International Performer ALFIO will star at this year’s Community Concert

Events News No Comments
Join us for our Annual Community Concert, Saturday 25 November at the Old Museum for a special concert performance with international star, ALFIO!!

Following yet another successful tour of the USA, two prestigious Emmy® Nominations and a national ‘Top 10 Billboard’ album, Sydney born ALFIO now a New York resident, is in Brisbane for one show only! VIEW FLYER for all the details

Captivating audiences around the world with powerful vocals combined with charming comedic banter, ALFIO brings a new approach to the tenor tradition through his modern interpretations of English and Italian standards, classical takes on contemporary chart-toppers and original songs that bridge musical genres. In August 2015, ALFIO joined the illustrious ranks of world class performers in the United States’ Public Broadcasting Station, with the successful debut of ‘ALFIO In Concert’ followed by a national tour in key markets in the Fall of 2016 and a Top 10 Album on the Billboard charts. Additionally, ‘ALFIO In Concert’ has garnered TWO Emmy® Nominations!

An Australian native of Italian descent, classically-trained ALFIO brings passion to his performances and draws constant comparisons to superstars Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublè, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. This charismatic singer, songwriter and musician is a modern throwback to the legendary greats, delivering a mesmerizing live show filled with much-loved classics, pop standards plus his acclaimed originals. Providing a World Class show with equal parts music journey, powerful vocals and comedy, ALFIO effortlessly brings all generations of music lovers together in one audience; and regardless of whether he sings in English, Italian or Spanish, all languages flow as one.

Whether sitting solo at the piano, backed by an orchestra, or singing a cappella, ALFIO effortlessly and organically connects with his audience. One of his most appealing qualities in both his music and his life is his ability to entwine generations. His music and live show is a testament to that and speaks to the sentiment for all generations to move forward while not forgetting to appreciate the classics. With a talent that is uniquely his own, one thing is clear… ALFIO is traveling in his own lane and doing it his way.

Click on the following link to view a short excerpt of ALFIO’s double Emmy Nominated Television Concert broadcast all over the USA: https://youtu.be/1-U0Z9mn6nw


There will also be a special Broadway performance by Soprano Gabrielle Jack and Tenor Roger Davy.

A concert not to be missed!!!

Tickets: $20 and include refreshments – spumante and panettone.
Venue Details: Old Museum , 480 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills QLD 4006
Date and Time: Saturday 25 November, 2.30PM -6PM.

Tickets can be purchased by calling Co.As.It. on 3262 5755, or you can book online at: https://www.oldmuseum.org/event/2017-hxnez
A valid ticket must be provided upon entry.

 

 

FESTITALIA – 8 OCT 2017

Events News No Comments

The Brisbane Italian Festival “Festitalia” will be held this year on Sunday 8th October at Spencer park at New Market. Co.As.It. is happy to support this annual event celebrating Italian culture and the Italian community in Brisbane. We will also be participating with a photographic exhibition of Venetian Masks and together with delicious Italian food, folklore dances and traditional Flagthrowers, it will be a day not to be missed!

For all the details on Festitalia and how to purchase tickets, please visit their website: https://www.festitalia.com.au/

We hope to see you all there!

Seniors’ Week Celebration

Events News No Comments

Last Wednesday 23 August, Co.As.It. was proud to celebrate this year’s Seniors’ Week with a luncheon event at the Tavernetta Function Centre at Carseldine. With the support of COTA, Co.As.It. was happy to share and recognise the many contributions made by seniors in our communities, helping to improve community attitudes towards older people and aging.

On arrival guests had the chance to mingle and catch up with old friends before the start of the event. Italian tunes filled the room as entertainers Walter Morellato and Cathy Drummond began prepping for their 2 Timing performance. After initial speeches from Co.As.It. President, Cav. Nereo Brezzi and Co.As.It. Director Dina Ranieri, guests where moved by the words of a Co.As.It. client who was kind enough to share his story and gratitude for the help and support Co.As.It was able to provide in his greatest time of need. The heartfelt speech resonated with many of the guests and staff.

