Franca Roberti

The force of life carries you forward.

Credit: Franca and Fabrizio Roberti

Franca was born in 1941 in Prati, a residential district of Rome on the right bank of the Tiber, near the Vatican. Known for its elegant streets, piazzas and Art Nouveau buildings, Prati provided the backdrop to an idyllic childhood. Franca attended primary and secondary school with the nuns before studying accountancy. She excelled in swimming and running and fondly recalls she ‘had a beautiful life in Rome’.

Franca as a toddler. 
Credit: Franca and Fabrizio Roberti

Franca on the starting blocks, competing for Olympic selection in 1960. She represented the CUS Roma (Centro Universitario Sportivo di Roma).
Credit: Franca and Fabrizio Roberti

One of Franca’s most vivid childhood memories comes from the Second World War. On 19 July 1943, the first Allied bombs fell on Rome, killing around 3,000 people. By 1944, the city had endured 51 air raids. Franca was only two when, during one raid, she fell while running to a shelter. Her sister Anna lifted her up and carried her to safety – an act of love Franca has never forgotten.

Franca (centre) with her mother, Aldalgisa, and siblings Anna, Luciana, Ferruccio and Adriana. 
Credit: Franca and Fabrizio Roberti

Franca and Fabrizio’s love story began in 1960, just after the Rome Olympics. The city was alive with excitement as more than 5,000 athletes from 83 countries arrived to compete. The couple met by chance, but with strict parents, Franca had to be inventive to see Fabrizio. She convinced her father that their german shepherd, Omar (named after actor Omar Sharif), needed daily walks before dinner – using the time for secret meetings. After two years, Fabrizio formally asked Franca’s father Luigi for permission to court her. Luigi, amused, asked why he had waited so long, remarking: ‘You did not think I noticed?’ Franca and Fabrizio were stunned to realise he had known of their daily walks all along. Their love has now lasted more than six decades.

The couple married in 1964 in the medieval church of San Gregorio al Cielo. Over the next 12 years, they raised their children, Barbara and Maurizio, while running an art gallery and other ventures. With her parents and siblings close by, Franca felt she could want for nothing more.

Franca and Fabrizio’s wedding at the medieval church of San Gregorio al Celio, Rome, 1964.
Credit: Franca and Fabrizio Roberti

Franca walking along the shore at Anzio, a historic fishing port and seaside town in Lazio, about 50 kilometers south of Rome, 1965.
Credit: Franca and Fabrizio Roberti

In 1976, Fabrizio suggested relocating to Perth, Western Australia, where he saw new opportunities. For Franca, the idea came as shock. She was deeply reluctant to leave Rome, her family and the life she loved. When the decision was finally made, they chose to travel by sea on the Galileo Galilei rather than fly, giving her more time to come to terms with the move. She missed her mother Aldalgisa  and siblings – Anna, Luciana, Ferruccio and Ariana – with a profound ache that never faded. Franca later reflected that she ‘would never have left Italy if she knew she would not see her family often’.

Her mother visited Perth three times, always the quintessential nonna, caring for Franca, Fabrizio and the children in every way. These visits were treasured by Franca – joyful yet poignant – and Franca never wanted to let her go. Since 1976, Franca and Fabrizio have returned to Italy every year, making 64 trips to Rome. These journeys brough comfort, easing but never completely erasing her longing for family.

Franca and Fabrizio on a family holiday at Villa Picasso in Fregene with their daughter Barbara, 1968.
Credit: Franca and Fabrizio Roberti

During a visit to Perth, Franca’s mother Aldalgisa joins in preparing passata at the family home. 
Credit: Franca and Fabrizio Roberti

Not long after arriving in Perth, Franca was waiting with her children at a bus stop in the rain when Giuseppe Bertinazzo, a founding member of the West Australian Opera, offered them a lift. His kindness sparked a lifelong friendship and introduced Franca to Perth’s vibrant cultural scene.

When Franca and Fabrizio attended a play presented by the Italian Theatre of Western Australia, they met Bruno Napolitano and his partner Teresa. Bruno, an on-air presenter at Radio 6NR Bentley, hosted Italian programs twice a week with a large community following. He invited Franca to visit his studio and, during the program, asked her to read an article in Italian for listeners. That moment launched a decades-long career in radio.

Franca soon mastered the broadcast console and was on-air four nights a week plus Sunday mornings. She worked with Giuseppe on Memory Lane, Enzo Sirna on L’appuntamento di Martedi and Sunday Mass, and Bruno on Leri, Oggi, Domani. Fabrizio also joined the airwaves, co-hosting an Italian radio program with restaurateur Umberto Tinelli. Life was hectic, but exciting.

Franca launched her own radio show, ‘Panorama Italiano’, in 1980. The first broadcast went to air on 1 January, her birthday – a fitting start for what became a lifelong endeavour. Over  nearly five decades, she interviewed leading Italian pop artists, film stars, politicians and clergy. Memorable guests have included Sanremo and Eurovision winner Toto Cutugno, international actor Greta Scacchi, the pop group Ricchi e Poveri and pop singer Little Tony.

Pictured with Toto Cutugno, winner of the 1980 Sanremo Festival and the 1990 Eurovision Song Contest.
Credit: Franca and Fabrizio Roberti

At 6EBA FM studios, Franca hosting her ‘Panorama Italiano’ program with the Consul of Italy in Perth, Nicolo Costantini, and her husband Fabrizio .
Credit: Franca and Fabrizio Roberti

Over the years, Franca’s guests also included many consuls of Italy in Western Australia, reflecting her strong ties with the Italian community. In recognition of 48 years in broadcasting, she received the prestigious Order of the Star of Italy in 2022. This civilian honour is awarded to those abroad who strengthen Italy’s international ties. Franca credits much of her success to Fabrizio, whose constant support has sustained her throughout her career.

In 2022, Franca receives the Order of the Star of Italy from Nicolo Costantini, Consul of Italy in Perth, recognising her 48 years of excellence in broadcasting.
Credit: Franca and Fabrizio Roberti

Franca can also add restaurateur to her list of achievements. With Fabrizio, son Maurizio and colleague Sebastian, she opened Il Bosco in North Perth, soon known for its authentic Italian cuisine.

Her passion for Roman food is legendary among family and friends. She delights in preparing favourites such as pasta all’Amatriciana, carciofi alla Romana (artichokes), coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew), trippa alla Romana, scottaditto (lamb ribs) and suppli, the golden rice croquettes oozing with tomato sauce and mozzarella. For dessert, her tiramisu is unrivalled, and her  ciambelloni and crostata remain staples at family gatherings.

Franca with her beloved mother Aldalgisa and siblings Anna, Luciana, Ferruccio and Adriana . 
Credit: Franca and Fabrizio Roberti

For Franca, food is at the heart of every celebration – an expression of love and generosity. Nothing makes her happier than hearing the cry of ‘Mamma Mia, quanto e buono!’ (Mamma Mia, this is so good!) around her table. 
Respected throughout her Italian–Australian community, Franca is cherished as her family’s hero, fiercely devoted to her children Barbara and Maurizio and grandchildren Giulia, Gianni and Bianca.