Auto Italia 2026

Auto Italia, starting Saturday the 11th through to Monday the 13th, saw 67 members & family attend in one form or another over the weekend!

Our weekend began at the Pheasants Nest Foodary and we cavalcaded to the Mackay VC rest area for our traditional breakfast, Italian style. Added condiments from Joe Lecce & Anthony Vecchio were enjoyed by all (including the white anchovies!!).

We thank all who contributed, including cakes, biscotti & fresh coffee provided by Nina Stillone, Rosanna Cipri, Anna D'Aprile, Joe Serratore for sharing his wine, and the Di Rocco brothers for providing the Bialetti coffee for all. We thank, of course, those who assisted in setting up the “breakfast table”: Cate & Michael Stivala, Freda & Tony Albanese, and a special effort, as very early in the morning Tony Campisi from Fine Foods & Deli prepared 140 rolls.

Gerardo Mediati & Pat Marando made the effort of picking up this merchandise for all to enjoy.

A quick stop in Goulburn and off to the Weereewa rest area where we created a photo opportunity. From there we cavalcaded to our accommodation spots in Forrest, where we later met at the Ostani bar for lite refreshments. Later that night, 46 attendees enjoyed a 4‑course meal at Agostini’s ristorante!

Sunday morning, it was Auto Italia day. So much beautiful Italian machinery! Happy to report we picked up 3 awards:

Best historic 500: Amadeo DeCrea Best modern 500: Christian Cipri Auto Italia general manager award: Vince Fragomeli, 1969 1300 Lombardi.

At the conclusion of the Auto Italia event, many members opted for a rest or a quiet

beverage at the local bowling club (that’s different) and back to the Ostani bar for some. Later that same evening, we gathered at Bellucci ristorante for “another” fine meal! Certainly no shortage of food & delights for IMSMC!

Monday morning and it was “homeward bound” for the 19 x IMSMC cars. We decided to rename the Hume Highway to “Strada del Sole”... which is the name given to the major motorway that connects all the regions in Italy. The Italian cars dominated a long stretch of the Federal / Hume highways.

Happy to report, we all made it home safe & sound.