Who Do You Think You Are? ~ Chat Transcript

SBS:

Welcome to the Tina Arena WDYTA?
Webchat with director Jane Manning and Tina Arena.

[Nadia]

Hi Tina, how are you?

[Hiedi]

Hi Tina, I just watched your episode and was so moved by your findings and what it meant to you.

[Guest]

Amazing production, thank yo Tina

[Wade]

Hello Tina, what a wonderful show and I could see how the emotional content really affected you. My question is how your family has reacted to the information you have found.

Jane Manning:

Hi all, Jane here.... not sure if Tina is online from Paris yet... fingers crossed the connection works!

Tina Arena:

hi everyone nice to be here..

[daniel]

what advice would you give to people thinking of looking up their family's history?

Jane Manning:

Ciao Tina!

[Michelle]

I cried with you tonight Tina, and your words 'if he were alive I'd cover him in kisses" was one of the most touching turnarounds. Good to see you found peace.

[Stef from ta.com]

Hi Tina. Was it important for you to do this program for your son Gabriel as well ?

[Janie]

Tina, loved this episode and you looked gorgeous. The poem at the end - you said you hadn't written a poem for a while. What about discovering your family inspired you to pen that beautiful tribute.

[MR_ARENA]

That was the best episode i have seen, very touching. Do you feel more complete now that ou have this information Tina?

[Tom]

Excellent production and story- a credit to all involved

Tina Arena:

Dont heitate to research your family treee.. itsan amazing experience.. 

[Kerryann]

Another brilliant episode and sooo emotional.

[Hiedi]

Hi Tina, I just watched your episode and was so moved by your findings and what it meant to you.

[Sam]

Hi - just wanted to say hi to Tina and thank her for sharing her beautiful story tonight. You are a beautiful human being and we are so proud of you.

[Daniel]

That was another wonderful episode. Tina is a truly remarkable woman and it was great to experience her journey.

[JonathonSciola]

Wonderful show. Thank you for your honesty. Very raw and rewarding journey.

[MR_ARENA]

I love when you speak italian, very very cool how does it feel to have this information now?

[Daniel]

Also wonderful was that no translators were needed. Splendido.

[Daniel]

interesting story... I have a great great grandfather who was also a foundling, his name was Michaelangelo Passarello (a made up surname) in Fiumefreddo di Siclia. Nobody knows anything about him just rumors that his mother was unmarried...

[Josie]

What a beautiful story and the poem you wrote sums up your family ancestry perfectly.

Tina Arena:

good question Wade..my families react was really positive .. how the media interpret your findings can be a little worrying though... sometimes.!

[AndrewK]

Australia loves you Tina, thankyou for sharing this with us

[Angie]

Hey ya Tina from Melbourne, what a journey, thanx for your courage sharing

[Phill]

Tina, do you have any advice on how us in Australia can discover family origins from Italy, without actually having the resources to travel there.

SBS:

Phil if you look on the SBS website there is a list of resources you can use without travelling to Italy

[Brian]

There is a saying that if your travel long enough you will eventually meet yourself. I think you found yourself Tina

[Martin]

Hi Tina. Are you related to the Aust Soprano Angelina Arena

[phildev]

Hi Tina, have your ancestral revelations influenced or inspired any recordings for your next album?

[Dannii M]

The episode reminds me of why I love and respect you xx

[michael]

I thought the sections re the mines was interesting...6 year olds digging sulphur....I can see monee valley out my west brunswick window too...

[Greg]

Tina what a great episode. It just goes to show that we can't judge a book by its cover. There's always a reason behind our behaviours

[MegR]

Hey Tina, I found your poem very moving - is it something you might share with us (c)? What a wonderful story! Thankyou.

Tina Arena:

Stef.. it's so important to me .. and a privalige to be able to pass this kind of info on to my son.. weve even started looking into his fathers origins. 

[Celia]

Celia, the Series Prodcer here . We were very lucky that our brilliant director Jane is fluent in Italian. but it was hard work for both Jane and Tina to work in 2 languages, They worked VERY long days!

[Guest]

Hi Tina, Pancari Romeo family from Preston. totally moved by you journey what a emotional experience for you and your family, we were totally moved Regards

[Gwen]

Hi Tina, did you always speak Italian at home?

[Eve]

Thank you Tina for sharing something so personal with the public. Always respected you as performer. Now I can also say I respect you as a person

[Michael]

Tina, what an awesome journey. So interesting to find the connections between the past and the present.

[Josie]

Absolutely loved your story - very touching, amazing all the threads of similar experiences coming through your families journey i.e looking after the elderly and embracing those who have been abandoned ... inspiring .... how proud you must feel !!

Tina Arena:

MR ARENA ( any relation?? ) I feel like i have found a secret treasure...

[Maria D]

Tina I so get your comment about thanking your parents about coming to Australia and giving you this life. I am still very connected with my Italian home but I am sooooo happy my parents brought me here. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[Terry]

Thank you for sharing your journey & your honesty. Your poem was very moving & I'd love the words. I've spent months getting nowhere trying to research my family... You've now inspired me to try again! What was the opera songs played? I've never been into opera, but this brought me to tears...

[Tracey M]

Hi Tina, what a lovely history. A family to be proud of on both sides. I'm wondering if your father and mine cut cane together in NQ back in the day. Congraulations on being brave enough to undertake your search and for sharing it with us.

[Chris]

Its interesting to think that we can inherit a good nature and kindness, without ever knowing where it orginated from. Thanks for allowing us to experience that through your family Tina

[Yhonnie]

Hi Tina, I used to watch you on YTT as a child and was a huge fan (and always have been). Thank you for letting us share your beautiful and personal journey.

Tina Arena:

Thanks Josie..I am turning that poem into a song...

[Carmine Cimilio]

BTW I loved the peom you wrote. We are going back to Italy next year with the kids. Going to Scicily to visit Claudia last surviving aunt in Messina.

[Josette]

I cried with you tonight Tina. Beautiful story. Stay strong!!!

[Hugh]

great episode Tine. So Who do you think you are now?

[Sonia]

Thanks Tina for sharing your incredible family history - I watched every minute and shared your tears. Absolutely captivating, intersing, sad and gracious...congratulations on finding out who you are (or at least putting some of those deamons to rest).

[Paul]

Thanks Tina, what a wonderful insight into seeing how our previous generations can reflect ourselves. And thankyou for being your so very independant self. Respect

[Graham Hocking]

Tina, I was so deeply touched with your personal story, and even more with your wonderful openness and spontaneity, as I too share many of your issues of abandonment that have so much shaped my life. I cried with you........with grateful thanks. You should be rightly proud of your heritage

[Leanne]

Amazing to discover the coincidences that you discovered with your family today

[Josette R]

I cried with you tonight Tina. Beautiful story. Stay strong!!!

[Nikos Psaltopoulos]

Opera on the terrace? Retracing your greatnono

[Christine]

Tina, what...do you think, are the chances of successful family history research in Sicily for those of us who don't speak italian? Great show.

Tina Arena:

Phil.. I think the internet is as good a place to start for researchingfamily history..like .. Im sure they are good.

