Community
2 January, 2026
Wire Exclusive: It’s never too late to celebrate even at 108
Highlands resident, Domitilla Taranto turned 108 today (2 January 2026).
Highlands resident, Domitilla Taranto turned 108 today (2 January 2026). She was born in Italy in 1918 and migrated to Australia in 1936, and with her late husband, Bartolo, ran fruit shops on Sydney’s Northern Beaches for decades.
Known by her loved ones as ‘Nonna’ or ‘Tilla’, she celebrated her birthday with family and a huge cake with her favourite Italian song, Marina by Rocco Granata playing in the background.
Ms Taranto received congratulatory letters from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns, Whitlam MP Carol Berry, and Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan.
An adored member of the Southern Highlands community, Nonna’s vibrant spirit and zest for life is inspiring to those around her.
Her grandson, John, told the Southern Wire, she was an incredible Italian cook but finally hung up her kitchen utensils last year. Eight years ago, the pair travelled to Italy together, when she was 101.
“I have spent so much time with my Nonna over the years and am very fortunate to be celebrating her 108th milestone with her today; it’s an enormous privilege,” he said.
“Her reply when I’ve shared problems with her from childhood onwards has always been: ‘What ya goin’a do?”
Read More: Southern Highlands, Bowral