When Italy Wasn’t Home: Natasha Marona on Migration, Resilience and Return

In this episode, Claudia Callisto welcomes Natasha Marona, a proud Italian Australian woman, real estate professional and long-time contributor to the Italian community in Adelaide. Their conversation is full of warmth, laughter, nostalgia and honest reflection as they explore the unique experience of being part of the “sandwich generation” — the daughters of Italian immigrants who grew up balancing Australian life with the traditions, expectations and values of their families. Natasha shares the remarkable story of moving to Italy with her parents as a child in the early 1980s, only to discover that the dream of returning “home” was far more complicated than expected. From navigating a strict Italian school system to watching her parents struggle with employment, finances and a very different way of life, Natasha reflects on how that experience shaped her understanding of identity, belonging and opportunity. The conversation also celebrates the richness of Italian Australian culture — the family visits, loud kitchens, Sunday ragù, 1980s Italian music, the unforgettable atmosphere of Italy winning the 1982 World Cup and the beauty of community traditions. Natasha also speaks about her work with Italian associations in Adelaide and why keeping the Italian language and culture alive requires new energy, new ideas and new ways to connect with younger generations. At its heart, this episode is about resilience, gratitude and authenticity. Natasha’s story is one of family sacrifice, community support, personal independence and cultural pride. Her message to her younger self is simple but powerful: follow your own journey, do what feels right for you and don’t be afraid to simply “do you”. Guest Bio Natasha Marona is a proud Italian Australian woman, community contributor and property professional based in Adelaide. She works in property management and sales and is connected with Marona Property Group. Born into a close Italian family, Natasha’s life has been shaped by her parents’ migration story, her childhood experience of living in Italy, her deep connection to the Adelaide Italian community and her passion for keeping Italian language and culture alive. She has been involved in community organisations including the Dante Alighieri Association and the South Australian Italian Association, contributing her time and energy to events, language, culture and connection. Natasha brings warmth, honesty and humour to this conversation as she reflects on family, identity, resilience, ageing parents, community work and what it means to live proudly between two worlds. Key Talking Points Natasha’s connection to Claudia and the Adelaide Italian community Growing up as an only child in an Italian Australian family Her parents’ well-loved fish and chip shop in Rostrevor Moving from Australia to Italy in 1982 as a young girl Why life in Italy did not work out for Natasha’s family The financial and cultural differences her parents experienced in Italy Returning to Australia and rebuilding life with help from community families The strict Italian school system and being called by surname in class Natasha’s mother’s resilience, work ethic and later return to education The joy of visiting Italian families, sharing meals and hearing stories The “sandwich generation” experience of being Italian Australian How migrant parents sometimes preserved the Italy they left behind Natasha’s pride in her Italian heritage from a young age Her career in international hotel management and time working in Rome The difference between visiting Italy and actually living there Moving into real estate, property management and running her own business Italian food traditions, Sunday ragù and cooking with her mum Curfews, going out, family expectations and parental advice Natasha’s long-standing community involvement with Italian organisations How younger generations may connect with Italian language and culture differently Meeting her husband Matt and blending Italian and Australian family traditions Her Australian wedding and later wedding blessing in Italy The traditional costume from San Giorgio la Molara and preserving cultural practices Caring for ageing parents as an only child Natasha’s reflections on authenticity, independence and living between Australia and Italy Brought to you by Shining Light