Between Two Worlds

My name is Domenico Colosimo. I am Italo-Australian and have lived the majority of my life between Australia, Italy and South America.

I have graduated with degrees in Law and Psychological Science and am currently working as a therapist, specifically in the field of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. I am also a qualified pilates teacher, run coach and soccer coach, where my main goal is to inspire people to enjoy life, see life in a positive light, and get the most out of our unlimited potential.

Before everything else though, I am a third-generational pizzaiolo. I took over from my 92 year old Nonno Domenico, who ran our family restaurant, Tempo Pizzeria, in Northcote. Food, bringing people together and family have always been the biggest pillars in our lives. I recently launched a new venture called Tempo On Wheels, where I continue our family’s Southern Italian traditions through mobile pizza events. 

Culture for me is a sense of identity. Growing up I would often ask myself… am I Italian? Am I Australian?

Everything shifted when I moved to Italy at 16 and studied at Liceo Scientifico Luigi Costanzo in Decollatura, Calabria. For the first time, I felt completely understood. I didn’t feel the need to constantly re-explain myself or try to fit in. People accepted me for who I was. I felt like I was speaking to alternate versions of myself, and it was quite liberating for my inner consciousness.

It’s funny... in another life this is where I would be living, these friends from school would be my childhood friends… and somehow I’ve created a paradox where I’m living both lives: the Australian and the Italian.

This is when I realised I don’t have to choose whether I’m Italian or Australian. I’m both. I’m not 50–50. I’m un cento per cento Italiano and also one hundred percent Aussie mate.

Over the years with countless other trips to the motherland, I’ve continued to deepen that connection. Playing professional youth football in Genoa, doing a cooking apprenticeship in Napoli, studying Law in Rome, and living with my zia in Milano. Each experience added another layer to my understanding of my Italian heritage and culture on a deep and rich level.

Today I continue to keep the culture alive daily by maintaining my 92-year-old Nonno’s garden. Nonno and I are in the garden picking locally sourced ingredients before I go on to represent us at the Australian Pizza Competitions, almost winning the prize for Australia’s best pizza chef with our creation! 

Now that’s pride in one’s heritage, culture, family, and hard work.

Distinti Saluti,
Domenico Colosimo

Through food, family and tradition, Domenico’s story reflects the beauty of carrying culture across generations. A reminder that identity does not need to be divided between two worlds, but instead embraced fully through the people, rituals and traditions that continue to shape us.

Con Amore, 
Bedda Vita