MARCELLO D’Amico extracts everything possible from every minute of life.
“Age is no barrier – do what you are capable of. It doesn’t matter how bleak things are, there is always calm after the storm,” he said.
The 77-year-old winner of this year’s Victorian Senior of the Year Promotion of Multiculturalism Award was recognised for an incredible body of work in music, art and writing that has enhanced the lives of countless people.
At age 14 he left his parents on Salina, a tiny island north of Sicily, to visit his siblings in Melbourne – and it became his home.
With a love for art, music and – when he came to our shores, sport – Marcello has used his wide-ranging talents in many ways, and still does.
“In Italy I loved music, learning mandolin at seven years of age, guitar at 10 and pipe organ at 12,” he said.
“I loved drawing too. And for some reason when I came here, I realised how much I loved sport.
“I had a lot of interests and couldn’t stick to one thing.”
In his early 20s he began reporting and writing on sport with the Australian-based Italian newspaper Il Globo – a passion that continued for 30 years.
“I was the first Italian-born VFL umpire in the reserves grade in 1966, then in 1974 I did a FIFA coaching course and coached in State League soccer.”
Meanwhile, having won a scholarship to the National Gallery Art School, he gained a reputation for his artwork – drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture.
His work has been exhibited many times, and in 2003 the Ottawa School of Art established the Marcello D’Amico Life Drawing Scholarship.
He served for 20 years on the board of Multicultural Arts Victoria, and for more than three decades has been active in the Federation of Italian Pensioners.
“I was asked to volunteer there for a month. Then 10 years later I tried to leave the secretary’s role ... but I’m still there 33 years on.”
Seven years ago he had quadruple bypass surgery and last year two serious leg operations, but it hasn’t slowed him down. Two years ago he published his first book of poetry and is now working on a collection of autobiographical anecdotes.
“My wife and I still play music at church, and for senior residents in accommodation.,” Marcello said. “That’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done in my life – they respond to music so joyfully.
“It’s important to keep going: don’t sit there falling asleep watching television – there’s always something to do.
“I was born during World War II. At age three, our house was bombed and the community gathered around to help. Today there are still those who need help – like refugees.”
Marcello says he has had a very full life – “and I could not have done what I have without the support of my wife Pauline, son John Paul and daughter Maryanne, and their families”.