After a delightful buffet lunch it was time for our inspirational guest speaker, Beverley Rilatt-Richardson who shared with us that ‘Age is no barrier to happiness’. Beverley spoke about her inspiring journey starting out as a welfare worker, and her many achievements including being the oldest contestant on the first Australian reality TV show ‘The Mole’, and starting her own business at the age of 68. Her journey was inspiring to many, showing our community that age is no barrier.

Walter Morellato and Cathy Drummond later entertained guest on the dance floor with timeless hits and some old Italian favourites. It was a delight to see community members enjoying a good dance.

 

 

 

 

 

The drawing of the raffle had many guests excited with 2 scrumptious gift baskets up for grabs from The Little Shop at Virginia, as well as a beauty voucher from Lynne Pai Beauty at Carseldine and two $250 photography vouchers from Deep Grey Photography. The prizes didn’t stop there though, with one lucky winner from each table walking away with a special lucky door prize.

Co.As.It. would like to thank all the sponsors for their generous donations and support as well as our guest speaker Beverley Rilatt-Richardson. We would also like to extend a special thank you to COTA for supporting our event.

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you to our Sponsors
COTA  http://www.cota.org.au/australia/
The Little Shop http://www.acitgroup.com.au/the-little-shop/
Lynne Pai Beauty – Carseldine
Deep Grey Photography  http://www.deepgrey.com/

 

 

Another Great Celebration – International Women’s Day 2017

Events News No Comments

Co.As.It. Community Services celebrated yet another successful International Women’s Day Morning tea, last Saturday 4 March at the Victoria Park Golf Complex. This year Co.As.It supported the global theme “Be Bold For Change” calling on the community to help forge a better working world – a more gender inclusive world.

The event reminded community members that each one of us can be a leader within our own spheres of influence and that taking bold pragmatic action can be the first step in accelerating gender parity. Hosted this year by Channel 7’s The Great South East, Damien Anthony Rossi and The Voice Australia’s Naomi Price, the morning tea brought together over 250 women, recognising and celebrating their unique contributions, whether it be in their professional or personal lives.

From upper left: Kate Zegenhagen, Cr Vicki Howard, Naomi Price and Damien Anthony Rossi From lower left: COM.IT.ES President Mariangela Stagnitti, Co.As.It. Director Dina Ranieri and Community Care Manager PHN Brisbane North, Michele Smith

Distinguished guests on the day included, Councillor for Central Ward, Vicky Howard, President of COM.IT.ES. for Qld and NT, Mariangela Stagnitti and Manager Community Care PHN Brisbane North, Michele Smith. Apologies were read out by Co.As.It. Director Dina Ranieri on behalf of Hon Grace Grace MP, Hon Shannon Fentiman MP and Senator Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells who sent through a video message addressed to all guests celebrating International Women’s Day.

From left: Sonia Gold Dooney from Petrol and Naomi Price

Fashions from Petrol Paddington elegantly graced the runway once again for a fabulous fashion show. Conducted by Petrol owner Sonia Gold Dooney, the latest on style trends walked the catwalk showcasing a mixture of day wear evening wear and glamour. This year’s guests were encouraged to share the International Women’s Day message on social media with the help of a fun photo corner set up with various props. It was great to see the support and engagement from the audience for this important cause towards equality.

The highlight of the event was of course the drawing of the raffle prizes. Each year Co.As.It. is overwhelmed by the generous support from businesses and individuals donating a prize to help raise funds for their Aged Care Program.

Co.As.It. would like to give a special thanks to its major sponsors, Petrol in Paddington for the fashion show parade, Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens for the lovely flower centrepieces and Italiquore Brands Internationale for the flowing prosecco during the day.

Thank you to all the individuals and business who supported our annual event:

Blue Illusion, Cr Norm Wyndham, Uno Salon, Deep Grey, Brazilian Beauty Clayfield, Ultra Painting, Diva Hair Ascot, Robertson Gardens, Dello Mano, Hon. Grace Grace MP, Azentro, Peter Russo MP, Crown Family Jewellers, Ink for Hair, Shine Beauty Salons, Ella Bachè New Farm, Jeanette Thomas Nail Studio and Flora di Lizio.

