Almost 10 years ago, I walked into my first Wattle Grove Lions meeting, where I met the indomitable Nonna Maria—a woman whose quiet faith, generosity, and tireless commitment left a lasting mark on the Liverpool community. Tonight I honour her life and service. Born in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, in 1940, Maria Gagliardi arrived in Liverpool as a teenager and made it her lifelong home. Her first job at Mrs G's Milk Bar near Liverpool railway station sparked strong local connections that would shape a lifetime dedicated to others. Guided by her deep Catholic faith, Maria helped those most in need. She supported the St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol, the Italian Federation, and especially the Wattle Grove Lions Club, through which she worked on countless charitable efforts across the region. Maria was also known for her warmth and hospitality. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, where family, friends and strangers were always welcomed and no‑one left hungry. She adopted many bambinos that way. She treated everyone with dignity and kindness. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the community she loved so deeply. We will miss you, Nonna.