Page 17 - Comites Progetto Donna

CUORE: MARIA DIMASI COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD
The Nominees in the Cuore: Maria Dimasi Community Spirit Award are:
Angela Casarin has, for more than 15 years, dedicated herself as a volunteer as Secretary of the Italian Choral and Arts Society and OzItalian Community Choirs. She has gone above and beyond administrative aspects of the role; Angela has worked tirelessly to organise and promote concerts and other events; successfully fundraised for the financial sustainability of these choirs, including through State Government grants.
Angela Cutri has volunteered within the Italian community for over 40 years. Her voice has permeated the Italian radio airwaves for over 4 decades. Aside from currently volunteering with Radio Italia Uno, and Radio Italian 531 in the past, she is also the Chair of Radio Italia Uno social committee. She is the President of Maria SS di Tutte le Grazie committee, a religious association which maintains a link to those of Italian heritage, particularly from Sinopoli, Calabria. Angela has also been a Board member of Fresh FM.
Angela Henwood (née Porcelli) is an Italian-born Australian from Molfetta, Puglia. A mother of five, she has dedicated her life to volunteer work. For ten years, she supported Lifeline as a crisis responder, giving over 220 hours annually. She was also a key member of Bereaved Through Suicide, helping families after loss. With Friendship Force, she hosted international and national visitors for eleven years. Angela led a weekly craft group for fifteen years, creating connections and making 200 bags for Cambodia. A lifetime member of Coromandel Valley Quilters, she helps produce quilts for palliative care patients.
Antonia Larizza is devoted to cultural preservation, youth engagement, and community service. As a young woman, she was active in the Associazione della Festa di Sant'Ilario and has the distinction of being its youngest-ever President, ensuring Italian traditions thrive while embracing inclusivity for younger Italian-Australians. Antonia is a driving force at Radio Italiana 531, where she contributes to the Youth Committee’s vision and long-term strategy. As Project Manager of the Local Drug Action Team campaign, she delivered culturally tailored health messages. On air, she highlights pop culture and community stories, bridging generations with respect.
Carla Giglio has been a pillar of support for elderly Italian Australians for over three decades, As Day Care Program Coordinator at C.I.C, she combines professional dedication with compassion, kindness, and warmth in every interaction. Passionate about reducing isolation among older people, Carla draws on her own experiences of migrant hardship and language barriers to advocate for others. Even at 80, she remains an inspiring example of positive ageing. Carla is both a role model for her community and a mentor to younger staff and volunteers.
Dina Giaccio is a creative talent in media and theatre. Now a senior artist and supervisor at the Festival Theatre, Dina mentors others with calm guidance. A gifted professional and natural leader, she inspires creativity, confidence, and authenticity in everyone she meets.