At the age of 26 years Michele decided to migrate to Australia and in 1953 he left Italy via the Port of Napoli. It was a long journey, almost a month, particularly without his wife Maria and two children Joe and John.

As soon as he was settled in his new environment he arranged for his wife and children to join him in Adelaide in 1955. In 1961 Michele and Maria's third son Antonio was born.

The Silvestri family has expanded but has also matured with the experience of coming to a new country, sacrificing a culture, the Italian way of life and embracing a new one in Australia.

Michele says 'I am very proud of this achievement, although deep down I also have a profound attachment to my country of origin, and wonders of Sannia. I am pleased at having made the decision to come to Australia where I have seized the opportunity to secure a more prosperous and attractive future for my family and future generations'.