Welcome to the
Mandile Family Web Site
In 1926, Giuseppe Mandile emigrated to Australia from an island called
Filicudi. Filicudi is part of the Aeolian Islands [or Isole Eolie], a volcanic island chain off the
north coast of Sicily.

Filicudi is the 2nd island from the left
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many of the islands' young male residents were frustrated by the lack of
opportunities facing them. Land was limited, and apart from farming and fishing, there were no real local
industries.
Many of them set sail for other countries, particularly the newer countries like the Americas, Australia and New
Zealand. Here they found work easily, sending a portion of their wages home to their families. The married men
supported wives and children left at home in Italy, visiting every one or two years and usually leaving their wives
pregnant with the next child.
But eventually they decided to settle in the new country and sent money for their families to join them. My
grandfather Giuseppe was joined in Australia by his brother and three sisters. Recording their stories is the
purpose of this web site.
This site is currently under construction.
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