careers and class victories at Bathurst and beyond, their presence added a touch of racing royalty to the occasion.

The afternoon unfolded in true Italian style—with heartfelt connections, shared stories, and new friendships forged. A special shout-out to the Italian Made Social Motoring Club (IMSMC), whose enthusiastic members, affiliated with both clubs, made up the majority of attendees. The passion for Alfa is clearly alive and thriving.

A warm thanks to Tony Portelli and Elissa Losinno, whose efforts were instrumental in orchestrating this memorable event.

Bravo to IMSMC, congratulations to AROCA, and a heartfelt buon compleanno to Alfa Romeo on its incredible 115-year journey!

Fiat 500 “4 Bridges” Drive

On Sunday the 22nd of June, a crisp winter’s morning, anticipation filled the air as 21 Fiat 500s and their derivatives gathered in the car park of Le Montage for the much-anticipated “4 Bridges” event.

Special thanks to member Nina Stillone for her instrumental role in securing clearance for our group to use the Le Montage car park. We also extend our gratitude to the management of Le Montage for their generosity in providing the perfect launch point for our drive.

As engines roared to life, our convoy of classic Italian charmers weaved through the streets of Sydney, commencing with our first crossing—the ANZAC Bridge. Soon after, we merged gracefully onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge, where traffic was kind and cooperative, allowing the cavalcade to remain largely intact. A heartfelt thanks to the Sydney drivers for showing such respect for our classic line up

.

Continuing our journey through the heart of the city, we crossed the Long Gully Suspension Bridge before heading northward to the Roseville Bridge—completing our “Quattro Ponti” tour. From there, the group enjoyed the scenic Wakehurst Parkway, eventually joining Pittwater Road en route to our final destination: The Royal Motor Yacht Club, Broken Bay.

Upon arrival, breakfast was warmly welcomed, and courtesy of IMSMC, each member received a complimentary coffee. Stories and laughter flowed freely as members relived the highlights of the drive, sharing in the joy of the day well into the late morning.

It was a truly memorable event—one that will surely become a tradition. Sincere thanks to Rose Cara and Corey Hoskin for their efforts in bringing this wonderful morning to life!

Festa Della Repubblica 2025

On Sunday, 25th May, 70 members of the Italian Made Social Motoring Club (IMSMC) gathered at Club Marconi in Bossley Park to celebrate Festa Della Repubblica. With family and friends joining in, our total contribution exceeded 100 guests. Our club proudly assembled 45 cars, creating a true Italian atmosphere with a stunning display of both historic and modern Italian vehicles. Well done, IMSMC!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Club Marconi for their generous support, sponsoring the trophies and providing a lunch voucher to each driver of the 45 participating cars—an incredibly thoughtful gesture. Thank you, Club Marconi!

The day was a true celebration of Italian culture, featuring everything from Abarth's to Zagato's (A to Z!), alongside authentic Italian food, beverages, and entertainment. If it exists in Italy, it was available at Club Marconi on this special day.

At 2:30 PM, the Marconi executives presented three trophies to three of our members in recognition of their exceptional vehicles. Choosing just three winners from such a remarkable collection of Italian cars was no easy task. Congratulations to the winners—grinners indeed!

1. Vince Fragomeli – Fiat 500 with a hand-built trailer towing a Vespa

2. Enzo Cacciotti – Lancia Coupe

3. Giuseppe Serratore – Alfa Romeo Giulia

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this a fantastic day!

National Motoring Heritage Day 2025

 On Sunday, May 18th, as part of National Motoring Heritage Day 2025, over 40 members of the IMSMC family gathered for a delightful picnic at Lane Cove National Park.

As 11 a.m. approached, members began arriving, despite the cool and damp weather keeping some away—‘tis the season for sudden flu symptoms! Fortunately, nothing serious, as good company, delicious food, and a glass of fine wine can surely cure all.

With the gathering in full swing, the IMSMC family brought out the finest home-cooked cuisine. Naturally, there was enough food to last a week—a classic tradition!