[Tina Paradiso]

Hi Tina, thanks for sharing yoru story I found out that my great grandfather was adopted, but i hvnt stopped hoping. I am told his father had left his son a piece of land, so my nest search will be at the local 'comune' so can search land titles.... your story bought a tear to my eye for more than one scene. the scene at the nursing home at the end was a lovely finish. THANKS for the opportunity to learn about your search... Are you going to keep searching on the family that took your great grandmother in for those first 8 years?

[Angie]

i was thinking your poem should also be a song, ... i look forward to hearing it

[superkawaii]

you are a remarkable woman,much respect to you

[Hiedi]

The Opera was Puccini no?

[Nikos Psaltopoulos]

Opera on the terrace? Retracing your grandfather's steps...very moving...

[Suzi]

Gold star, High Distinction all round for the everyone who worked on the show!

Tina Arena:

Gwen.. I speak italian at home when I can...

[Alan Contini]

During tonights show I relived my dinner conversations with my nonna when I lived with her whilst living in Italy in 1977, It's amazing to now think that everynight at dinner she was passing on her story to me. At the time I found the stories funny, but because there was no TV and only her & I, these stories have lived with me. This episode has convinced me that I must do the same with my children.

[Chris]

It will be great to hear a new album of orginal music from you Tina, although I hope you include the song you did from the ARIA Hall of Fame, as you took my breathe away as usual

[daniel]

Will this episode be available on dvd in future?

[Nigel]

Wonderful doco....it must have been fantastic to find out these issues to help understand your feelings?

[Iolanda]

Ciao Tina. I just found out that my name Trovatello was given to my great grandfather who was abandoned. It's amazing how history repeats itself. I am hoping to find out more, but my father doesn't tell me much ...i guess there is a shame attached. My father is from Catania and was also abandoned...

[Doug Reece]

Hi Tina. I was very touch by your story. I am as well as many many Australians very happy that you family came here. For your parents looking after elderly people and your wonderful singing.

Tina Arena:

Thank you Josie.. the whole subject of old age just doesnt get the attention it deserves.. 

B

[Belinda]

Fabulous episode jane...beautifully directed as usual

Jane Manning:

Hi Daniel, the series is usually released on DVD once all episodes have been broadcast.

[Connie]

Hi Tina, I live in Essendon!! Around the corner from your mum's nursing home. I am your age and also Sicilian! I was going to place my mother in the nursing home. But we chose another one. I really enjoyed watching the show very much. It was emotional for me. Both my parents have passed. I would love to do what you did. I am only able to track back from my grand parents. I cannot go further. We are from Catania, Vizzini and Francofonte. I wish you the very best. I loved the poem. Your Grand father and Grand mother would be very proud of you. xx

Jane Manning:

Thanks Belinda! x

[Geoffrey]

Hiedi - Si, Madama Butterfly

[Anthony]

Tina how widespread were those wheels .. were they on mainland Italy too? ... as a child (@-3yo) I remember little places that had little Madonna statues in them too ... but maybe they were not the same thing

[Vincent]

What an amazing story, like many others I have heard. My grandfather was illegetimate but brought up by his mother in Sicily in the early 1900's. I can see the similarities as he was a catankerous old bugger as well. Those tough times explain a great deal if you can ask the right questions. Well done on a beautiful story, beautifully told

[Warren]

Hi Tina Really liked the episode, I grew up not far from Moonee Ponds (East Keilor), my mother and grandmother would push the pram up Rosehill road down Puckle street past your parents place when I was young. My mother side is also Sicilian descent. My question is would you recomend help from that American geaneologist? I have found researching my English heritage realtively easier than my Italian hertage.

[Karen]

Congrats to the team... Deserves a Logie!!!

[Keryn W]

Your relations live on in you!

[Danielle Cerra]

Hi Tina, loved your story. My family is from Sicily too and I love Italy and have a bit of an obsession really! I always feel at home in Italy and have felt like I have feet in two countries! I would love to trace my family's history too but not sure where to start. You speak Italian so beautifully. I saw you sing in Melbourne with no Andrea Boccelli and you were brilliant, Well done!

Tina Arena:

Brian.. i think you are right. and the travel has helped find myself enormously..

[Dee]

Hi Tina, I've been trying to think of what to write for the last few minutes and it's driving me nuts!! Firstly, thank you for being soo open tonight. It was inspiring, as I have a great-grandfather who is an "Unknown" as well. Secondly, I was a member of your supporting choir at the Sydney Olympics. Music can heal & it's helped me a lot over the years. Was your "family journey" as healing as your musical one?

[tony]

the sulfur mine info was very sad-it was heartbreaking information-also the whole foundlings/wheel was so sad to think povertyy caused people to giove up their kids

Jane Manning:

Hi Anthony - the wheels - or 'ruote' were common throughout both Sicily and Italy last century but very few still exist.

[Herdsman Lake]

Hi Jane and Tina, well done on an amazing WDYTYA? Tina thanks for being so emotionally generous. xxx D

[Deb]

Your show highlighted how important it is to ask questions...get as much info about your family as you can...esp those of us that have moved away from our motherland...once our elders are gone...it's hard to get the little details that paint the picture of our heritage..write it down...share it...

[Steve]

How many languages will your children speak ?

[Kate]

This is such a great series, and tonight's episode was no exception. Thanks SBS, Jane and thanks++ Tina for sharing your truly moving and inspirational story.

[Joe]

Tina, I saw so much of myself in you tonight. A sicilian Australian growing up near the airport in Melbourne, who didnt relate too well to his grandfather. Thankyou for showing me that I too probably just didnt know enough about him to understand his stern ways. I also appreciate that my family were able to leave Sicily, which has given me the life I live today.

Jane Manning:

Hello Herdsman Lake - and thank you! xo

[nanny on tour]

Tina I hope this finally settles your uneasiness you should be very proud of both sides of your family and iam certainly proud to know you..xx

[LejlaD]

Your family makes you who you are today, well done Tina and SBS

SBS:

The dvd will be out in January after the season ends. 

SBS:

There are very many questions tonight, so please be patient.

[Marianna]

beautiful story....and poem..I cried with you...touched that Sicilian thing that lies within us ...2 generation melbournians

[Joanne]

Tina you are lovely. What a wonderful program. Hope you have an even better lifes journey now.

Tina Arena:

Terry the opera was Rossini.. he was one of my grandads favorites

[Mirella Chiodo]

Hi Tina, what a great show. Michael and I found it so inspiring and totally moving. I am so glad that you were able to reconnect with your family history and that you now have a better understanding of your family. Tina you are amazing just like your mother. Mike's grandfather was also adopted in Sicily and we would love to find out more about his life. Can you recommend were to start looking.

[Maria]

Its important to listen to family stories, and not laugh at them or tell them stop repeating stories - you need to listen to them........ i'm sorry i did not listen to my mum and aunt more often

[Kaye]

Dear Tina, thank you for taking us on such a beautiful and touching journey. Watching you unlock your incredible history moved me to tears! To me, your story is wonderfully Australian, which can be passed on with pride to your son. Thank you again, Tina and SBS!!

