Past and present presidents Joe Martello, Johnny D’Angelo, Pat D’Aulerio and Joe Greco.
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Fifty years have passed since the Italian community of Kyabram got together to form a venue where the Kyabram community could get together to play the sport of bocce bowls.
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Most of the Kyabram community of the time contributed either by volunteering their services, or with monetary donations.
One hundred and fifty past members and guests travelled from as far as Melbourne, Morwell, Geelong, Wangaratta, Rutherglen, Shepparton and Tatura to celebrate this milestone.
MC for the evening, Giuseppe Greco, mentioned apologies that were received from our local member Peter Walsh, Victorian Multicultural Commission and the Bocce Australia president.
Cr John Zobec represented Campaspe Shire and Sonia Fava sports development officer represented Bocce Australia.
With both making congratulating speeches, before cutting of the birthday cake.
Sonia Fava then presented the bocce club with a silver tray as a memory of this great achievement.
Making mention of the great sporting achievements made by local sportsmen and women, of Kyabram winning local, state and national championships, then going onto representing Australia at world events.
A great honour for Kyabram.
Sonia then went on to congratulate Kyabram on introducing the sport of raffa bocce to Kyabram, plus the world class raffa courts that have been made.
Kyabram is the first town in Victoria to have world class courts.
The initiative taken by the committee in organising the Business Challenge Competition and other raffa events.
Entertainment was provided by old time favourite Ricky Brun.
Ricky provided some great music that kept the children and guests dancing all night.
A great four-course meal was provided by Fran Mandaradoni Catering of Tatura, while the delicious Traditional Continental Raffa Bocce Court Cake was provided by Secretly Scrumptious.
Club president Pat D’Aulerio then asked all past presidents to come up, thanking them for their past and ongoing commitment then together cutting the traditional birthday cake.
Kyabram Bocce Club committee (from left) Tony Posteraro, Lucia Portia, Geff Maxwell, Nardo DiPetta, Pat D’Aulerio, Jimmy DiPetta, Joe Greco, Graham King, Maria Greco and Carmel Ferlauto.
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A raffa bocce competition was held on Sunday with Kyabram v Morwell.
Graham and Monica King finished in top position, from Joe and Maria Greco, with Felice and Anna Preziosa third and Mirrella Alesi and Maria Maselli fourth.
Mirrella and Maria went on to win the grand final with Joe and Maria Greco coming runners-up.
Kyabram Bocce Club is open to all that wish to become members and play raffa bocce, games will be restarting in August at 7pm on a Wednesday.
Two games of 10 ends are played, with prizemoney awarded to first and second placings.
Men, women or children are eligible to play.
Cost is only $5 for members and $6 for non-members.
With 50 per cent of entry fee awarded as prizemoney.
Names can be given to Joe Greco, Graham King or Paul McInnes prior to the night.
Afternoon monthly competitions are also held.
Training is also available for those that are interested.
Kyabram and Morwell raffa finalists (from back left) Graham King, Joe Greco, Felici Prezioso; (front) Maria Greco, Monica King, Maria Maselli, Mirella Alesi and Anna Preziosa.
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