Victoria update
Australia Day at the Morwell Club
This January 26, the Morwell Club invites you to join the celebration of Australia Day, an event that promises to be a vibrant fusion of cultures.
Gold Coin Donation Bocce
What better way to showcase connections than through friendly competition? The Gold Coin Donation Bocce invites participants of all ages to try their hand at this classic game, with all proceeds going towards the Morwell Bocce Committee.
It’s more than a game; it’s a symbol of community coming together for a greater purpose.
More fun on the day!
On the day you can also enjoy a live music extravaganza, car show display, market stalls, and fundraising for community initiatives. Enjoy Australia Day at the Morwell Club!
Written by Samuel Pevere
Bocce at the Ven for a great cause | MND not stopping Damian
Thank you to all the wonderful individuals who joined us at The Veneto Club on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 to fundraise for one of our own.
What a wonderful collaboration between the FCBL community, the Bulleen Men’s Shed, VC Bocce and the wider community.
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the very generous support of our sponsors: Doncaster BMW, Exposed Branding, Fernwood Bulleen, Chemist Warehouse, 4Me Pilates, San Pedro Coffee, FC Bulleen Lions, the Veneto Club, Daniella Seabrook Photography, Grazia Restaurant, Podiatry Plus Melbourne, Marchetti Fine Foods, By DELUCA, and the numerous families who generously contributed as well.
Guests enjoyed sausages and a relaxing drink while more than 100 people participated in our bocce highest number competition. It was heartwarming to witness participants of all ages, with kids as young as 7 competing energetically against seasoned professionals. Thanks to everyone who bid on auction items and purchased raffle tickets!
This event was truly inspiring and really showed the enduring strength of community spirit.
If you would like to donate directly to the cause you can do so via this link with the reference “fight4damo”.
My name is Damien Tavella, affectionately known to family and friends as “Damo”. In February of this year my life changed when I was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
For those unfamiliar with MND, it’s a relentless and debilitating disease that offers no mercy, no respite, and no cure.
I’m 41 years of age and blessed to have a beautiful wife, Elle, my rock and soulmate for 13 precious years. I have three incredible sons who light up my world. Levi, my oldest, at the tender age of 12, James, just 11, and little Leo, who’s only 5 years old, give me the strength to carry on fighting. Their laughter and love, and our joint passion for soccer, are the fuel that keeps me fighting and hoping.
As a Graphic Designer by profession, my hands were my tools of creation and expression, but now, unfortunately, I am unable to use them to earn a living.
Refusing to surrender I’ve decided to explore alternative treatments, that may help me give a fuller life and extend my time with my beloved family.
I am so grateful for those who have supported me along this journey. I now humbly ask for your continued support and your generosity as I venture down this uncertain path.
Any funds raised will be used to pay for the expensive alternative treatments that might help me. The funds will also be used to secure the future of my boys and to give them the best education possible. If I’m able to, I would like to go on a family holiday later in the year to Queensland, to spend some quality time with my family and create lasting memories.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support means so much to me and my family and gives me hope to keep fighting. Every bit of assistance brings me closer to a life that I can still cherish with my family by my side.
Written by Laila Favrin.
Come and Try is back! | 2024 sessions are back at the Veneto Club
Embark on the bocce adventure at Veneto Club’s ‘Come and Try’ Tuesday sessions, commencing February 6, 2024.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned player, all ages and skill levels are welcome to join the vibrant bocce community in Bulleen.
Led by expert coaches, our Tuesday sessions promise more than just game play; they offer a gateway to a passionate community of bocce enthusiasts. Meet our accomplished coaches:
- Angelo Parisi: Specialising in pointing skills and drills, Angelo brings years of bocce expertise to enhance your precision.
- Tony Palermo: A seasoned player renowned for exceptional pointing skills, Tony provides insights to sharpen your techniques.
- Dino Mikolich: With a proud history representing Victoria and Australia, Dino’s strategic prowess enriches our coaching team.
- Santo Pascuzzi: Welcoming back Santo, celebrated for impressive bocce skills, he focuses on throwing techniques through engaging drills.
Event details:
- Venue: Veneto Club, 191 Bulleen Road, Bulleen, Victoria, 3105
- Time: Tuesdays, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, starting February 6, 2024
What we provide:
- Bocce balls: High-quality balls are provided for your practice during the sessions.
- Other equipment: All necessary equipment, including court setup, measuring devices, and score-keeping materials, are supplied.
Registration:
Secure your spot by emailing [email protected].