[Lea]

Hi Tina, thank you for sharing your wonderul and moving journey. I am adopted and my searching has taken me many places and there is always a story that you are not expecting. Thank you Tina for your honesty and your total commitment to finding your family ties. I have always been a fan and you have grown into a beautiful young woman. Thank you.

[Connie Vella]

Hi Tina, the show was very moving to me because I was born in Sicily and migrated to Australia when I was 14years old. I still get so very home sick for my country and your journey to Sicily was very emotional to me. Thank you for sharing your family tree it was great! I am sure your Grandfather is smiling down from heaven and so proud of you! I love you as an entertainer and have followed you from YTT I have personally met you on the show many times and you remain a great entertainer, your voice

[DanielW]

Hi Jane, I missed the bit that explained what year Tina's parents migrated to Australia and the reason.

[Sandra Lettieri]

Hi Tina, your story touched my Husband Giovanni and I deeply. His father was also an orphan and was also left in the wheel in Abruzzo, Italy. Thank you for sharing your story.

[Francesca (Melbourne)]

My Nonno also had the same character as yours Tina which makes me wonder about his childhood.

[Jennifer]

Great show tonight. Tina, everyone you met in Sicily seemed so incredible, helpful and empathetic. Were they all like that?!

Jane Manning:

In general, Italian ancestor research can be more challenging than, say, if you're ancestors come form teh UK. This is because many italian records are not yet online. However the Mormons photographed and recorded many original italian records and these are not held on microfilm - these were key in tracing Tina's ancestors.

[Christine]

Tina, what an amazinglyh honest storey, thank you for sharing it with us. It was truly moving and inspiring.

[Bernice]

The connections and stories will I'm sure help you to understand so much about who your parents and grandparents were. What a wonderful opportunity this show has given you.

[David]

Can't wait to hear the poem translated to song, and i know it will be your most honest and beautiful work yet...We love you in Melbourne, please tour again soon...tonight's insight into the real Tina will triple ticket sales! Glad you took part in the series, the best reality program ever created. Stay warm in Paris Tina.

[Nikos Psaltopoulos]

Thank you Tina for sharing your journey! Well done to everybody involved! Tina, we are so proud of you...

[RAMIZZA_D]

You're story moved me to tears, Thankyou for being honest and letting us all watch

[Minnie]

Hi Tina, your story was amazing, just like you, Thank you for sharing your journey of your family history, I've been deeply touched, I cried along with you. Hope you will continue to tell this journey to your children just like my parents have to me and I do to my children. Also thank you to SBS for having a program like this.

[gloria]

The show was great - you are a real Italian!!!!

[mandy]

thanks tina and all involved it was a lovely and informative story

Tina Arena:

This show came to me at such a perfect time in my life and it permitted me to understand some of my own life choices and answer some of the questions that have plagued me .. its been a blessing

[Chris]

Tina, did your understanding of your grandfathers abuse in those minds as a child, change how your mother feels about him, as it did for you ?

[Craig- Sydney]

Tina- where did you view the show tonight... with you Family & did it give some sense of comfort for yuor Sisters & parents as well. Beautiful story- well done

[phildev]

Hi Tina, do you think our elders should be more valued than they currently are in our society? Your journey certainly made me think I should appreciate my own grandparents more and learn what I can from them while they're still alive. Thankyou Tina!

[Leah]

I'd like to know how long it takes to put together an episode Jane?

[jojo]

The proxy wedding I found amazing. Was it a common practice for people to be married & recognised as such in absentia ?

[Guest]

Wonderful and touching story tonight. Tina, how do you think you've changed since discovering all of these amazing stories?

[Ellenor]

This has been the best Australian series yet. Well done WDYTYA team

[nanny on tour]

maybe Tina youcan do an album of love songs in memory of you gret nonno... it may help you as this show did

[vicki]

an amazing and moving story that time was hard every where ,my great grand mother had to give up 5or 6 of her children during the depression as she became widowed, that must have been so hard ,now as it was not spoken of no one knows what became of them , they where so strong we need to appreciate our history more ,and ask our selves how would we have coped ,, lovely story..

[Eve]

Tina, your story and the history of your family brought tears to my eyes. It gives inspiration for me to understand where our musical genes and issues of 'abandonment' have come from. Grazie Bella!

[Leah]

Hi Jane, i'd like to know how long it takes to put together an episode? Thanks.

[Donna H]

Before the show had you tried to trace your family tree?

[Shelee]

What a deeply humbling experience for you Tina - and to share it on film .... WOW! Thank you for being such a beautiful person!

Jane Manning:

Hi Daniel - Tina's father Giovanni came to Australia in 1955 on a 2 year contract. Sicily was impoverished after the war, and Australia was in desperate need of labour. While here, he realised a life here could offer more prosperity than life in Italya, so he married Francesca by proxy, and she followed him to begin their life here.

[Celia]

Producer Celia here - just to add to Jane's info - the Sicilian research was very tricky and it took us many months over a 3 year period. Many of the records in Tina's ancestors area had gone up in smoke in a fire - so the research team was stuck for a long time until we found Jo Manusia. He himself had researched his own family was stuck for 6 years, and then discovered that the original records had all been copied on vellum ( all those centuries ago) and copies digitised copy c/o the Mormons. So that was our breakthrough......

[chris1]

Wonderful and moving episode Tina, as are all your musical performances. I too would like to hear your ARIA performance of 'Here Comes the Star' on an album of yours-it was truly a remarkable and moving interpretation of the song. You've given so much to Australia Tina-including tonight's wonderful story. Thanks for sharing.

[Judith]

Hi Tina,was in tears when you were finding out about your Grandfathers childhood in the mines.I think your episode was the most powerfully moving one I have seen so far including the overseas ones as well.

[John]

Tina, my parents also got married by proxy. They emigrated in the early 1950s

[Angela Kennedy]

I always wondered why my mum was such a hard women, your story was so touching..

[Tina Paradiso]

Tina, that scene when you went to the 'routa' behind those gates was very moving.. i cried so much... it was also beautiful seeing you give soura giuseppina a warm hug.. and meeting the old ladies was so very sweet.... i'm sure your parentsm and moreso your mother would have been so proud seeing this lovely story... troppo bello!

[Celia]

Hi Jo Jo , Proxy weddings were quite common

Tina Arena:

Alan..I think we need to pass on as much info as we can to our kids.. its a vital part of our history.

[Filippa Catalfamo Minnell]

Hi Tina, It's your cousing Filippa Minnelli Catalfamo here. Thank you for the wonderful insight into our family. Thought you might be interested to know that nonno Francesco was awarded a medal from Benito Mussolini for being a good worker. Let me know if you find out any more about your grandmother.

[Rita]

Hi Tina, I watched and cried with you. As a sicilian woman I understand the hardship experienced by our ancestors. By listening to your grandfathers reason for being a harsh man made me think about what my father's life must have been. It was'nt easy those days in Sicily. Thank you Tina for providing SBS viewers with such an amazing episode.

Jane Manning:

Hi Leah - the research can take month - even years! In fact the research for Tina's episode started a couple of years ago but hit a few roadblocks until the breakthroughs started happening. The shoot itself is apprx 15-20 days.