Our fantastic raffle prizes

International Women’s Day 2017

Events News No Comments

Co.As.It’s Annual International Women’s Day celebration will be taking place on Saturday 4 March.
The Morning Tea event will be held at the Victoria Park Golf Complex from 10.30am –2.30pm. The event is a great way to celebrate and recognise women in our community along with their many achievements, both personal and professional. Co.As.It. is very excited to present this year’s hosts, Damien Anthony Rossi from Ch7’s The Great South East and The Voice Australia’s Naomi Price. Be sure to expect lots of fashion, prizes and a lovely ‘girls day out’.
Seats are limited, to book your table contact Co.As.It. on 3262 5755.

The Details
Event: International Women’s Day Morning Tea
Time and Date: Saturday 4 March 2017, 10.30am – 2.30pm
Where: Victoria Park Golf Complex, Herston Road, HERSTON
Tickets: $65

A Night on Broadway

Events News No Comments

Co.As.It. celebrated its 10th Annual Community Concert last Saturday 3 December at the Multicultural Community Centre at Newmarket. Held under the patronage of the Italian Consulate for Queensland and Northern Territory, the event had its 350 guests singing, dancing and giving standing ovations. Produced by D&G Entertainment, “A Night on Broadway- With an Italian Twist”, filled the theatre with Broadway hits, soaring arias and Italian classics, all performed by the stellar cast of Popera Classics. Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon, Hon. Teresa Gambaro welcomed distinguished guests including Italian Consul for Qld and NT, Dott. Ludovico Carlo Camussi, Councillor for McDowall, Norm Wyndham, and Member of the Italian Senate and part of the Democratic Party, Senator Francesco Giacobbe. It was great to see the support of the Italian community still so strong with many Italian Associations’ representatives also in attendance. At the end of the first act, community members were able to enjoy a chat amongst friends and some delicious chocolate krapfens, generously donated by Visco – Selected Fine Foods. The second act followed with more outstanding performances and concluded with a special grand-finale, a tribute to the late great tenor Luciano Pavarotti. After encore performances and standing ovations, the Hon. Teresa Gambaro was happy to announce the eight lucky winners who walked away with one of the generously donated raffle prizes. All guests were later invited downstairs to meet and greet the cast, concluding the evening with a slice of panettone and a glass of spumante, proudly sponsored by Italiquore Brands Internationale. Each year Co.As.It. is proud to be able to give something back to the community, always keeping entry tickets to a minimal so everyone is able to share in the celebration. Behind this great organisation stands its dedicated staff who, even this year, contributed their time to ensure the event was a success.
Co.As.It. would like to give special thanks to the following generous sponsors:
–Italiquore Brands Internationale
–Visco – Selected Fine Foods
–Merthyr Village the Heart of New Farm
–Basile Imports
–Prime Foot Care Provider
–K.M. Smith Funerals
–Putia Pure Food
–Merlo Coffee
–Ciao Gelato

From left: Co.As.It. Director-Dina Ranieri, Co.As.It. President-Cav. Nereo Brezzi, Italian Consul for Qld and NT-Dott. Ludovico Carlo Camussi, Member of the Italian Senate and part of the Democratic Party-Sen. Francesco Giacobbe, Hon. Teresa Gambaro and Councillor for McDowall-Cr. Norm Wyndham.

 

Stay connected – with our computer technology classes

News No Comments

Stay connected and learn new skills with our Computer Technology Classes. The new course will begin next year, Thursday 19 January 2017. Every Thursday you’ll have the opportunity to learn valuable computer skills that you’ll computer-classee-2be able to apply in your everyday life. If you feel you don’t know much about computers, or maybe you would like to pick up some new skills and navigate with a bit more ease,  make sure to book your place by contacting reception on 3262 5755. Taking a weekly course is a great way to stay mentally active, while also socialising and remaining connected within the community.
Click on the flyer below for further details.
FLYER (pdf)

