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At 92 years old, Mario reflects on a life shaped by hard work, determination, and the belief that challenges are meant to be met head-on. 

Born in Italy, his journey to Australia began when he was just 17 — a young man with little money, limited English, and a strong desire to build a better future.

Mario arrived in Australia and quickly got to work. Within three days, he secured his first job in house plastering. He worked in the trade for three years, learning quickly and adapting to his new surroundings. This was a departure from his earlier studies in Italy, where he earned a diploma in textiles, but Mario was eager to seize any opportunity to move forward.

“For someone who didn’t speak much English, I picked myself up and went on with things the best way possible,” Mario said.

Mario eventually found work in the textile industry in Shepparton. Over time, he advanced from packer to forklift operator, then supervisor, and finally manager, a position he held for the last 25 years of his working life.

“I was determined to show my parents overseas that I could get on with life,” he said. 

“I promised my mother I would return to Italy after five years, when I was 22. But I fell in love, got married, and stayed in Shepparton.”

Mario has always valued community connection and has volunteered with Vision Australia’s radio reading service in Shepparton for over twenty years. Each week, he reads the Italian translation of Australian news to help other Italian-speaking listeners stay informed and connected.

As Mario’s vision gradually deteriorated, he shifted his relationship with Vision Australia from volunteering to receiving support. 

Despite the changes to his vision, he stayed committed to independence and continued engaging with the organisation that had long been part of his life.

“Vision Australia has been very helpful. Not only have they been helpful with providing tools like the white cane, they provided a lot of training on how to navigate with the cane in the community.”

Magnifiers, lighting, and other practical tools recommended by Vision Australia have allowed him to continue to be hands-on in his shed at home. 

“Vision Australia provided magnifiers and many lights for me to use while working with tools. 

“Small-handled magnifying glasses helped me read small print.”

For Mario, it wasn’t just the equipment that made the difference — it was the people.

“The entire Vision Australia team were very helpful. They would test my eyesight and recommend practical tools to assist me.

“If they weren’t around, it would be difficult to live independently.”

Now, Mario encourages others experiencing vision loss to reach out early and not face it alone. 

“If anyone is struggling with their eyesight, don’t be nervous.
 

“Someone will respond. They can come and visit you, and you’d be surprised how helpful Vision Australia are.”