Professional achievements are part of the milestones that make life truly memorable. Some of our residents have enjoyed exciting and fulfilling professional careers that spanned across different fields and countries.
Ascot Park resident Tony Cicarella (pictured above) enjoyed a 50-year career as a chef before he retired aged 75. Tony completed his early training in Italy before honing his skills in restaurants in France, Belgium, Switzerland and England.
After coming to Australia in the mid-1960s, Tony worked at the Freeway Hotel at Pooraka which was described as ‘luxurious’ and ‘the largest and most outstandingly designed suburban hotel in Australia’ when it opened in 1966. “It was a new place, the best place, it was wonderful!” said Tony.
Glenelg resident Phillip Pike is an artist born in Maitland on the Yorke Peninsula. After studying at Flinders University, Philip worked in radio and television before moving to Queensland to work with Queensland Performing Arts Trust.
Always following his artistic side, Philip also pursued music, fine arts and writing, with 2 published books in his name and his work exhibited in several South Australian galleries.
One career highlight for Philip was when the director of music at St Stephen’s Cathedral used his paintings as inspiration to compose a symphony which was performed in the cathedral while the paintings were exhibited in the adjoining chapel.
Philip has 4 children from a previous marriage to Anna Pike, who is also a Glenelg resident. Anna had a long and successful career as an actor and a voice and drama coach. One of her most memorable roles was playing Blanche Dubois in a production of ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ with the University Theatre Guild.
After moving to Brisbane with her then husband, Phillip, Anna was an examiner with Queensland’s Australian Music Examinations Board. “This gave me the opportunity to travel throughout Queensland which was a wonderful experience,” said Anna.
Philip and Anna worked together to pursue their careers while raising their family. “It was always a team effort,” said Philip.
These reflections of a life’s work are, above all, reflections of our residents—their passions, contributions, and the rich lives they’ve led.