A HILLS family whose roots stretch back to early orchard settlement in Pickering Brook and Walliston has marked 100 years since its patriarch first arrived in Western Australia.

About 80 descendants of Leone Conti gathered at La Fattoria in Pickering Brook on February 21 to commemorate a century since he migrated from Sicily in 1926.

Mr Conti arrived at Fremantle Port aboard the ship Palermo in February 1926, travelling alone in search of opportunity. He had earlier spent time in America before returning to Sicily and deciding to migrate to Australia.

Five years later, after saving enough money, he sent for his wife Maria Fasolo and their five children. They arrived in April 1931 aboard the ship Remo. A sixth child, Emilio, was later born in Western Australia.

Granddaughter Grace Conti said the reunion was deliberately held at La Fattoria because of its connection to the original orchard established by the family.

“The orchard was started by Leone’s daughter Leuzza and her husband Leone Radice,” Ms Conti said.

“The property remains in the family and is now operated as La Fattoria Winery by their descendants.”

Ms Conti said the gathering was both a celebration and a reflection on the hardships faced by the first generation.

“Grandad arrived alone and worked hard to bring the family out,” she said.

“They came from rural Sicily to what was then sandy, undeveloped land in Wanneroo. They worked the soil, grew tomatoes, potatoes and cabbages, kept cows and pigs and built a life from scratch.”

After initially settling in Wanneroo, members of the Conti family later moved to the Perth Hills, establishing orchards in Pickering Brook and Walliston. Several branches of the family became closely associated with the development of fruit-growing in the region.

One of Leone’s sons, Michele ‘Mick’ Conti, became a prominent community figure in the hills. Mick Conti Park in Lesmurdie was named in his honour in August 1999 in recognition of his contributions to the local community and the San Leone Association.

Archival material displayed at the reunion included immigration records, early photographs of orchard life, newspaper clippings and a detailed family tree compiled for a major reunion in 1996 that attracted about 250 relatives from across Australia.

Ms Conti said earlier reunions documented four generations, but the family now spans six generations in Western Australia.

“This reunion included grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Leone and Maria,” she said.

“It’s remarkable to see how one decision in 1926 has shaped so many lives.”

Family stories shared at the event included accounts of the long sea voyage to Australia, with five young children travelling in difficult conditions without modern comforts.

One written account described the children exploring the ship’s deck under canvas covers protecting passengers from the southern sun during the crossing.

“Grandma must have been beside herself,” the memoir reads.

Ms Conti said preserving those stories was an important part of the reunion.

“Our grandparents came through wars, economic hardship and migration to a completely new country,” she said.

“They had strong family values and integrated successfully into Australian life.”

The Conti family’s influence extended beyond agriculture, with descendants now working across a broad range of professions including business, education, public service and hospitality.

The La Fattoria property, which hosted the reunion, remains a reminder of the family’s agricultural beginnings and its long-standing connection to the Perth Hills.

Ms Conti said plans were already being discussed for a larger gathering in future years to include all extended branches of the family.

“This year marked 100 years since Grandad arrived,” she said.

“It’s a milestone we’re very proud of.”