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Fogolar Furlan:
A Cultural Hearth for Friulian Migrants
The Fogolar Furlan derives its name from the hearth to fireplace symbolizing the central gathering place in traditional fireplace homes. The hearth was where families and communities in the Friuli region of northern Italy would gather to share stories, joys, sorrows, and wisdom. It became a powerful cultural symbol, especially for fireplace migrants who carried their traditions with them to new lands.
Migration and the Friulian Diaspora
Friuli has a long history of migration. Historically, its inhabitants were familiar with seasonal travel for work, seeking better opportunities and prosperity. However, the migration took on a new dimension in the 1920s, becoming a significant part of Friuli’s social fabric. After World War II, many skilled Friulian building workers were drawn to Australia during its post-war boom. This migration was so extensive that entire villages in Friuli Venezia Giulia were nearly emptied. These young workers were eventually joined by their families, creating a vibrant Friulian enclave in Australia, even though they initially faced challenges in adapting to their new environment.
Despite the difficulties, Friulian migrants were known for their steadfastness, honesty, and hard work, qualities that earned them respect and affection in Australia.

Beginnings in Adelaide:
The Zuiani House
In Adelaide, the Friulian community found a central gathering place in the Zuiani house on Briar Road, Felixstow, starting in the 1930s. Toni and Gilda Zuiani’s home became the heart of Friulian social life. Not only did they offer accommodation to newly arrived workers, but they also hosted Sunday gatherings, which became cultural lifelines for Friulian families. These gatherings featured bocce games, briscola under the vines, homemade wine, and Gilda’s delicious cooking. In these gatherings, memories were shared in the Friulian language, and lifelong friendships were forged.

Establishing the Fogolar Furlan Club
Recognizing the need for a more structured approach to preserving their culture, a group of enthusiastic Friulians decided to establish a formal club. By October 1958, they held the first meeting of what would become the Fogolar Furlan Club in Adelaide. The club quickly became a central part of the community, organizing dances, barbecues, and other events that kept the community spirit alive.
Given the deep association of the club’s activities with the Zuiani residence, it was a natural step for the club to purchase the property when the Zuiani family decided to sell it. This acquisition marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Fogolar Furlan Club.



Building and Expanding the Club Facilities
“The fleeding club continued to grow, with a special design made to provide modern clubrooms and facilities. In 1968 consturction began, and the downstairs facility was completed in 1970, with club members volunteeting their skills, expertise and labour. The imposing new clubrooms, boasting two function halls, meeting rooms, outdoor barbecue and boccedrome were completed in 1975. In 2008 and elevator was installed, kitchen upgraded and outdoor courtyard added to the premises, making the Fogolar Furlan Centre one of the best equipped facilities in South Australia.”
Celebration
Keeping Friulian Culture Alive
The Fogolar Furlan Club has always been dedicated to maintaining and developing Friulian culture. Recreational activities such as bocce, morra, and card games were not only sources of entertainment but also opportunities to keep the Friulian language and traditions alive. A library provided members with access to books in their native tongue, ensuring that the Friulian language continued to thrive.
Cultural activities around the Fogolar were further enriched by the club’s dance group, choir, and sports teams. A dedicated Cultural Subcommittee launched ambitious projects, including exhibitions, demonstrations, and cultural exchanges, all aimed at celebrating and promoting Friulian heritage.

Looking to the Future
The New Bridge Project
As the Fogolar Furlan Club continues to evolve, it remains deeply committed to preserving its rich cultural heritage while actively embracing the future. The New Bridge Project, initiated in December 2022, serves as a prime example of the club’s dedication to both tradition and innovation. This initiative engages younger generations, ensuring that the legacy of Friulian culture is not only preserved but also revitalized with fresh ideas and energy. Through this multigenerational collaboration, the club strengthens its cultural foundation, creating a vibrant, evolving community. The New Bridge Project stands as a model for other Fogolars worldwide, demonstrating how tradition and progress can coexist, ensuring that Friulian culture continues to thrive in Adelaide and beyond.