Nestled in Stepney, South Australia, the Coordinating Italian Committee – affectionately known as CIC – has been a cornerstone of support for the Italian community since 1976. Located at 84 Payneham Road, CIC offers a vibrant mix of social programs designed to foster connection and wellbeing, with many of the participants residing in the Campbelltown and Norwood Payneham & St Peters Council areas.

Each fortnight, CIC runs nine social support programs across various locations. Weekly gatherings take place on Mondays and Fridays at Hectorville Community Hall, while Tuesdays and Wednesdays are hosted at CIC’s Stepney base. Thursdays feature a fortnightly program, and Saturdays alternate between entertainment and activities held at CIC and special outings to local pubs and cafés.

One of CIC’s standout initiatives is the Parallel Outing Day, held alongside the Wednesday program. A small group of program participants are selected on rotation to enjoy curated excursions, which have included apple picking, hill top flower market, the Japanese Gardens, the Butterfly enclosure at Botanical Gardens, Gaganis Greek supermarket, St Peter’s Cathedral and Parliament House plus many more places of interest. Each outing is capped off by lunch at a local café or hotel.

Gentle Tai Chi sessions are a highlight on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, with participants praising the guidance and support of the instructor. On alternate Thursdays, a shopping program offers door-to-door transport to Drakes at Newton Centro, followed by a visit to La Vera Cheese Shop for the Italian Cheese Experience. The socialising and music on the bus is appreciated by all. Volunteers assist with loading and unloading shopping, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable day for everyone.

CIC’s Nostra Casa Home Volunteer program is a much sought-after service, matching volunteers with isolated, homebound clients. The volunteer is expertly selected to suit the client’s needs, likes and personality and they visit the client in their home on a regular basis. Strong friendships have emerged from these visits, with heartwarming stories of mutual care – like clients sending homemade soup to unwell volunteers or even reversing roles to provide support in times of need. Along the way, traditional Italian recipes from all regions of Italy and gardening and preserving produce tips are lovingly exchanged.

Recognising a growing need for personalised transport, CIC is developing a one-on-one transport service for isolated individuals. Though still in its early stages, the initiative aims to expand and reach more members of the community.

CIC also actively participates in local council events, like the ‘Zest for Life’ homemade pasta day hosted by Norwood Payneham & St Peters Council.

To access CIC’s programs, a My Aged Care referral is required. The friendly and helpful staff at CIC are available to assist with the process and can be contacted at (08) 8362 0233 or via info@cicinc.com.au.

The Coordinating Italian Committee is supported by an Ageing Well in CALD Communities Grant from Office for Ageing Well, which aims to deliver education and awareness-raising activities focused on safeguarding the rights of older people and to strengthen the capability of older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds to understand and action their rights.