03 FEBRUARY 2020 | ISSUE 467 | FREE
Nagambie celebrated its most inspiring community members and welcomed 1 new Australian at the 2021 Australia Day ceremony. The community came out in force braving the early morning downpour on a day where we recognize and salute all of those who by efforts small and large, remarkable and unremarked shape the way we live through their contribution to the community. Pina Gattuso is a hard working, long standing, well respected member of the Nagambie community and on this Australia Day has taken the oath to become an Australian citizen. Pina Gattuso arrived in Australia when she was five years old, with her mother, sister and brother. Reunited with their father in Cobram, Pina and her siblings attended the local school. It was during those school years that Pina first noticed a charming young Joe Gattuso. Pina did not pursue her highschool crush but many years later when working at the local bank, a regular customer (who happened to be Joe’s Aunt) decided to set Pina up on a date with her nephew, that nephew was Joe Gattuso. After courting for some years with Pina’s father chaperoning, like all great love stories, this one continued with Pina and Joe marrying and relocating to Nagambie making the town their home.
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In 2020, Pina and Joe celebrated 25 years of marriage. They had planned to visit their home land of Italy for the first time since leaving all those years ago. Unfortunately, due to the global pandemic this was not possible. Australian citizenship represents full and formal membership of the community of Australia and the Australian citizenship is a common bond, involving reciprocal rights and obligations, uniting all Australians, while respecting their diversity. Deputy Mayor Melanie Likos said it was a pleasure to conduct the ceremony and officially, and finally, declare Pina Gattuso an Australian citizen. ‘‘It is a very proud moment in anyone’s life when the final step in the citizenship process is made,’’ she said. This milestone had been a long time coming for Pina but she was extremely proud to share the occasion with her family and friends. “Finally it's official. I’ve been here for 53 years, I am so very happy and grateful,” said Pina. Pictured above: Lake Nagambie Ward Councillors, Deputy Mayor Melanie Likos, Pina Gattuso and Councillor Reg Dickinson. Pictured Right: Joe, Pina and their eldest son Stefan.