Start date: 19 January 2017
Location: Italian Language Centre, 42 Newbery Street, NEWMARKET
Time: Thursday, 10.00am -12.00pm
Cost: $5 per class
To book: Contact Co.As.It. on 3262 5755

* PLEASE NOTE: Computer classes now run every Friday, starting from 26 May 2017

Annual Community Concert 2016

Events News No Comments

banner

Co.As.It.’s annual community concert will be taking place on Saturday 3 December 2016 at the Diverciti Centre at Newmarket. This years’ concert “A Night on Broadway – With an Italian Twist!” presents the ultimate excitement, passion and intensity of Popera in a sensational showcase with Popera Classics performing a dazzling cornucopia of Broadway blockbusters and classics from the world of opera, musical theatre and modern Popera Classics. “A Night on Broadway – With An Italian Twist!” promises something for everyone with magnificent musical performances from a selection of Broadway’s biggest blockbusters including; Jekyll & Hyde, West Side Story, Wicked, Rent, Cats, Evita, Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera. Our Italian Twist will also take us on a journey of soaring arias, classics and hits such as; Libiamo Nel Caliti, La Donna e Mobile, Volare and The Prayer culminating in a moving finale and homage to the late great Luciano Pavarotti. Book your tickets today by contacting Co.As.It. on 3262 5755.

THE DETAILS
Event: Annual Community Concert “A Night on Broadway – With and Italian Twist!”

Time and Date: Saturday 3 December 2016, 2.30pm – 6.00pm

Where: Diverciti Centre/Multicultural Community Centre, 23 Foster St, Newmarket

Tickets: $15 (includes refreshments: spumante and panettone)
To book contact Co.As.It. on 3262 5755

FLYER (PDF)

 

Italian Migration Exhibition – L’Ultimo Saluto

Events News No Comments

ultimo-salutoCo.As.It. Community Services is proud to present, with the cooperation of the National Archives Australia, “L’Ultimo Saluto” (The Last Goodbye) Italian migration exhibition. Share the history and experiences of this vibrant group through photographs which portray the vivid hopes and visions of a displaced generation, one that has now left an indelible presence in Queensland’s way of life.‘L’ultimo Saluto” will be a photographic record of the experiences of Italian migrants through the period of mass migration and will include documents relating to prisoners of war, internment, recruitment of workers for the sugar cane industry and proxy brides.

Co.As.It. will also be presenting a second exhibition, “Proxy Brides” which will showcase one girl’s journey to her new husband in Australia.  In the 1950’s it was not uncommon to marry a man or woman by proxy one had not met. A unique insight into the lives of many Italian migrants who took the journey across oceans for a new start.

Both exhibitions will be showcased at Festitalia – Italian Festival on Sunday 9 October 2016 at Spencer park, 42 Newbery St, Newmarket, 11am -5pm. The exhibit will be displayed inside the Italian Language Centre.

Festitalia – Italian Festival, Sun 9 Oct 2016

Events News No Comments

festitalia-dl-gelati

Sunday 9th October will showcase Queensland’s official Italian Festival “Festitalia”. From 11am – 5pm, Spencer Park at Newmarket will bring you “The passion of Italy” with authentic Italian wood-fired pizzas, pasta, international performers, traditional Italian dances, pizza acrobatics and pizza-making masterclasses, rides, Nonni’s pasta-making kitchen and ‘Italian Bubbles’ masterclasses! The festival will host various exhibitions as well as a talent competition and will not fall short on entertainment with Aria winning artist Cosima De Vito, MKR’s Luciano & Martino (AKA The Italianos) and Italian hit performers, Xpresso Duo.  The internationally acclaimed Sbandieratori Sansepolcro will also be performing. Tickets are on sale at www.festitalia.com.au .

Co.As.It. will be among the stallholders at the event, showing our support for the Italian Culture in Brisbane and our Italian community members. If you are interested in immersing yourself even further into the Italian culture, or perhaps just brushing up on your pronunciation, be sure to check out the The Italian Language Centre  (ILC), located right next to the park on Newbery Street.

Buon divertimento a tutti!