The Tour of Italy through Queensland – Campania, organized by the Consulate of Italy in Brisbane on 10 October, coincided with the launch of the Campania Association of Queensland. In the presence of about 200 guests, who tasted a special Campania menu by the Neapolitan Chef Cav. Tony Percuoco, Tartufo Restaurant, the President of the “Campania Association of Qld”, Carmelina Vitale, presented the members of the newly formed association, which counts already on over 100 members.
As for the previous stages of the Giro d’Italia, the event featured interviews with prominent local personalities and cultural contents, including a tribute to great tenor Enrico Caruso on the occasion of the centenary of his death by Maestro Raffaele Pierno, who was born on the same street as Caruso in Naples. The well-known Australian dancer Daniel Gaudiello, Queensland College of Dance, presented a special interpretation of the Neapolitan tarantella by his Australian ballet dance students.
The Mayors of the Campania municipalities of Casalduni, Frigento, Montesarchio addressed the audience with special videos recorded for the event, which goes in line with the objectives of the Tour of Italy to promote tourism exchanges and the places of origin of Italian Queenslanders. Giuseppe D’Avino, CEO of Strega Alberti, presented the liqueur and sweet products of the company who were made available during the initiative. The event included as main guest speakers Antonia Mercorella, whose family is originally from San Giorgio La Molara (Benevento, Campania) and who is the first woman CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, and Dina Ranieri, born in San Andrea di Conza (Avellino, Campania), CEO of Co.as.it Brisbane, which provides care services and community support to over 30 thousand people. Dina Ranieri is also the Director of the Italian Language Center, an institution that actively promotes the teaching of Italian in Queensland schools.
During the event, the Consul of Italy in Brisbane, Salvatore Napolitano, bestowed on Dina Ranieri the Honor of Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy granted by the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, as recognition for her professional trajectory, her extensive commitment to the Italian community, and the collaboration and support that Ms Ranieri has always offered to the activities of the Consulate. On the occasion, the Consul also underlined the leading role of Dina Ranieri and many other women within the Italian community of Queensland.
Videos, pictures, interviews about Campania will be available on the Giro d’Italia through Queensland website www.giroditaliathroughqueensland.com
