Author(s): Des TOBIN

Biography

Michael Tricarico and his siblings are descended from Southern Italian peasant farmers. Their father Giuseppe came to Australia in 1926. Their mother Angela and sister Lina followed in 1930. The family lived in east Gippsland where Giuseppe worked as a farm labourer. They survived the discriminatory treatment handed out to many Italian families during World War 2 and in 1946 moved to Silvan in the foothills of the Dandenong ranges to share farm. The farm produced strawberries, beans and other fresh produce and all family members contributed to the work from an early age. From the age of 15 Michael took produce to the Queen Victoria wholesale market in the family truck - driving without a license. He became a grower's agent and later was a successful wholesale fruit merchant. In 1960 he commenced distributing sprayers and pumps on behalf of a Queensland company - Marino Products. This led to the establishment of Silvan Australia which has become one of Australia's leading manufacturers and distributors of quality agricultural and horticultural machinery, equipment and accessories. Now approaching his 80th year Tricarico is a modest, unpretentious, and successful self-made businessman. He describes his life as having been 'a wonderful adventure with people'. His story is about the 'journey' rather than the 'destination'- and will be appreciated by those interested in success achieved through passion, perseverance and self belief.