The day was filled with great conversation and an abundance of glorious food, all complemented by the park’s excellent facilities, making it a prime location for future events.

It was a fine autumn day—a little brisk—but with the shelter and surroundings providing ample protection, everyone was able to relax and enjoy a wonderful time together.

Auto Italia 2025

Starting on Friday, the 11th of April, through to Monday, the 14th of April, countless members participated in Auto Italia 2025, with over 60 members making an appearance in some capacity!

Our morning began on Saturday, meeting at Pheasants Nest Foodary, then cavalcading to the Mackay VC rest area for our traditional breakfast, IMSMC style. This included cold meats, the famous anchovies (and other condiments provided by Joe Lecce and Anthony Vecchio), cake (thank you, Nina Stillone and Frances Mediati), and coffee (with additives, courtesy of Leo and John Di Rocco).

 Many thanks to Tony Campisi for providing the meats and bread rolls, which were still warm after being baked at 4:00 am on Saturday morning! Special thanks to Mick and Cate Stivala for preparing the morning breakfast spread!

At the conclusion of breakfast, our next stop was The Big Merino for a quick rest and a petrol stop for those who required a "squirt" of fuel.

Saturday afternoon saw the masses gather at the Ostani Bar for refreshments and a good yak and rest after the drive (a few hiccups, but all resolved in good spirit!).

Saturday night at Agostino's was another highlight! More food, glorious food, and refreshments in great company. Personally, I had the privilege of sharing my table with a group of young men who were my students back in 1988/89—a touching moment!

Sunday was the day to display and participate in one of Australia's largest showcases of fine Italian motor engineering! We set up camp where more "goodies" (food, coffee, and cake) were shared with all members. Homemade amaretti were generously provided by Anna Ussia. Many of our ladies attended Palm Sunday Mass, explored the markets, visited the National Museum for the Pompeii exhibition, and even stopped by a winery (or two), before regrouping at the display area in the early afternoon.

Michael Stivala presented the newest addition to his personal fleet—a stunning 1970 Alfa Spider 1750. Congratulations, Michael, it's a jewel!

At the conclusion of the day, we were proud to announce that IMSMC picked up four awards. I noted that I do not envy the judges, as it was a very difficult task. Winners are grinners:

• Best 3 Classic/Historic Fiat 500 class was dominated by IMSMC members:

  • Gerardo Mediati – 1969 Fiat Abarth 500F

  • Sandy Stillone – 1969 Fiat 500F

  • Carmine Losinno – 1946 Fiat Topolino

• The Ambassador's Choice (Car of the Day) was awarded to member Brad Aitken for a beautiful 1969 Fiat 850 Spider!

I (John Di Rocco) had the honor of being recognized as the Brand Ambassador for FIAT 500s in Australia. Well done, IMSMC!

Sunday night saw 20 remaining members have dinner at Bellucci's Ristorante in Manuka for further debriefing and relaxation after a huge day!

On Monday morning, I’m happy to report that we all set off together, homeward bound, and everyone arrived safely!

AA Panel Craft Restoration

 On Saturday, April 5th, a group of 18 IMSMC members accepted an invitation from "My Car Club NSW" to visit the AA Panel Craft Restoration workshop in Braemar, located in the Southern Highlands.

The day began at Leo's Roadhouse in Glenfield, where the group assembled before embarking on a convoy to Braemar. Many members were already familiar with the exceptional craftsmanship of this workshop, particularly recalling the stunning Lamborghini Miura, which won "Best Car of the Day" at Auto Italia 2023. This iconic car was masterfully "panel and paint" prepared at AA Panel Craft.

Bringing good people together is always a worthwhile endeavour

, and we extend our gratitude to the executive team of "My Car Club NSW" for their kind invitation. We also want to acknowledge IMSMC member Vicken Babkenian, whose efforts were instrumental in organizing this visit—well done, Vicken!

The day concluded with many of us enjoying lunch at the Mittagong RSL, a very nice venue with excellent food. Conversations flowed freely, and appetites were satisfied, rounding off a great Saturday!