Associazione Nazionale Famiglie Emigrati
ANFE is an acronym for “Associazione Nazionale Famiglie Emigrati” which means National Association of Migrant Families and was founded in Brisbane in 1962 by Comm. Carmelo Caruso by request of the Italian Government.
It is a “not for profit” organisation and a moral entity which was founded in Italy in 1947 by the Hon. Maria Federici Agamben and which was formally recognised by the Italian Government by decree of the President of the Italian Republic in 1968.
Maria Federici Agamben (L’Aquila, 1899-1984), donna della Costituente (la Commissione dei 75) e fondatrice dell’A.N.F.E. Associazione Nazionale Famiglie Emigrati nel 1947, eretta ente morale con DPR n.658 nel 1968.
A Little Piece of Italy Right Here in Brisbane
The original aim of the association was to assist the migrant and their families which were sometimes left back home when the breadwinner (usually the husband or father) migrated to another country. All representatives worked on a voluntary basis. Through these, ANFE provided assistance to the entire family nucleus exposed to the hardships of migration.
With the change in society, ANFE’s aim has now evolved and its primary objective is the safeguarding of its original cultural heritage by preserving its history and traditions. It also offers interaction amongst others with the same cultural interest and where necessary, provides social welfare and assistance.
ANFE avails itself of an organised and structured network, constituted by Regional, Provincial and communal branches in Italy as well as branches in European and non-European countries.
In Italy. ANFE has eleven regional delegations, forty provincial branches, and numerous communal delegations (mainly present in southern Italy). Around the world, ANFE has approx. 54 representations in countries like Belgium, Switzerland, France, Germany, Holland, Luxembourg, England, Scotland, Tunisia, USA, Canada, Argentina, Cuba, Venezuela and of course, Australia where we currently have five representations (Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Fremantle).
The National Delegate for ANFE Australia was Comm. Carmelo Caruso A.M. who was also the Patron of ANFE Brisbane.
Comm. Carmelo Caruso A.M., J.P. Founder and National Delegate of ANFE in Australia and Patron of ANFE Brisbane.
The first Brisbane ANFE branch was located in Wyandra Street, Newstead and always had an extremely strong following from not only the Italian migrants, but also from the local community as well providing both social and recreational activities, especially for the older generation which travelled from afar to attend their social Sunday afternoons. In 2025, ANFE move to their new premises at 429 Stafford Rd, Stafford.
HOW IT STARTED
Founded in 1962 by Carmelo Caruso and a dedicated group of volunteers, ANFE Brisbane was established to support Italian migrants as they built new lives in Australia. At a time when little government assistance was available, the Association became a trusted source of guidance, friendship and practical support for the growing Italian community.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, ANFE expanded its services through fundraising, cultural events, language initiatives, charity appeals and community programs. The Association also organised travel groups, helping many migrants return to Italy to reconnect with family and their heritage.
In 1981, ANFE achieved a major milestone with the opening of ANFE House in Newstead. For more than four decades, it became a vibrant meeting place where generations gathered to enjoy traditional Italian food, celebrate cultural traditions and build lifelong friendships. The dedication of countless volunteers ensured the Association continued to thrive and remain at the heart of Brisbane's Italian community.
As Brisbane evolved, so did ANFE. Under the leadership of successive committees and Presidents, the Association embraced change while remaining committed to its founding purpose of preserving Italian culture and supporting the community. In 2020, members made the difficult but forward-looking decision to relocate from Newstead to a new home in Stafford.
Following an extensive refurbishment, ANFE Italian Club opened its doors in Stafford in 2025, beginning an exciting new chapter. Today, the Club continues to celebrate Italian heritage through authentic cuisine, cultural events, language programs, community activities and welcoming spaces where people of all backgrounds can come together.
More than 60 years after its founding, ANFE remains proudly volunteer-led and community-focused, a place where traditions are honoured, new memories are created and the spirit of Italian hospitality continues to flourish for future generations.
