By Lucy Waldron
A birthday, what does it mean to you?
When you are young and the world seems so big, you would count the sleeps until you are one year older.
When the amount of candles no longer fit on your cake, you want the world to spin around the sun slower.
When life’s experiences etch lines into your skin and grey your hair, you cherish each milestone even more.
For Clara Stefanon and her family, reaching her 100th birthday was a momentous occasion. Now that they have celebrated this incredible milestone, they are in awe of her journey and looking forward to what comes next.
Clara’s son Bruno Stefanon spoke fondly about his mother’s life.
“She had a tough life growing up but moved to Australia in 1952 and settled into Innisfail in far north Queensland where my dad was a cane cutter for four years,” Bruno said.
“Then he started harvesting apples in Stanthorpe during fruit season while also cutting cane, and while he was there he found a farm to buy.
“He rang mum up and said ‘I got this orchard, I think we should settle here.’ so mum packed our belongings and with me by her side we moved to Stanthorpe and mum has been there since.”
The Stefanon family quickly integrated into the Italian community in Stanthorpe, valuing their cultural heritage and ensuring it was passed down through generations.
“We try and keep our culture and pass it to our younger generations because it is very important for them to know where we all come from,” Bruno said.
Clara’s centennial celebration was attended by 150 guests, including six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
“She was very overwhelmed; she never expected to see so many friends and family,” Bruno said.
During the celebration, Clara was presented with a certificate marking her milestone by Vic Pennisi, a close family friend and recipient of the Ordine Della Stella D’Italia.
Vic, who has known Clara since birth, shared his deep connection to the family and the Italian community.
“She nursed me when I was just born and she was preparing to give birth to Luisa,” he said.
“So, when I was asked to present the certificate, how could I say no to someone who has known me all my life.
“I have been integrated with the Italian community since birth. I have been an advocate and spokesperson for them over that time, in and outside of council.”
Not only was the celebrations a day for Clara, it was also a reunion of a tight-knit community that cherishes friends and family.
“One of the profound things about communities like we have here is that our forebears built them,” Vic noted.
“I’m very conscious of the fact that, if you ignore history, you’re ignoring the future as well, because our future is forged on the past.”
One hundred years for Clara have been filled with family and staying true to her culture, whether that be with a home-cooked meal and a glass of wine or keeping the love in her heart strong.
Bruno attributes her longevity to her genes, organic food, and a carefree approach to life. Clara has been a “terrific” mother to her children, Luisa and Bruno, imparting values of respect, love, and helping others in need.
As Clara and her family look forward to another year around the sun, they continue to cherish the rich legacy she has created—a testament to a life well-lived, surrounded by love and tradition.
