Rosie Ventrice

Grazie a Dio – praise be to God for everything He has given us.

Credit: Rosie Ventrice

Rosie’s story is an inspiring one of faith in the face of adversity. She was born under an olive tree on 26 November 1948 in the town of Siderno, Calabria, where her parents, Michele and Maria, worked harvesting olives on a small property. Times were harsh, and in 1950 Michele left Italy to escape the poverty and despair that gripped postwar Calabria. He arrived in Perth and spent two years clearing bushland and labouring on potato crops in the south-west. Working hard, he saved enough to pay for his family’s passage and rented a home in Osborne Park to welcome them to their new life.

Rosie was very young when she left Italy with her mother and siblings, so her memories are few. But she clearly recalls arriving in Fremantle and being met by her father Michele and relatives. The family soon settled into daily life and eventually grew to seven children. Rosie’s mother suffered from severe migraines, and from the age of eight Rosie began helping with heavy household chores alongside her schooling. It was the beginning of a lifelong dedication to caring for others.

At four years old, Rosie arrived at Victoria Quay aboard the Luciana. Her father welcomed her with a gift she never forgot – her very first doll.  
Credit: Rosie Ventrice

Rosie met her future husband, Cosimo, who serenaded her throughout their courtship. After they married, the couple established themselves in Harvey, the south-west’s ‘Little Italy’. Cosimo had arrived in Australia in 1950 at just 11 years old, travelling with family friend and guardian Ilario Nesi. Welcomed by his uncle Vincenzo, he went to live with his maternal grandparents in Harvey. Two years later, his mother Teresa and sister Caterina joined him, and the family soon became part of the close-knit local community.

Rosie and Cosimo's engagement photograph, 1966. During their courtship, Cosimo serenaded Rosie with singing and guitar.
Credit: Rosie Ventrice

Wedding day, 22 July 1967. Soon after, Rosie and Cosimo began married life in  Harvey, the south-west’s ‘Little Italy’.  
Credit: Rosie Ventrice

Rosie and Cosimo had planned to spend only two years in Harvey before moving to Perth to be closer to her family and friends. But life had other plans. In those early years, Rosie cried every day, missing her close circle in Perth. The arrival of their children – Claudia, Vince and Michael – changed everything. Her love for them became the reason to embrace life in Harvey, where she built a warm, loving home and resolved to make the best of what life offered.

Over time, Rosie made many friends, and she and Cosimo became active volunteers in Harvey and Bunbury. They fundraised for the Lady of Immigrants Church and the hospital auxiliary, visited senior citizens groups and nursing homes, and worked in school canteens. Rosie also made regular trips to Perth with her children to see family and friends, which brought her great joy. Life was wonderful.

Credit: Rosie Ventrice

Through their shared love of music and Italian heritage, Rosie and Cosimo founded two folkloric groups – Echo D’Italia and the Southwest Italian Folk Group – earning acclaim across Perth and the south-west. Their popularity brought invitations to perform at club family nights and community events. Rosie also served on club committees, helping raise funds through performances and volunteer work.

A lively performance of Italian folk songs. 
Credit: Rosie Ventrice

The Southwest Italian Folk Group, acclaimed for their heartfelt performances. Pictured here with Laura Gianfrancesco, Lina Italiano and Rocco Calabrese, about 2008.
Credit: Rosie Ventrice

Rosie recalls the joy of performing:

The most memorable moments were when we would perform Italian songs for attendees at dinner nights and concerts, giving audiences the joy of listening to Italian songs and singing along with the group ... It brought back memories to people of their homeland and culture ... It made us very happy and gave us a sense that we were giving back to our community.

Rosie inherited from her mother a deep love of cooking, which she shared generously with all who gathered at her table. Renowned for her tortas, sweets and Italian delicacies, she created feasts that were second to none.

Fifty-four years have passed since Rosie arrived in Harvey as a new bride. With Cosimo, she built a life rich in friendships, shaped by community, cooking and music. Guided by her motto – to thank God for life’s blessings, whatever the circumstances – Rosie is cherished as a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, whose warmth and generosity shine in every heart she touches.

Around the outdoor table beneath the tree, Rosie shared her love of cooking – a gift inherited from her mother. 
Credit: Rosie Ventrice

The Ventrice family’s annual passata day, with Rosie and Cosimo leading the sauce-making tradition.  
Credit: Rosie Ventrice

Annual sausage-making at the Ventrice home – a festive day of flavour, laughter and tradition.
Credit: Rosie Ventrice