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.

Kurmond Social

On Sunday the 29th of March, a group of 60 members and their families attended our Fiat 500 lunch to recognise our visitors from the Fiat 500 Club Italia, Alessandro Scarpa and Ana. Our day began at McGraths Hill McDonald’s, where we gathered to organise our cavalcade towards Kurmond Social Ristorante.

Nineteen historic Fiat 500s created a wonderful array of colours as we made our way through Windsor and Richmond, followed by a number of other Italian historic and modern beauties. Each car sparked curiosity from the public and brought smiles to everyone we passed.

On arrival, the featured model, La Cinquecento, had reserved parking right out the front of the restaurant. As traffic passed to and from Kurrajong, drivers tooted and honked in appreciation, with our display attracting plenty of attention.

We entered the venue, where refreshments and lunch were served. Between each course, we enjoyed speeches and presentations. Our good friend and member, Geoff Hall, made the trip from Canberra to participate in the IMSMC experience. He was presented with a Club Pennant from the Fiat 500 Club Italia by Alessandro Scarpa, in recognition of his special effort.

It was a fantastic day and a venue we will certainly visit again.

Long Lunch 2026

 The weekend of Saturday, 7 March, we held our annual long lunch at Gartlemann Wines in Lovedale. Our day began at our meeting place, McDonald’s Thornleigh, where we departed at 9:30am. We made one stop along the way, where we welcomed new member Mario Tripolone.

Most participants chose to drive their everyday vehicles, as the weather forecast predicted 25mm of rain and storms. Fortunately, the forecast did not eventuate, and we arrived at our destination comfortably and in good spirits.

Our experience began with wine tasting and a few purchases from the cellar door, followed by a delicious lunch. The staff provided excellent service throughout. A highlight for many was the seafood risotto, complemented by a special chilli preparation by Mr Anthony Vecchio.

Saturday evening was spent at the Cessnock Leagues Club, where a variety of activities and conversations were enjoyed by all. Joe Lecce kindly shared snacks with the group, adding to the friendly atmosphere.

After a well‑earned rest, a small group gathered for breakfast on Sunday morning, before heading home around 10:00am.

It was another wonderful weekend enjoyed by all participants. Thank you, everyone!

Annual Membership Card Collection Breakfast

Sunday the 8th of February saw 137 members and families attend our Annual Membership Card Collection Breakfast, held at Industrial Harvest in Eastern Creek. One by one, the Italian machines entered the car park, creating a wonderful assembly of Italian engineering. The rain did not keep members away, and they arrived with a fine appetite and a desire for a very good coffee (compliments of our Club!). The day began with a complimentary Prosecco, wishing everyone a Happy New Year. A quick address from our President, John Di Rocco, welcomed everyone and highlighted the number of events already planned for the New Year. It's going to be big!

The staff at the restaurant provided wonderful service, with everyone catered for in a very professional manner.

Our Club raffle created a “winning atmosphere,” with many prizes on offer. The funds raised will assist the Club in future subsidies and allow us to support charities throughout the year.

We look forward to a very active year, creating stronger bonds among our members and families.