DescriptionThis interview consists of two audio recordings and transcripts. Maria Corolla was interviewed on 11 September 2002 at Smart Street, Fairfield by Shirley McLeod.Interview SummaryMaria Crestani was born on the 11th April 1938 in Italy. Her parents were Sebastiano and Euradice Crestani and originated from Vincenza in northern Italy. Her father migrated to Australia before she was born to work in the mines in the Northern Territory and South Australia. Due to the outbreak of World War 2, it would be 10 years before her family would be reunited with him in Australia.
Maria arrived in Australia by ship in 1948 originally moving to Penrith and later settling in Horsley Park. Maria met her husband Sergio Corolla, who was a friend of her brothers and used to play music together. They were married in 1963 moving into a house in Fairfield built by Sergio. They have two daughters, Nadia and Milva. She has been involved with Marconi Club and fundraising efforts for Fairfield Hospital through the Italian community.
Maria talks openly of her early life struggles, with her mother having to raise a young family alone during the war and then arriving in a new country and having to adapt to a new way of life.
Maria Corolla Oral History (1938-2012). Fairfield City Heritage Collection, accessed 24/08/2026, https://heritagecollection.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/849
