The Italian community of Queensland this year celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Italian Republic very specially, in a Brisbane all lit up with the colors of the Italian flag. The main event was a reception on June 2 at Customs House, for a limited number of guests in accordance with current anti-pandemic restrictions that featured also the 60th anniversary since the establishment of the Consulate of Italy in Brisbane.
Among the many Authorities present, the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, and the Opposition Leader David Crisafulli, underlined the great contribution of the Italian community to the development of Queensland, a rapidly growing state that has submitted a bid to host the Olympics and Paralympics in 2032.
The Consul of Italy in Brisbane, Salvatore Napolitano, presented the Honors of Cavaliere OMRI to the Minister of Education, Industrial Relations and Racing Grace Grace, the Honors of OSI Officer to Judge Orazio Rinaudo, former Chief Magistrate of Queensland and Renzo Zanuttini, entrepreneur and one of the pioneers of Italian immigration. The sponsors of the evening were Ghella, which participates in the largest infrastructure project in Queensland, Cross River Rail and Mapei, which has its headquarters for Australia near Brisbane.
On the morning of 2 June, the President of Comites Queensland and Northern Territory, Ms. Mariangela Stagnitti, with the support of the Consulate organized, for the very first time, a wreath-laying ceremony at ANZAC Square in Brisbane. All Italian Associations of Queensland participated in the very emotional event.
Consul Napolitano also participated in the celebrations for the Republic Day organized at the Italian Australian Club of the Gold Coast.
For pictures see the Italian version
