"Noi Donne" - The History |
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"Noi donne"was
formed in 1988 for Italo-Australian women with Vincenza Ferraro and Kim
Petersen as the health workers at the Payneham Community Centre. From 5
foundation members more than 300 women have attended group sessions; today
35 women attend the weekly meeting. The age of the women is from 50 to 87
years.
Many Italian organisations, prayer groups, social clubs and senior citizens clubs were consulted to gauge the need for a women's group. They agreed a women's health group was needed as long as it did not offer activities already offered by them. So "Noi donne"was born; a group programme delivered in Italian whose main aim was to provide information on women's health and well being. Soon the small group identified the need for physical fitness and an aerobics instructor was employed to provide a programme designed specifically for older women. The women also realised that keeping fit was important to stay healthy and prevent illness. Moreover, being fit created a feeling of self confidence and independence for older women. Given their age, education, economical, social and cultural backgrounds, the participants have made remarkable progress. They have experienced many social changes, they came to Australia as young women, had families and are now mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers with a lot to offer to the community. Activities developed from this programme: * The modified aerobic exercise and relaxation programme for older women * Cooking for good health; cooking programme with a nutritionist * Craft sessions funded by a Small Grant for Seniors. Monies raised were donated to the Italian Village, St Hilarion Nursing Home and Campbelltown Nursing Home * Health check programme commenced at the request of "Noi Donne"and later offered to the community * Joining with Payneham Seniors Expo, an annual event for seniors where "Noi Donne"prepare and sell Italian food - monies raised are donated to charitable institutions, eg Red Cross, Nursing Homes, World Vision Etc. * Wirrina Excursion (May 1992) - a weekend spent at a holiday resort, where women took part in discussions, health information sessions, relaxation, exercise and dance * Restoration of the headstone of Mary Lee. "Noi Donne"joined other women in the community, gave monetary donations for the restoration of the headstone of Mary Lee, made gifts for every woman attending the celebratory dinner honouring the centenary of women's legal right to vote, prepared food and decorated the Payneham Civic Centre Ballroom where the celebration took place * "Noi Donne" write letters to appropriate bodies on communities issues of concern such as AIDS, Women's Rights and the food poisoning caused by the HUS virus found in the Garibaldi meat products * The group is well known in Adelaide and has an advocacy role in community consultations. The members assist and participate in many other community groups * Annual picnic in August and Christmas luncheon * International Women's Day celebrated annually on March the 8th at the Italian Club * Guided tours * Museum guided tours * Parliament House Tour * Computer Course and Internet training for older people of diverse language and culture * Play - "Il carro si tira in due"by Mario Amadio, in collaboration with the Glynde Senior Citizens (Italian), war performed on 11 October 1996 at the Payneham Civic Centre in front of 350 spectators. They raised $1,500 which was donated to the Italian Village and to the Women's and Children's Hospital (Adelaide) * In 1998, "Noi Donne"and "Pranzo della Salute"(in collaboration with the City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peters) won the "Healthy Hearts Local Government Award"receiving $3,000 to be equally shared between the two groups *World Vision - "Noi Donne"have sponsored a child since 1995, giving ann annual contribution of $374 "Noi donne... vieni anche tu" The women
meet every Monday from 1.00pm to 3.30pm at the Payneham Community Centre,
374 Payneham Road, PAYNEHAM (South Australia). The programme, coordinated
by Vincenza Ferraro from Adelaide Central Community Health Service - Enfield,
is divided into 3 segments: Some
of the reasons why the women participate to the weekly meetings are: |
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