About Us

Felice worked closely with Father Atanasio Gonelli for over 40 years. His deep respect and affection for Father Atanasio led Felice and other members of the board to establish the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund. Felice is the CEO of an Australian public listed company. Felice is an Australian Honours recipient, being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the Italian community. Felice was also awarded the title of Cavaliere (Knight) of the Italian Republic. He is the Secretary General for Australia of the Confederation of Italians in the World and the Trustee in Australia for the Blessed John Paul II Photographic Exhibition. Felice is a past Advisory Board Member of Multicultural NSW.

John is the Principal of Five Dock Realty, a Sydney-based real estate agency. He is also a NSW Registered Property Valuer and has extensive experience in property and strata management. John served a four-year term as a Councillor on the former Rockdale Council. John is a member of the St Fiacre’s Parish Council. Over the years, John has been a generous donor to a number of charities and to the Catholic Church in Australia. As a Director of the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund, John brings his skills and knowledge to helping the less fortunate members of our community.

Natasha brings to the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund a strong youth prospective. Natasha was baptised by Fr Atanasio Gonelli and she has been a tireless advocate in support of youth projects. Natasha is the President of the Apulian Youth Association of NSW. Natasha is also a board member of NSW based youth association, GIA Network. Under Natasha’s leadership, the youth association has provided a number of scholarships for young people.

Gianni is the representative in Australia for the Italian Regional Government of Puglia. Gianni also holds the position of President of the Associazione Puglia NSW Co‑operative Ltd, overseeing cultural, social and community workshop events held for the benefit of the Apulian and Italian community. He is also the President of the Federation of Apulian Associations in NSW. In 2018, he was awarded the title of Cavaliere (Knight) of the Italian Republic. Gianni is the financial controller of a private group of companies, and has extensive experience in financial management, administration and cost control. In his role as Treasurer, Gianni brings his extensive professional experience to the Charitable Fund.

Nat is an Australian Honours recipient, being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) by the Australian Government for his service to the Italian Australian community, particularly through the provision of aged care facilities, in his role as Deputy Chairman of the Scalabrini Villages retirement homes and also as a benefactor to many charitable groups and community organisations. Nat is a member of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem and of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Australia. He has supported the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, and has been a fundraiser for The Sydney Head & Neck Cancer Institute. Nat is the Managing Director of Sylvania BMW car dealership.

Bruno has held the position of President of the Associazione Emilia‑Romagna Sydney‑Wollongong since 2006. Bruno is a master printer and the proprietor of Padana Press in Sydney, which publishes and prints books and publications. He has been associated with and involved in the organisation of many Italian community cultural events, including, the Emilia-Romagna Regional Government’s 2008 Centenary Exhibition for Guglielmo Marconi. Bruno was also the Vice President of the Emilia-Romagna Earthquake Fundraising Appeal. Bruno is deeply committed to the advancement of the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund.

Fausto is a respected member of the Sydney Italian Australian community. Fausto has served as President of the San Bartolomeo Association and the Isole Eolie Association, with a strong religious connection to the Parish of St Fiacre’s in Leichhardt, where Fr Atanasio was based. As a Director of the Mediterranean House, a well-known function centre based in Sydney, over the years Fausto has helped many community organisations with their charitable fundraising. Fausto brings his extensive management skills to the Board.

Gianfranco is the Chairman of Formtec Group, which operates in the construction industry. Gianfranco is also a member of the Sovereign Order of St John of Jerusalem Knights of Malta – Ecumenical Order and a member of the Association of the Knights of St Silvester. Gianfranco’s business knowledge and experience, combined with his strong commitment to supporting underprivileged members of our community, makes him an invaluable member of the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund’s Board.

Frank is well-known in the NSW fruit and vegetable industry. He was elected as a councillor to Strathfield Council in 1995 and retired in 2000. Frank served as past president, for a number of years, of Freshest Group, raising funds for the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and for Camp Quality. He is a Board Member of the Yellow Diamond Foundation who have raised much needed funds for research on brain cancer treatment. Frank is also a board member of the Knights of Malta OSJ Ecumenical Order and a board member of the Knights Templar. Frank is also a member of the Knights of St Silvester Association. Frank’s appointment to the Board of the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund brings knowledge and application of community fundraising in aid for the less fortunate members of our community.