[Linda E]

Hi Jane, A wonderful episode, so well told and beautiful to look at. You can be very proud of your family Tina - thanks for sharing them, and yourself, with us.

[Sandy]

My g-g-grandfather also has his father unknown and I have been trying to find further information for over 20 years now. Love all the shows and thank you for some really enjoyable television.

[Brian W]

Life is very mysterious and rewarding as you have found. You and your mother look like twins (from the wedding).

[Kevin]

Tina... that was truly beautiful to watch.. I recently moved to Australia and have found myself thinking of family and history so much... very emotional but very beautiful... I hope your mom and dad were able to get as much from this as you! xx

Jane Manning:

Hi jo jo, proxy weddings were very common at that time. I believe 24,000 Italian Australians in the 1950s were married by proxy

[Jimi]

this series should be up for a Logie next year

[Giorgio]

Special how SBS....congratulations Jane

Tina Arena:

Thank you kindly Connie.. give my love to Essendon

[Leah]

Thanks Jane. If you're ever looking for researchers I'd love to work on WDYTYA. I've loved both the Australian and British series and it's inspiring.

[Cellia]

I agree, this series should be up for a Logie next year!!

[Lisa]

Thankyou Tina for such an inspirational and touching story.

Jane Manning:

Thanks Linda

[Lea]

All thes best Tina, take good care and thank you again for sharing xxx

[Keryn W]

Bravo Tina!

[DanielW]

Thanks Jane. These are all stories that make up Australia. SBS motto might be six billion stories and counting, but each and every one of our 22 million stories make us who we are. Wonderful proud Australians from all parts of the world.

Tina Arena:

Most of the 'ruota' arent there anymore so it's hard to know how many there were..

[Bruce]

to get a logie we have to vote so lets vote for it

Tina Arena:

Vincent.. thank you..

[Robert in Melbourne]

Did foundling wheels exist in Australia or did we have wicker baskets on convent steps?

[jojo]

Interesting info'; thanks Jane....

[enza]

Thanks Tina for sharing with us your story i now understand my great grandfathers situation he was left with a name tag in front of someones house.(Abruzzi)

[Christine Taranto]

From one Sicilian to another....Tina thankyou for sharing! I was just as moved as you!

[Eva]

I wish I was famous so SBS could help me to ))))) well done SBS, beautiful job

[pasquale]

hi tina, we are catalfamo's living in melbourne, but we originate from sicily, messina

[Joe]

Hi Tina I was incredibly moved to watch tonights episode. Its very close to my heart. My grandparents "Rizzo" both came from same region of sicily as Carmela. It would be a dream of mine to go back to research their origns as you have. Thank you it was a very touching and inspirational story.

Tina Arena:

Warren..anyone who is passionate about geneology can probably find what was found for me but a grasp of the Italian system is def. an advantage..

[Lynne]

Will definitely buy the DVD series when it is released. Also one for all my sisters and parents.

[Madonna...]

Luv the show, luv u 2 Tina...

[Mirella - Mill Park (melb]

What a fantastic series and Tina, I cried with you. I too have family heritage in Sicily and my grandparents were married by proxy..really felt close to home. Just inspired me more to look deeper. Thanks again and on a side issue. I think you are great!

[Giorgio Slaviero]

E stato un piacere di guardare questa serie stasera e di sentire la tua storia. Molto Comovente. Io come te sono nato qui in Australia e la storia dei i nostri parenti e del passato e molto importante, per capire chi sono i nosri genitori e chi siamo noi.

Tina Arena:

Dee.. yes.. withoiut a doubt.. this journey was as healing as my musical one

Jane Manning:

It's lovely reading your comments - particularly from those who share a similar heritage to Tina's. Re the friendliness of the people we met - most of the Sicilians were met were incredible. Even perfect strangers would be so helpful once they knew we were Australians - we hardly met a Sicilian who didn't have relatives in Australia!

[Bernadette]

Tina, what an emotional journey. I am so happy that you to have found such connections from your past which has created such relevance in your present. I was born in Australia, but feel such a strong pull to visit my ancestorial home in siciliy. We have been told sketchy stories of the past it would also be wonderful to put the pieces together. Thank you SBS for this wonderful series.

Tina Arena:

Steve.. I hope my child will learn to speak three languages.. it's important to us.

[Vincent.]

Bravo Tina, uno spettacolo magnifico, Lei parla il dialetto siciliano?

[Mirella - Mill Park (melb]

Sorry Ive also just joined the chat...also...any pointers on how to start the search in Italy?

[Terry (Teresa Mastroserio]

Tina - I said you would one day sing lirica (in 2001) and you did and will probably do more ! - Keep it going!

[Eva]

Tina...were the Sicilians aware that you were famous ? If so were you asked to sing?

[cevision7]

Thankyou Tina for being so authentic. You encourage people across all walks of life to investigate and search their roots out. You have helped give me a bit more incentive to do the same.

[ADAM]

WOW WOW WOW WHAT GREAT WORK AND A MASSIVE TALENT YOU ARE TINA CONGRATS TO EVERYONE INVOLVED MY WIFE AND I WERE GLUED TO THE LOUNGE .

[Maria Chirico]

Hi Tina, loved the show tonight and watched it hoping to get some pointers. How excited were we when we saw you headed for Santa Lucia del Mela which is where my husband is from. He remembers the ruins of the building where the ruota was. Glad so many of your questions have been answered.

Tina Arena:

Thanks Marianna.. the Sicilian blood runs deep..

[mandy]

i loved the fact your aussie ness shone through as well as the beautiful italian language come home and sing for us soon please tina

[Lynne]

How does it feel to have all these positive messages from all different nationalities?

[Josephine]

I think there certainly is a lot to be said for the strong cellular memory in everyone - we don't acknowledge it enough and discovery of it certainly can be very healing. It was a pleasure to share your journey and thanks Tina for your wonderful music and soul.

[Stef from ta.com]

SBS... will the DVD series be available abroad ? From France for example ?

[April]

Just wanted to say what an amazing story that was. Tina, you are an inspiration and thankyou for giving so much of yourself tonight. Its not only a family history education, but also a glimpse into your heart and soul sharing the deepest darkest parts aswell as shining the light that we all feel. I rode the emotion with you, felt every tear and no doubt like yourself, was longing to find out more by the end of the show.

[kt]

What a moving story Tina, thanks for letting us come on this journey with you. Amazing how who we are is shaped so much by history - whether we know it or not. And how liberating when we understand how.... Well done to you, your familiy and the SBS genius team, brilliant TV.

[phildev]

Any plans to record in Italian in the future Tina?

[sandra]

The whole episode was quite emotional and I hope you have found the peace you needed. It will be great to hear the song when it’s finished. Thank you being so open and honest in your journey.

Tina Arena:

Maria.. you are soo right.. you need to listen to the 'old' stories and extract as much information from your family members as you can.. esepecially while they are alive.. they shape your life

SBS:

Sorry guys having problems reading the message. They are coming thick and fast

[Gerard]

Yes, Tina seeing you hear and speak Italian so you could really connect with your heritage was great inspiration. I;m sure it made your interactions all the more rich not just during the program but as an australian-italian. thankyou for this reminder!