Join us to unleash your bocce potential in a welcoming and supportive environment. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an experienced player, let’s roll towards exciting victories and create unforgettable memories together.
Register now and see you on the court!
Written by Laila Favrin
Furlan Club
Wind down the working week and roll into the weekend with a Friday night of ‘Beer, Bubbles and Bocce’ at the Furlan Club.
No experience is required, and everyone is welcome whatever your age, gender or skill level.
Enjoy a bevvie of beer or bubbles on arrival and our lovely array of nibbles. Bar will be open throughout the evening as will the beer garden.
Bistro is open from 6pm, if you want to catch a spot of dinner prior. Contact the Furlan Club direct for bistro bookings: (03) 9484 0477.
Tickets $25 per person
Scan the QR code and purchase tickets online through Eventbrite*.
Friday, February 9, 2024
7pm to 10pm
1 Matisi Street, Thornbury
*$2.78 booking fee per ticket applies.
Written by Laila Favrin
New South Wales update
Liverpool Catholic Club
Liverpool Catholic Club celebrated Christmas on Monday, December 18, 2023 with all the junior bocce players and the bocce committee members.
Celebrating the successes from the year at the junior and under 23s championships in Redlands’ club in Queensland and the Denis Ravera International Challenge in Monaco. We are looking forward to more successes in 2024!
All players brought their families, friends, and great food to thank the bocce committee. Thanks, from all juniors Nina Chiandotto, Melissa Danelutti, Lara O’Callaghan and Aaron O’Callaghan and their families.
Written by Linda Chiandotto
Special Olympics
Special Olympics finished 2023 on a high, with athletes having attended the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany, also a first Bocce-A-Special Olympics all inclusion to the National Games in Sydney, and state games in Victoria.
Just before our break-up in December, we suggested to our athletes to start collecting empty bottles and cans for the recycle scheme refund. Our athletes have been busy collecting, and we were delighted to see that one athlete has already collected more than 50 large cartons to take to the depot for refund. The funds from these deposits will be used towards their flights to the National Games in Perth. The photo is of one of our athletes’ leaders at the recycle depot.
February will see the start-up of 2024 with going back to training for all clubs.
Written by Michael Migliaccio
Victorian Special Olympics
Special Olympics Festive Fantastic | Melbourne inner rast’s Christmas celebration of glitz, glam, and grooves!
What an electrifying night! The Veneto Club’s Sala Venezia Room drew in a massive crowd of over 200 guests for MIE’s ultimate celebration!
Imagine this: a scrumptious three-course meal was just the tip of the iceberg for a night bursting with entertainment, awards, prizes, and endless dancing.
MC Morgan Lobé was the maestro, orchestrating the evening with his captivating vocals and snagging amazing interviews with star athletes Sophie N and Lachie W. And that photo wall? Mandy, you’re a genius! It’s a treasure trove of unforgettable memories.
But wait for the climax: the recognition of the ‘MIE Athlete of the Year’ and ‘Robyn Cook OAM MIE Volunteer of the Year’ nominees, culminating in the well-deserved honour of Luca Giannessi and Alison Johns. Luca, a swimming marvel for almost a decade and a pillar in the Special Olympics, while Alison is the heart and soul of MIE, radiating an infectious “can-do” attitude since the ’80s. Hats off to Luca and Alison!
Then came the showstopper — the raffle! Sixty-three dazzling prize hampers made everyone feel like a winner! Massive thanks to the community for their incredible generosity and to the MIE elves—Alison, Anne, Jo, Paul, Tiff, and Trish—for turning those prizes into bundles of pure joy.
Let’s take a moment to extend our heartfelt gratitude. To the volunteers and carers whose unwavering support forms the backbone of this association, thank you for your dedication and selflessness. You are the unsung heroes who make our mission possible. To the passionate sports enthusiasts, your incredible drive and infectious spirit for your respective sports fuel our excitement and motivate us endlessly. Your passion elevates every event, and we’re deeply grateful for your dedication.
And to our invaluable sponsors and generous contributors who made our raffle prizes shine like stars, your support is immeasurable. Your kindness and generosity have not only made this celebration incredible but also contribute to the success and growth of our association. Thank you for believing in our cause and being the driving force behind our fantastic array of prizes.
And that dance floor? It was a magnet! DJ Rockin Robin Peter spun enchantment, inviting everyone to groove, including our fantastic LETR reps Kate and Laureina. With the 2023 sports programs wrapped up, it’s time to unwind and savour the holiday season.
Here’s to an exhilarating and rewarding 2024 ahead—we can’t wait to create more magical moments with this incredible community.
Written by Laila Favrin