Nina’s Story: From Caltrano to Melbourne – A Life Filled with Optimism

Nina was born named Leonardina Rossi, on 7 September 1935 in Caltrano, a small town in northern Italy. When meeting people, she introduces herself first as Leonardina, before adding 'Nina' – the affectionate name that has accompanied her throughout her journey.

Nina was the eldest of 4 siblings – Antonio, Egisto and Paolina. Being the oldest meant plenty of responsibility. Her sister Paolina recalls, Nina’s care and attention to detail, “Nina would brush and do my hair, and when putting in a bow she would make sure it was always tied just perfectly.”

Nina often stayed with her grandmother after her grandfather passed away, keeping her company at night. She loved school and excelled as a bright student, often sitting at the front of the class because she was among the smallest, and still recalls and recites poems and anecdotes from those days.

One of her favourite Italian sayings from primary school days remains with her:
“Aria e sole sono la tua salute. Sarai sempre sano se ami l’aria e sole”
(“Air and sun are your health. You will always be healthy if you love the air and the sun!”)

At the end of Grade 5, Nina was told she could no longer continue schooling. She cried that day. Economic pressures after World War II meant education beyond primary school was sadly no longer an option.  

At age 14, Nina started work at the local textile factory where her mother had previously worked, alongside her life-long friend Angelina, checking fabrics and repairing imperfections before they were sent off to be made into garments. Nina still has one of the wooden shuttles from the loom she worked on – a tangible reminder of those years. This experience later influenced her working life in Australia.  

Migration to Australia

At age 20, Nina was given the opportunity to migrate to Australia.

Her uncle and aunt had already made the journey and returned to Italy with positive stories, filling her with hope and inspiration. Her brother Antonio had migrated a year earlier, encouraging her to follow him. Most importantly, (and perhaps most motivating!) her childhood sweetheart, Bruno, had also moved to Australia in 1952.

In 1956, Nina boarded a ship and endured the 30-day voyage to Melbourne. She arrived feeling both nervous and excited – while sad to leave her family but eager for what lay ahead.  

Nina first lived with her aunt and uncle in North Fitzroy, and despite not knowing English, she quickly found work at Yarra Falls, a textile factory in Richmond.

Just four months later, on 15 December 1956, Nina married Bruno at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in North Fitzroy.

A Young Couple

Nina and Bruno’s story began years earlier in Italy. Bruno grew up in a nearby town, and they would see each other when Nina visited extended family. When Bruno left for Australia, Nina suggested they write letters – and through those letters, their romance grew.

Their Melbourne wedding brought traditions old and new together. Nina borrowed her dress from Bruno’s boss’s wife, and her brother Antonio proudly walked her down the aisle. The reception was held in Carlton, surrounded by friends and family.

The newlyweds first boarded with another Italian couple in Preston while waiting for their own house in Reservoir to be built – just around the corner from what is now Mayflower Reservoir. Before they could move in, Bruno’s work sent him to Seymour as a supervising concreter at the Puckapunyal army camp.

Nina left her factory job and joined him. Times were tough, but she recalls her mindset: “now when I think about those early days in Australia, not having much family nearby, not knowing many people and not knowing the language, it was hard… but at the time I just looked upon it as a big adventure!” says Nina.

Family Life

In Seymour, the Italian community welcomed them, and friendships flourished. Eleven months after their wedding, Nina gave birth to their first child, Frank (Franco). After two years, with work at Puckapunyal completed, the family returned to Melbourne and moved into their newly built home in Kingsbury.

Here, Bruno and Nina raised 4 children – Frank (Franco), John, Liz (Elizabeth), and after nearly 12 years, Danny. Bruno worked six days a week, while Nina cared for the children and the household. She built a warm, welcoming family home and supported her husband’s efforts, including his gardening projects.

Reunited With Family

In 1959, Nina’s parents and younger siblings, Egisto and Paolina, migrated to Australia. This reunion brought immense joy. Sundays became a highlight, with picnics at Toorourrong Reservoir Park, filled with food, games, and laughter.

Home Life and Traditions

Nina’s daughter Liz reflects, “Mum has always loved taking care of us, and providing us with a loving family home.” Cooking was central to that care. Nina became known as the “Queen of making gnocchi and lasagna,” says Liz. Large trays of lasagna were made for family functions, and she also prepared Macafame, a traditional dessert from the Vicenza region – less than 40km from where Nina was born. Made with bread, milk, fruit and sultanas, it is sometimes referred to as a “peasant’s sweet.”

Nina’s hands were always busy. She particularly enjoyed sewing, and was often seen mending or altering something on her lap. Nina and Bruno worked as a team to maintain a thriving vegetable garden and chicken coop, which provided fresh produce for the family.  

Nothing went to waste – surplus fruit and vegetables were preserved or frozen. Liz recalls, “Mum was into recycling way before it became fashionable. Everything was reused, recycled, repurposed or kept because you never know if this might come in handy one day!”

Looking back, Nina says, “I am so glad we made the decision to move to Australia.” Though the early years were difficult, the opportunities and friendships that followed made the challenges worthwhile. It wasn’t until 1984, 28 years after arriving, that she returned to Italy for the first time.

Later Years

Bruno and Nina enjoyed travelling later in life, often on group tours with the Veneto Italian Club. Nina recalls many happy holidays, including their 2012 trip to her hometown with Bruno and their adult children. Showing them her childhood streets and school was deeply meaningful.

That same year, her eldest grandson married on 15 December – exactly 56 years after Nina and Bruno’s wedding. Four years later, they celebrated their 60th anniversary and received a certificate from Pope Francis.

When asked what brings her the most happiness, Nina answers without hesitation: “Family!”

With 4 children, their partners, 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, family gatherings take coordination, but they bring her the greatest joy. Nina says, “I feel very lucky, blessed and grateful to have such a beautiful family.”

Life at Mayflower Reservoir

Today, as a resident at Mayflower Reservoir, Nina enjoys the company of fellow residents and activities such as Music Therapy and DJ Morena’s sing-alongs. She especially appreciates the classics in both English and Italian. Visits from her husband, family and friends, often over a cappuccino at Café Amore, brighten her days.

A Milestone Birthday

On 7 September 2025, Nina celebrated her 90th birthday surrounded by family and friends with multiple gatherings that spilled over the weekend - filled with love, joy. and of course, plenty of cake.

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