Jane Manning:

Hi Eva, Tina was asked to sing a few times and she was always so kind and obliging. One of the lovely memories is that after filming we sat down with the nuns and old people at the convent / old people's home and Tina sand Mother Superior a song, and then Mother Superior (who was 88) sung a song to Tina!

SBS:

Apologies to Peter and others. We are working as fast as we can to get all messages up.

[Michael Malignaggi]

Congratulation on a magnificent documentary. It's amazing how the wounds of the past still surface today. My mother's Great Grandfather was also a foundling, something which she still finds difficult to talk about today. I commend you on your courage for facing up to the unknown. It was beautiful to watch with my family.

[Angela]

Do any of your songs reflect your childhood

[Shane Sydney]

Tina you are the STAR.

[giuseppe]

tina u have teached me to appreciate family so much family is so precous

Tina Arena:

Sandra.. thank you

[Shelee]

I agree April .... I was hanging on for more at the end of the show too!

[Mary Patterson]

What an absolute pleasure it was to watch this program.We miss you here in Australia & look forward to seeing you too.Well done Tina!!

[Ellenor]

What an amazing story. I do hope you will keep up the journey. Remember we need to find out where we came from to know where we are going.

[Guest]

It's a funny thing that so many people from so far away are sitting behind their computer chatting with you

[Wan]

Hello Tina. How do manage to speak three or four (Spanish included)languages? I find out that Italian is so difficult, especially the pronunciation of "R"

[Scott Allan]

Hi Tina thank u for your story, lovely to see your parents featured there tonight also. They seem very lovely people as they are most proud of you sure now you are of them.

Tina Arena:

Jeffifer.. Sicily is such a melting pot of people. they were eternally helpful .. and they are so culturally rich

[Nuno DeSousa]

Hi Tina, just wondering waht was your parents reaction to the news you found out?

[Guest]

Great show, what was the song that the musician sang to tina? The same song he sang for her mothers wedding? Leanne

[Katrina]

Were the cameras rolling when Tina and Mother superior singing. I would have loved to have seen that as the credits were on. Any chance of seeing that footage?

Jane Manning:

Hi Christine at 8.40 - Joe - the super genealogist who helped us so much in this episode - doesn't speak a word of italian BUT he made a table of all the key italian words in genealogy with their translations and learnt them! So, it takes some dedication, but is possible.

[Guest]

Hi Tina I love the way you speak Italian, it's beautiful and i'd love to hear you speak Sicilian!

Tina Arena:

Minnie.. very nice Connie..thank you

[Andy]

Lovely to see your story Tina. It also showed how many of us any age are still working out who we are and why we and our families are the way they are. Thanks very much for sharing some of your journey with us.

[DK]

I agree Katrina, maybe as dvd extras?

[Arcangelina Radatti]

I watched your story with my mother who was born in Calabria and she remembers those tough times. Your story touched her heart (her words).I was watching my mother as images of your family came up and she was smiling, the images were all familiar to her and even though they grew up in difficult times she has fond memories of her Italian life and a great fondness and respect for her past and her ancestory. Your parents are truly all giving in a society and a time when the elderly are often left alone. I met you briefly many years ago and wondered about your family story. Both my parents are Italian and your story was very familiar.We come from families that have come from difficult times, their strong sense of family & our parents love of us,their children, become evident in our adult years. Reaching a point of understanding our parents is all part of growing up. Thankyou for bringing us a moving and poignant story.

[Dino Condorelli]

Ciao Tina, un grande abbraccio..

[Tessa]

Tina, you should be hosting your own program, your warmth and honesty is so apparent.

[Lynette]

Following someones intimate story of finding their ancestors and what's made them 'tick' is fascinating. We enjoyed your story so much Tina and I'm glad you got so much closure. Bless you.

Jane Manning:

Hi Katrina - it is only on my iphone - very dodgy footage! (The cameras were packed away at that point.)

[Jen]

Tina, that was a moving episode, thank you for allowing the viewers into your life's history. What is striking is that there is always a reason for people's behaviour and its up to us to look deeper. These shows end abrubtly for me, I guess I just wanted to see more being such a huge fan of yours. All the very best to you and your family xox

[Michelle Jewels,Adelaide]

Hi Tina, How inspiring and brave for you to share this with everyone. I too cried when you shared with us the true story behind your Nonno. We in our generation (40 yr olds) really don't know how hard it was. You must have really been taken aback to learn of his hard life. They say you cannot move forward until you look back. Bless you and your family Tina. xx

Tina Arena:

Donna.I had thought about tracing the family tree but never really done anything about it.. it wasamazing

Jane Manning:

Hmm... we can investigate whether it's possible to get that footage public...

[Marcia H]

I watched the show with my daughter and we both cried with you. Thankyou to all involved x

[Linda]

Tina is a hard-worker. Comes through. Never given a bad performance. GENUINE!

[Greg]

HI Jane. Will SBS release the outtakes from this episode - particularly Tina singing at the nursing home?

Jane Manning:

Hello the song Gino sang to Tina is called "Ti Voglio Amar"

[Dee]

Thank you for answering that, Tina. As one musician to another, it's good to see/hear that this story is letting your soul start to dance. ~~~ Jane, I envy you a lot being able to have heard Tina and all the others sing. Music is life's universal language & a lot of perople of Sicillian heritage are masters of it. So thank you.... Both of you.

[Shane Sydney]

Tina hope you will tour Sydney in 2011

[Guest]

I totally recommend exploring your family tree cause u never know what you will uncover. On my father's side back in the mid 90's I learnt that my great great grandfather was none other than poet "Henry Lawson" which was something of a surprise. It did explain a few things like my excellent poetry and creative writing skills when I was at school. Thank u again Tina. U are such a powerhouse singer and u make it look so effortless up there, although those of us who do sing know that's not always case. Have seen all your concert tours since the late 90's and look forward to following your next musical venture. A superb job on the "Songs Of Love & Loss" cds. Just Marvellous. Take care to u and your family.

[mario]

tina, you to have made a long journey from monee ponds

[Taylor]

Tina, when I watched the part of where you went to see where the foundling babies were placed (your grandmother) I felt such sadness. I could only imagine how you must felt standing there. You are a wonderful, brave, inspirational woman. Thankyou. x

[Phil]

Thankyou Tina & SBS! Tonight's episode was wonderful and a reminder we must value our elders and what they can teach us. Can't wait to see you in Perth in April Tina! xx

[Leanne]

Jane, how do you go about choosing people for your show? Do you know some of the history before approaching the person, or do you believe that everyone has a story worth sharing??

Jane Manning:

Thanks Dee, I know, we were very very lucky to hear Tina singing up close. There's lots of hard work in this job but those moments are gold.

[Gwen]

Jane, maybe a youtube clip and that would give SBS plenty of publicity.

[Bronwyn]

Hi Tina sorry i missed the show Im sure it would of been really interesting,hope u enjoyed yourself.

[Celia]

Maybe Tina could upload the phone footage of her singing to the Nuns and Mother superior singing to her onto her website?

