Federal Member for Blaxland, Jason Clare, visited Georges Manor today to congratulate Mrs Domenica Bonello on reaching 100 years of age.
“Reaching one hundred is a tremendous achievement for any person and I congratulate Mrs Bonello on this extraordinary milestone,” Mr Clare said.
Mrs Bonello was born in the Italian town of Geggio in 1911 and immigrated to Australia in 1958 with her beloved husband Rosario and two sons, Dominico and Rocco.
Although life as a migrant was not easy, Mrs Bonello embraced her new life in Australia with great enthusiasm.
According to Mrs Bonello, her most momentous day was when she became an Australian Citizen at the age of 85.
“We owe a great deal of gratitude to the all people who have immigrated to Australia over the years and have contributed their culture to Australia, making it the country it is today,” Mr Clare said.
Mrs Bonello shared her birthday with all her friends and family. Her Grandson flew in especially from Los Angeles to share this special occasion with her.
“Celebrating special events like this is a great privilege and I hope Mrs Bonello has many more birthdays to come,” Mr Clare said.
Mr Clare invites residents to let his office know when they are celebrating a special 90th plus birthday or a 50th plus wedding anniversary so he can arrange for appropriate personal congratulatory messages from the Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
