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ITSOWEL Aged & Community Services was established in 1984 as a registered public company known as the Italian Social Welfare Organisation of Wollongong (It.So.Wel), to provide assistance and support to the large Italian-speaking immigrant community that had settled in the Illawarra. ITSOWEL has grown significantly since our grassroots beginnings and we have become a leading aged care service provider to the Illawarra’s diverse ageing population. We are an incorporated not-for-profit community organisation with registered charity status.
ITSOWEL aims to support older people to maintain independence, dignity and quality of life as they age. Today we provide inclusive care to the Illawarra community and beyond, in all its diversity. We welcome everyone, understanding and embracing individuality.
Our Italian heritage has created the roots for a unique model of care, based on the values of respect, dignity and genuine care for the individual, honouring that person’s contribution to our society. Our heritage has taught us how to live well, listen to each other, build quality relationships and celebrate life.
Our Story
Learn more about our
Support at Home Program
Learn more about our
Social Support Groups
Giovanna has been leading ITSOWEL as its CEO since 2002 and is a passionate advocate for the ageing culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. Born in Italy, Giovanna moved to Australia as a young girl with her family, and learned first-hand the challenges that face our CALD communities. She has great respect for the sacrifices and efforts made by her parents and the countless other migrants in the Illawarra.
Giovanna is passionate about preserving heritage and culture and has dedicated her time at ITSOWEL to honouring Italian traditions and stories, while simultaneously building the organisation’s capacity for providing quality person-centred aged care. Giovanna has recently been awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her contributions to the Italian community in the Illawarra. She leads ITSOWEL with determination and enthusiasm, encouraging everyone in her path towards a better future for the ageing population.
Meet our CEO
Giovanna Cardamone, OAM
STANDARDS OF CARE
Received excellent results in our 2023 audit by the Aged Care Quality Commission. We are fully compliant with all eight Standards of Care under the Aged Care Act.
We are honest, loving and ethical in all that we do for our community.
OUR STAFF
All our staff have the minimum qualifications in aged care or nursing and are encouraged to learn and grow while working with us. Our staff come from various cultural backgrounds and speak different languages.
YEARS OF SERVICE
Over 40 years of delivering person-centred care in the Illawarra. We have done this by building relationships and respecting the individuality of each consumer.
40+
Board of Directors
John Paul Troiani
President
John Paul has a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Graduate Certificate in Management and a Master of Science in Gerontology and Rehabilitation Studies. John Paul has worked with large aged care providers having strategic and operational oversight of in home (CHSP) and Home Care Package programs. John Paul’s current role is as Multicultural Health Education Officer with the Local Health District responsible for healthy ageing through health education programs particularly for the aged CALD community.
Carmine Zarrella
Vice President
Carmine has been an overseas pension consultant since 2006 assisting Italians with their application for Australian and overseas pensions and relevant documentation. Carmine has also supported the aged community, in particular Italians, with their welfare needs, providing information and support. Prior to his role as pension consultant, Carmine worked in a technical team leader position with Telecom.
Joe Pellegrino
Treasurer
Joe is a highly experienced chartered accountant. Joe was a Director of Marco Polo Retirement Villages between 1984-2013 and a Director of Marco Polo Aged Care Ltd from 2007-2013. Joe has been a member of Rotary Club Port Kembla for many years.
Neil Reilly
Company Secretary
Luigi Spanalatte
Lucia Musumeci
Leonardo Cervice
Emma Brandy
David Crowe
Giovanna Cardamone
Directors
Neil is an experienced management professional with demonstrated success in developing, delivering and evaluating business strategies. Since 2008, Neil has represented the community as a councillor with Kiama Municipal Council and as the Mayor of Kiama, and aligned with that, the Board of Blue Haven Nursing Home as well as a Board member of Kiama Board of Tourism.
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