[caroline]

Tina, How sad that your grandfather had such a hard life working at such a young age...he was robbed of his childhood. Brought tears to my eyes. Goodluck with your continued search of your family tree

[Eve]

Jane... any intentions for another series??? I am totally addicted to your show

Tina Arena:

It's not everyones cup of tea..but If you can make the effort to find out who you are it can make your life more enjoyable.. assuming you want to know in the first place

[JohnP]

Excellent production. It might start a flood of Italian Australians looking for their ancestry. Love you Tina. You're one of the greats of Australian music.

[Martina]

Tina, great story. History is just so relevant, looking into the past helps understand the present and gives direction to the future. Best wishes for your future..

[Karen]

Most people who start looking into their family history get hooked. Your story seemed complete.Since your come home is there anything else you have thought of that you would like to look into, in future?

[Alan F]

Like you, my grandfather, born in northern Italy, shows no mather or father on his birth certificate and we have never found out who his parents were or who gave him his family name !

[Rita]

Tina, I just want to say that I found your poem at the end very moving, lovely! Such a poignant way to finish the program, so thought provoking. Thanks for sharing your life.

[Nancy]

Well done SBS. Bravo, Tina.

[Guest]

hopefully sombody knows something about ur grandmother and will contact u. must be fristrating not knowing.

[Joanna]

Hi Tina I am 10yrs old and I love you and your music my mum told me she watched you when she was growing up on young talent time and she said you were really cute as a kid and very talented I wish you a merry christmas and a happy new year x

[Ellenor]

I think you now need to find any family from the lady who took your grandmother ina for those 7 years. I would have liked to see that line explored. Who knows she may have been real family.

[Bruce]

Researching your family can lead you in so many directions, how sad to hit such a dead end

[Dennis Campanella]

Hi Tina: My G/Grandfather arrived in Melbourne from Genova, 1856, on probably the first Italian immigrant ship. He was 14 and travelled with his 20 year old brother. They were probably attracted to the goldfields. I have traced his family back to 1710 but your show has given me further avenues to search. Loved your show

[Jan]

Such a moving story - especially the connection your family has had with bringing up ' foundlings'. What wonderful people! Your story touched my heart. Thank you

Tina Arena:

Merry xmas to you too Joanna... Im touched.

[Lilly]

Thank you Jane for your passion; it comes through in your posts.. and Tina, have you discovered any singers in your family (if you've continued to research?)

[Paul]

Tina, what was it like when you reflected upon everything with your parents following the many layers of revelation you experienced?

[Shelee]

I think finding out about your heritage can bring such rich blessings to your life, but you must be willing to embrace the good with the bad. Thank you Tina for sharing something so extraordinary with us!

[Francesca (Melbourne)]

i would loved to know more Tina especially after watching your episode. You are an inspiration. )

[Julie Flockhart (Miloni)]

Ciao Tina, GRAZIE for sharing your personal journey. Im first generation, born here in Sydney, and my parents also married by proxy, after the war. Im also trying to do research, and uncover my heritage, and family genealogy. I hope Im successful in discovering info about my grandparents.

Jane Manning:

Hi Leanne, the super office in Perth who produce this series do all the research on which celebrities the series will follow. They often know a little of their background before they start (what's on the public record) but then have to do a lot of digging to see if there are enough ancestors with fascinating - and different - stories. The celebrities also need to be keen and available, of course. Most relish the idea of digging into their family tree.

[Hélène]

Joyeuses fêtes à toi, bisous.

[Dee]

Jane - I can imagine. Just the small projects I've done have proven to be hectic enough. A project like Tina's would have been at least 500 times larger.

[Larry]

Hi Tina, I came here from calabria at the age of 3 in 1957 and appreciated many of your comments which took me back....smiled at the

[Lou]

Very proud, from your paesano !

[gabby]

Tina what a great show isn't that right Mary Patterson

[David]

Hi Tina, did your research and uncovering of history provide answers and/or resolutions also for your mum?

[Elaine]

Thanks for sharing your journey. The poem was so touching.

[Bruce]

Hey Jane has WDYTYA ever done a politician?

[Mohamed Salem]

Tina, hope you visit Egypt and have a concert here someday

[Scott Allan]

Explore your family tree as well worth it. We found out that on my dad's side of the family that I was related to Australian poet "Henry Lawson" which was a real surprise. Thank u Tina. We all have a story to tell out there.

[Anna P]

tina - thank you for sharing your heart felt story about your family so openingly. Hopefully from this experience you have a better appreciation of yourself and how much you have achieved in your life. We tend to take a lot of things for granted - I to have Italian heritage and I had a hard childhood and I was touched by your story as it touched a chord with me. I want to hug you and wish you well - I look forward to the release of you song soon.

Tina Arena:

Paul.. it deepened my relationship from my perspective because it gave me more insight..

[Crescenzo]

Ciao Tina, thoroughly enjoyed your journey back through your ancestry....very emotional episode....gives me more of a reason to trace my ancestry.......Buon Natale Tina

[Bernadette.]

Tna you have inspired me, I had thought about tracing the family tree but never really done anything about it. I siciliani sono in genere più scuri e più vicino alla pelle arabi di altri italiani. Hopefully my family tree is as exciing as yours Tina. remember Don't brood on what's past, but never forget it either

[robbie]

Tina said something that made me realise why why mother always spent her time helping others and it was her feeling of abandonement. Her father left when she was young and her mother was a less than competent Mum so she was brought up by her Grandparents(whom she loved). She seemed to care for everyone else's kids except her own four. now I understand, but sdly she died in '97, so I can't speak to her about it.

[Mick09]

Hi Tina, I'm 12yo and I love your voice. I wish you a merry christmas. By the way, are your feet ticklish, as mine ?

[Michelle Jewels,Adelaide]

Hi Tina, what would be the one positive thing you feel that you have taken away from this whole experience?

[giuseppe]

tina i will be teaching my 15month old son all about you n play him urs cds, u r such a great soul

[Hélène]

Le nouvel album pour quand en Europe? Et une nouvelle tournée quand? BISOUS.

[Leanne]

You and the celebrities must discover some pretty amazing stuff, thanks for ur response by the way, very busy time

Jane Manning:

Hi Bruce, No politicians yet, but I think that would be really interesting - they would obviously have to be retired though!

[Adelina]

Hi Jane, Joe helped find information about Tina's family history. Can you publish his contact details to assist myself and others find their family histories in Sicily.

[Joy]

Tina, that was an amazing, disturbing and incredible story. So glad you have some answers and you can find peace in the information you have found. What hard times they were back then, your poor grandfather, no wonder he was miserable. What a dreadful existence. His love of music was interesting, wouldn't he be proud of you if he knew! He would be playing your music for the whole of Italy!

[Deanne]

Brilliant and touching show

[Frank Rossi]

Whacko Signorina Arena, what a cathartic and humbling journey for you. Poor nonno, how bloody hard!! We just don't stop to think of the conditions people endure to live, past and present. Thank you for sharing your history with us. p.s. I used to feed you in 'Timbale' on Swan St years ago, glad to have you back home in Oz.x

[Kristina]

Hi Tina! Thanks for the amazing episode!! You seem so much more at peace with who you are. I live down the road from where your parents are in Casa Serena. Hope to bump into you one day when you are visiting! Please come an tour again here in Melbourne.

