In the late 1870s, a group of hopeful Italian migrants were lured into a cruel scam by French nobleman Marquis de Rays, who promised a paradise colony called La Nouvelle France in the South Pacific. Over 300 Italians, mostly poor farmers from the Veneto region, sold everything they had to chase this dream. But when they arrived in 1880, they found nothing but jungle, disease, and death. It was a tragic disaster. Dozens died, and the rest were stranded.
Rescued and eventually brought to Australia, the survivors could have given up. Instead, they began again. With determination and support from the New South Wales government, they established a settlement near Woodburn, naming it New Italy. On harsh, unforgiving land, they built homes, planted vineyards, raised families, and preserved their culture.
Though the village faded over time, its legacy endures. Today, the New Italy Museum stands as a proud testament to resilience, courage, and community. Run by descendants of the original settlers, it honours a journey that began with deception and ended as a thriving symbol of multicultural Australia.
From tragedy to triumph, New Italy is a story of hope reborn.
By Luke Terramadre. First published in the Kyogle Inky Issue May 14.