Hosted by Alice's Journeys Walking Tours of Daylesford.

As part of the Swiss Italian Festa 2024, join us for morning tea at the stunning Mineral Springs Hotel in Hepburn Springs and meet author, Maria Harris (nee Triaca), in conversation with Cathy Samsury (nee del Negro).

Maria Harris (nee Triaca) is author of “Amelia - A Long Journey”

Maria wrote this endearing story of her Nonna (Grandmother) Amelia, who was sent from Italy to Daylesford in 1904, as a 14-year-old, to care for her aging uncle.

Maria's book was first published in 1985 and is a remarkable and enduring story of love, hardship, resilience and adversity. In recognition of the value and perpetuity of Amelia's story, in 2023 it was translated into Italian and is published via Amazon books.

Maria is a property copywriter from Melbourne.

Cathy is the child of Italian American immigrants. Cathy immigrated to Australia in the 1970s and has called Melbourne home until her recent tree change to the Central Highlands that reminds her so much of her Appalachian Mountain home in Massachusetts. Cathy is a now retired drama and English teacher, theatre director and playwright.

Maria and Cathy will discuss Maria and her Nonna's life together in Melbourne, Amelia's life in Italy, Daylesford and beyond, and the writing process to produce this stunning book. They will read their favourite passages from the book.