[kerrie]

I can so understand how you felt about your- I think it was your great grandfather- the one that was so strict. As a girl people used to say I was very much like my Grandmother. I hated it becuase she seemed so angry and bitter. Now I know more about her when people say I am like her I now say Thank you. Knowing the life they lived, the hardships they faced gives a person a greater understanding of why they were the way they were. This episode so resonated with me because of my own experience. Thank you.

[Carmine Cimilio]

Hope to see you tour in Aus soon. Loved the program. Brought tears to my eyes. Reminded me of when I went back to Italy in 1990 and went looking for my grandfather. Take care Tina x

[Victor]

I am watching in Queensland. It's incredible watching the history that happen

Tina Arena:

Thank you Joy.. so true

[Cyril]

Hi Tina have you ever did a concert in Sicily and would you like to? maybe sing some songs in italian?

[Martin K]

Did you feel the fear before you delved into the search?

[Sebastiano]

Complimenti a Jane per il lavoro svolto... anche se ancora non ho visto l'episodio.. ma so per certo che ha fatto un buon lavoro

[James]

Tina: It's not the tears, the search, journey or revelations but what you draw on for the future.... You must be liberated now , understanding your past, to be more confident about tackling new directions or has it simply confirmed your recipe of hard work to achieve continued success?

[Lona Seaberg]

Hi Jane, as a total family history addict, I find the series a must watch! The shows that you direct really stand out. You present them with such feeling. They are a credit to you. Your talent really shows through. Well done. Tonights show was very touching. Regards, Lona

[Chris]

Tina I hope you can do more intimate show one day like you use to do at the Grainstore in Melbourne, use to see you perform there all the time. Wow your talented, and interesting )

[Peter]

Gough or Malcolm or both?

[Victor]

Your beautiful, stunning in that white top btw

[Karen]

Jane how long does it take to produce one tv show from the time you start research to the finish product?

[DanielW]

Hi Jane, is there an email address at SBS in Perth if we have any suggestions on which high profile people to feature in future?

[Grace]

Tina, how did your family react or were they too busy helping the old folks. Hopefully some of those old folks in their home can pass on their stories.

[Phil]

Tina, have your ancestral revelations changed the way you approach your own life in any way? Or reinforced anything?

[Dee]

Jane, whatever you do don't get Rob Oakeshott if you go after Pollies.... otherwise he'll talk your leg off. ;-)

[Nerida]

Jane, I love this show, Such fantastic stories! You go girl

[Deanne]

Tina, Thankyou for sharing such a touching and intimate part of your life. Always knew there was a reason I wrote that Thesis to Sorrento Moon

Tina Arena:

Martin.. No wasnt fearful I was intregued.... it was great

[Stef from ta.com]

SBS... will the DVD series be available abroad ? From France for example ?

SBS:

Thankyou everyone for your comments and questions(and patience). Ten minutes left.

[craig young]

I agree with guiseppie, you a great soul. a gifted talent too!! Well done in making such a heart felt doco, on your family

[Guest]

Hi Tina, have you had any further success since the show was recorded in researching any further?

[Katherine]

Thoroughly enjoyed your search. My husband is Italian and came here as a 2year old and had never been back to Italy till I secretely booked our first trip there in 2006.

[David]

Well, STRONG AS STEEL, has a complete new meaning now, you certainly showed that...

[caroline]

Loved when you sang "Caruso" with florent Pagny-It was the BEST!

Jane Manning:

Grazie Sebastiano!!! Ciao, sei veremente tu? Jx

[Tina Paradiso]

Stef from ta.com there's always sbs shop website to purchase the dvd

[giuseppe]

thankyou craig words can not express now great tina is

[Elio NSW]

Thank you Tina and SBS. What a wonderful show. As I watched tonight's show, I found myself nodding in agreement and relating to Tina's frustration in simply not knowing. My father was born in Italy and died when I was 3 years old and I have many questions about him. However, my mother has always been reluctant to talk as it is too painful for her. Tina's story has reinspired me to find our more about my father, but also to be more understanding and forgiving of my mother. Thank you.

Tina Arena:

Apparently the whole series will be out on DVD in January..

[Leanne]

Tina....Now you can dance, clouds have all disappeared....can only imagine the sadness in her eyes....we all understand now you can dance,,,,,,makes your song so appropriate even now xx

[craig young]

Tina, may I ask if possible...I would like to paint your portrait for the Archibald....if possibel your agent could contact me to advise...kind regards

[Antonina Romeo]

Tina, this emphasizes that past and Present Family is everything and always been

[Greg Clifton]

Hi Tina, that was the most amazing an moving story... I really hope that you end up finding out the rest of your story... All the best , Greg x

[Guest]

Thank you Tina for taking me on this wonderful emotional and heartfelt journey with you, you are an amazing women and now we all know why...it's in the blood..

[Sebastiano]

si Jane, sono proprio io. the driver

[Michelle]

Wishing you all the best Tina ... looking forward to your next album.

[karen]

hi tina i am a fan of this show and ytt thank you for tell us your stroy

[Sam]

Tina..I totally understand your frustration...I too did not understand why I was like I am until finding my real father...it really does put all pieces of the puzzle together. I admire your rawness through out the show. Thank you for allowing us in to see a very delicate side of you.

[Margaret Callerame]

Hi Tina, it was amazing to see you go though this journey. My father was born and raised in Valguarnera too. I hope that one day I can find some answers just as you have. I just love Who do you think you are!

[Guest]

Hi, Tina. I missed the show, but will watch it onine. Just wanted to say how fabulous it is to see you still out there and thriving. I even remember the day you left YTT and have watched your career for years. Oh, and I LOVED your version of Show Me Heaven! Much better than the original!

[Sandra]

Wishing you and your family a magical Christmas Tina and may the new year be filled with much love, each and every day xox

[nanny on tour]

Ihope tina tyhatyour mum and dad appreciate what you have done to ressurrect the family history.. there isgreat women in the past but we have agreater one in you representing australians.x

[Gino.]

As an Italian this episode remnded me that a land without ruins is a land without memories--a land without memories is a land without history. My heart bleds for Italia, too bad im stuck in mebourne

[Guest]

ciao tina! I am also from sicilian background and i went there for the first time last year as my nonno was born there but he died just before i went but it was really special place and i agree with you that we are lucky they came to australia and i really appreciate that. and also how hard they worked . also - Will you make an italian cd- per favore!!

[Thomas]

David, that is one of my proudest possessions - in White vinyl!

[Francesca (Melbourne)]

Hi Tina hope you have read some of my comments. Always diffcult on such live stream. So happy that you have found more about your family history.

[Josie]

What a lovely program tonight. I really enjoyed it. Good luck on your journey and thanks for sharing so much of it with us all. You have a great gift in your voice - I was enchanted from the first moment I heard you on YTT many years ago. From a fellow Australian Sicilian.

[mario // melb]

loved the show, and love how tina & co are live and replying some of questions, very moving!