Ivana has a broad experience in the fields of education, languages and multicultural organisations. She holds a BA and Dip Ed from the University of Sydney and has taught in several NSW State schools. Ivana was appointed to the NSW Department of Education, where she headed a team of consultants when NSW introduced community languages in primary schools. She then held the position of Principal Education Officer in the Strategic Policy Directorate and Policy area in the NSW Ministry of Education. Ivana is a member of a number of charitable and community organisations and is currently President of the Federazione Veneta of NSW. Ivana is also the NSW Consultore for the Italian Region of Veneto.

Gaetano is a young well-known Sydney-based opera singer, who graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne. Gaetano has been awarded a number of music scholarships, including the Lionel Gel and Atheneum Awards. At age 24, Gaetano was a finalist in Australian television program, “Operatunity Oz”. Amongst many of his opera tenor roles, Gaetano performed the role of Alfredo in Verdi’s “La Traviata”, in a tour of 18 cities throughout China. Gaetano has also performed operatic roles in various prestigious engagements throughout Europe, America, Asia and Australia. Gaetano’s extensive knowledge of the music and arts community will be invaluable in his role as a Board Member of the Charity.

Riccardo is the Managing Director of Trafalgar Contracting, which operates in the construction industry. Riccardo is also the President of the Associazione Nazionale Marinai d’Italia, and a Board Member of several other Italian-Australian community organisations, namely the Federazione Associazioni Pugliesi (NSW), the Associazione Puglia NSW Co-operative and the Associazione Puglia (NSW) Social Club. Riccardo has dedicated many years volunteering and serving the Italian community in NSW. Riccardo’s community knowledge and skills are invaluable to the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund achieving its aims and objectives.

Sandra has been the volunteer Charity Coordinator since the Charity's establishment in 2011. Working as a full-time Executive Assistant for the chairman of an Australian public listed company, Sandra's administration, managment and statutory skills are an invaluable asset to the ongoing community assistance services provided by the Charity. Sandra also provides volunteer administration services to a number of community and cultural organisations who serve the young and elderly members of the Australian community. Sandra is deeply committed to the advancement and aims and objectives of the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund.

Filippo is the founder and Chairman of Parisi Industries, a leading Australian supplier and distributor of bathware, furniture and doorware products in Australia and internationally. Since his teens, Filippo has volunteered his time to assisting members of the community in need. Over the years, Filippo has served on numerous committees and boards, with a strong commitment to welfare and community assistance. As a Board Advisor to the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund, Filippo brings his extensive knowledge of community relations and fundraising. Having known Fr Atanasio since his childhood, Filippo is committed to continuing the apostolate of Fr Atanasio, by assisting the needy and more vulnerable members of the community.

Domenico is the Head Chef at well-known Sydney restaurant, Machiavelli. He is also the President of the GIA Network, being the leading Italian-Australian youth organisation based in Sydney, with the specific objective of providing assistance to young members of the Italian and Australian community. Domenico and his team were instrumental in providing assistance to over 1,000 young temporary visa holders, who were stranded in Australia during the pandemic. Domenico brings to the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund his dedication, organisational and volunteering skills to helping members of the community who are in need.

Peter is a well known and popular entertainer, vocalist, composer and musician. Peter has made his mark in the Australian music and entertainment industry, having performed on television, in nightclubs and cabarets. He achieved critical acclaim for his album “In Love Again”. Peter’s music has regularly been played by Australian radio stations. Peter has composed a special song in memory of Father Atanasio. Over the years, Peter has helped a number charity organisations raise funds for their causes.

Filippo is the founder and Chairman of Navarra Group International, which operates a number of event function centres in Sydney. Filippo and his wife Sarina were married by Father Atanasio. As a member of the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund’s Board, Filippo is committed to continuing the apostolate of Father Atanasio, by assisting the needy and the more vulnerable members of the community. Filippo brings his extensive business knowledge and management expertise to the Charitable Fund.

Susi has worked for and with the Australian Italian community for over twenty years, in both a voluntary and paid capacity. Susi worked for Co.As.It. for over 17 years, initially as a social worker in its community services team and subsequently, as Co.As.It.’s Executive Officer, for over 12 years. Susi is also the President of the San Francesco Italian Association, working closely with the Capuchin Friars. Susi and her family had a close friendship with Father Atanasio Gonelli. Susi works in the health sector as a Government Departmental Officer.

Rosa has had the privilege of working closely with Father Atanasio and the community, both in her previous role of ten years as Pastoral Assistant at Holy Innocents Catholic Church, Croydon and more recently as Manager of A. O’Hare Funeral Directors in Leichhardt. Rosa is also the Secretary of the San Pio Committee, Croydon, an Association that Father Atanasio held very dear to his heart. Rosa continues to assist the community both in her job and through her involvement with various associations and charities.