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Donato Di Fabrizio

Donato "Don" Di Fabrizio, OAM, was an Australian businessman, steel industry figure, and football administrator known for his contributions to industry, sport, and community development in regional Victoria.

Early life and migration
Di Fabrizio was born in Lama dei Peligni, Italy, and migrated to Australia during the post-war period. He later settled in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria, where he became involved in business and community activity. == Business career ==
Business career
Di Fabrizio established DG & J Di Fabrizio Steel Fabrications, a Gippsland-based steel business. The company supplied, erected and fixed steel for the Great Southern Stand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, completed in 1992. The former site of the business was later acquired by Latrobe Magnesium in 2021 for A$4.5 million for use as a magnesium demonstration plant site. == Football involvement ==
Football involvement
Di Fabrizio became involved in football administration after moving to Morwell in the 1950s. He later became president of Morwell Falcons Soccer Club, a position he held for 23 years after initially becoming involved through club administration as a parent of a junior player. Under his leadership, Morwell Falcons progressed through the Victorian football system, winning Latrobe Valley Soccer League championships in 1971 and 1973 before entering the Victorian Soccer Federation competition in 1974. The club achieved successive promotions through the Victorian league structure during the 1970s, culminating in admission to the Victorian State League in 1982. After 10 years as president of the Falcons, he was named Patron of the club, a title he held until his death in 2022. The total cost of the grandstand came in at $1.6 million - but this figure was supplemented by approximately 42,000 hours of voluntary labour and donated or reduced-cost materials, much of which was co-ordinated and overseen by Di Fabrizio himself. == Community contributions ==
Community contributions
Di Fabrizio was involved in multicultural and heritage initiatives in Gippsland, particularly through Gippsland Immigration Park, where he served as chairman. Under his leadership, major community projects were completed including the Gippsland Immigration Wall of Recognition and the Gippsland Heritage Walk. == Honours and recognition ==
Honours and recognition
Di Fabrizio was appointed a Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 1995 and awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1996 for service to the steel construction industry and to football. In 2013, Di Fabrizio was named Churchill Citizen of the Year. His contributions were also acknowledged in the Parliament of Victoria following his death. == Death ==
Death
Di Fabrizio died in Melbourne on 20 January 2022, aged 88. A major farewell was organised by Falcons 2000 in front of the stand bearing his name, with a special tribute match taking place featuring former club champions. ==References==
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