[Marita]

Hi Tina, it was really great to see you find your family on the show. It shows your love and compassion for your family. This what is important in life. And we all love your music for that. You are truly remarkable... xx

[Joanna]

bye bye Tina you are awesome

Jane Manning:

Dear Lona, How lovely to hear from you. Thanks for your very kind words. Hope you are well. Glad you enjoy the series. Best wishes, Jane

[Cripstina]

I love you Tina, I wish you come and live here in Australia again

[Millie]

I was touched. I recently found out my Italian mother was a foundling and I just well your story blew me away ...

[Jennifer]

Tina, you are such a sweet soul. God Bless you. Wonderful episode, ended too soon. Fantastic that you now have answers and the understanding to forgive and accept. What's in the blood is in the blood, your family are givers and carers, you must be proud. Love you x

[giuseppe]

merry christmas tina to u and ur family

[Joel]

TINA you are the greatest!!!

[Gino.]

History is an illogical record. It hinges on nothing. It is a story that changes, and has accidents, and recovers with scars. I siciliani sono scuri arabi pelle di sangue italiani non. The man who is swimming against the stream knows the strength of it, its an old Sicilian saying.

[Wan]

Hello Tina. Why do you think the family history is so important to be passed to the next generations?

[Jeremy]

Hi Jane - are there any people you have contacted about being on the show who have been too apprehensive about their family histories to go on the show?

[Nancy]

Beautiful episode. Many tears shed here. My nonno came out from Veneto area in 1927 leaving two baby girls and a wife to work in timber cutting. Took his 10 years to save money to bring out his family. Life was very hard, but family was important. A new life in a new country.

[Sebastiano]

Buon Natale a Tina, a Jane e a tutto lo staff... a quanto pare l'episodio è stato un successone

Jane Manning:

Hi Karen, it varies - can be 2-3 years (!) - though that isn't full time, it's on-off. THe shortest period from research / shooting / editing would be at least a year I think.

[karen]

hi tina i am fan this show and ytt thank you for telling us your story

[Jarett]

Tina your song "16 Years" seems to be about abondonment. You wrote it 14 years ago and was already telling a story about the pain in early life in sicialy

[Jo]

Made me wonder about the lives of some of the people you met with.. I'll bet the nun has seen a bit in her lifetime too.

[Katherine]

Looking forward to travelling to Perth in April to see you with the WASO

[denise]

HI TINA, A GREAT EPISODE. MY HUSBAND IS FROM SICILY AS WELL. HE HOPES TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS FAMILY TREE AND NOW HAS A STARTING POINT.THANKYOU AND MERRY XMAS.

Tina Arena:

thank you Francesca.. 

[Angela]

Cant wait to purchase it on DVD have purchased all your DVD's and attended every concert, come to Melbourne to do another concert in 2011

Jane Manning:

Hi Daniel, You can leave comments on the website or email the production company Artemis International.

[Joe]

Tina, it would be an incredibly interesting experience for you to visit these places again with your family when you yourself are a Nonna and have left a legacy for your grandchildren to rediscover.

[Stef from ta.com]

GREAT !!! Thanks for us ;-)

[Joanna]

OMG Tina you're my hero my role model. Grew up watching you..I'm 44. I too am the daughter of migrants from Greece. I went to Greece1996 two years after my faher died and I found my roots, my heritage...so moving to see yours. God bless, love you xx

[Fiona-ACT]

Tina, you should be proud of the wonderful person that you are.

[Peter L]

Jane, you and Celia, have done a great job bringing Tina's story to us. Not only can we relate to Tina experience, but I expect many will be inspired to seek out more about their own families from this story. When is comes to tracing our family history, it seems we have to be both persistent and patient to keep reseaching, to find the pieces in the puzzle. And Tina, what can I say, so many wonderful supporting comments about you. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[Smithy in Moonee Ponds]

amazing story - the hardships that your family has been through. You must be so proud! Thank You for taking us on your journey, it brought me to tears. Hope you and your family have a great Christmas together

[Paul]

Time for you to step outside and grab a croissant almonde and a strong coffee, you deserve it. How's this outpouring of love for you?

[Guest]

what a great program on Tina Arena's background. I've been trying to trace my family tree for years but keep hitting roadblocks as my mum doesn't know who her dad is

[Jana Mizzi]

thank you Tina for taking us with you on such a personal journey hope it gave you the answers you were looking for. Thank you also for for the joy you bring with your amazing talent!

[Dee]

Jane - Is there any chance that I could contact you via SBS? I'd love to ask a few questions about the technical/research backstory of this episode. As much as I'm a musician & audio producer, I'm also an avid student of the media in general. Tina's episode has really tickled my interest.

[Tracey M]

Tina, I hope what you found out and the changes it has made makes for a wonderful Christmas 2010. It is sure to feel different. All the best.

[Carol]

You'll have to tour soon after all this LOVE

[Michael in Melbourne]

Hi Tina, thank you for sharing your story. I started my own genealogy journey this year and found we have a string of ancestors from Lombardy, Italy (never even knew we had Italian blood!). Is it worth the journey over to trace the steps of ancestors? The emotional journey is that powerful when you're actually there?

[Chris]

Tina, finding out you didn't come from a "Noble" hertiage, must have been so much easier to take once you found that your family was involved in far more Noble things than any royality would be, like caring for the abandoned

[Sebastiano]

Great Artemis... are all wonderful

[Dennis]

very touching indeed, please where can we read your beautiful poem again?xx

[Francesca (Melbourne)]

You're so welcome Tina!! :D I can't wait to see you again in concert in Melbourne. I love all your albums including you French albums. I've been a fan since YTT days. You are a wonderful talent. . xx

[Gino.]

The game of History is usually played by the best and the worst over the heads of thr majority in the middle. Greetings from Parma Northern italy

[Scott Allan]

What a wonderful realisation to know that you're parents and their generation before are such caring people. Something to be cherished. All the best to u and family.

Tina Arena:

Michael.. yes it's even more powerful when youre actually there..

[Mandy]

Thank you Tina for sharing your amazing story. Thank you SBS for this great program.

[Guest]

Now I'm inspired to check out my local family history centre.

[cevision7]

Tina, your hauntingly beautiful gift of song now makes more sense than ever now that I have seen and heard and heard that it it is in your very genes/ancestry. This giftedness is from above and I hope you will consider making a Christmas album in the very near future - please say yes

[Jay]

All the best Tina with your Perfomances coming up in WA

[Gwen]

Thank you and a very merry Christmas to you and your family Tina - you are inspirational xx

[Shelee]

Sending you and your family rich blessings for a wonderful Christmas. Thank you for taking time to chat to your fans tonight Tina!! xx

Jane Manning:

Ah... the best drivers nel mondo! We could never have done this episode without you. See all the people who love your work? How amazing you can join this chat from Valguarnera Caropepe!

SBS:

Ok. Thats all for now. Please feel free to leave your comments on the SBS webpage. We have had a HUGE response so a big thank you to Tina (in Paris), Jane (in Sydney) and Celia (in Perth). Buona notte!

Tina Arena:

Chris.. yes you are right.. my family were noble and caring for the abandoned ids a noble thing to do..

SBS:

Tina will be shown a complete transcript of all comments that were not able to be shown tonight because of the sheer numbers. Thank you all for watching SBS.