The Geelong Italian Social Club was founded after a group of 50 individuals got together and donated enough money to purchase 5 1/4 acres of land, on which the club is now situated.

On the land was a corrugated iron shed, which still stands today. This shed was the first “home” of the G.I.S.C., where on every Sunday and most Saturday nights, literally hundreds of first-generation Italians and their families congregated together to talk about old times, dance, and just have fun.

The traditions and heritage of Italy were very much alive in those days, as many, many Italians and their Australian friends dug deep into pockets and into their free time to enable a magnificent club building to be erected.

The club was officially opened by the then Premier of Victoria, the Hon. Rupert Hamer, in 1976. The club has enjoyed much success over the years, along with some not-so-good times in the late 80s. Recent years have seen the club return to the success of its heydey, with the club boasting a real multicultural membership group and first, second, and now third-generation Italians displaying a renewed love for the past traditions and heritage.

The history of the Conca D'Oro Association followed a very similar pattern to that of the G.I.S.C. Having been founded some 20 years ago, club rooms were built 17 years ago on Moolap Station Road, on land donated by the then Bellarine City Council.

Similarly, the Club Rooms were erected with the help of voluntary labour.

Similarly also, the Conca D'Oro enjoyed its good and not-so-good times in the past.

In May 1995, after lengthy negotiations, both clubs agreed to amalgamate under the banner of Club Italia (Geelong) Inc. The main objectives in the founding of these clubs were to promote, foster, and maintain Italian activities; to promote the welfare of Italian migrants and their families; and to promote social, sporting, and cultural events. The venue is currently being managed by an elected committee of 12 people, all of whom work very actively in promoting Italian heritage and social and cultural events.

In May 1998, Club Italia officially opened its new $100,000 indoor 6-lane bocce court complex by hosting the State League Bocce Championships. The first time these championships have been held outside the Melbourne area.

Today Club Italia (Geelong) boasts an active membership offering activities including bocce and quality regular family social activities, which reinforce our commitment to promote, foster, and maintain Italian activities, promote the welfare of Italian migrants and their families, and involve the local community to the fullest.