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In Queensland there is a very strong presence of all things Italian. In fact, over 100,000 people are of Italian origin and of these 27,000 are Italian speakers and around 15,000 are Italian Citizens. Italians are one of the largest ethnic groups in the state. Nearly 80% of them are concentrated in the city of Brisbane.
This figure is thanks to the mass migration that occurred in the 50’s and 60’s when many Italians left their country to come to Australia to search for their Eldorado. A very large number of them came to Queensland as cane-cutters and laborers. They set up their homes and established their families here in the hope of a better life. They succeeded in their objective and, at the same time, they integrated into the Australian lifestyle their traditions and culture, thus contributing to create today’s Queensland’s multicultural diversity.
In this fertile ground we decided to plant the seed of a celebration focused on Italy and the Italian lifestyle. Italian Week is the Official celebration of the Festa della Repubblica (Italian National Day), an initiative of the Consulate of Italy in Queensland and Northern Territory, in collaboration with New Realm Media, The Pellegrino Scholarship, produced by Alessandro Sorbello with support of the Italian institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy.
The Official Italian Week is now in its third edition. In the first one, in 2007, the distance between Italy and Australia was shortened by the popular Roman Rock Band, “TRIM”. A modern dance performance, produced together with Queensland Government, was also held at the Queensland Performing Arts Complex. The piece, “Arrivi e Partenze” (arriving and departing) demonstrated Italian innovation through dance, song and performing arts.
The second edition in 2008 presented a program of events, focusing on literature, art, culture, culinary experiences, sport, fashion, music and the performing arts, education and language. It hosted talented international musicians such as: Opera Queensland, Anna Maria La Spina, Peter Cupples, Enza Pantano, Alex Raineri and alongside fashion experts Elio Marzullo of Elio Moda and industry leaders such as Phil Di Bella of Di Bella Coffee.
This gift to the city of Brisbane and the state of Queensland also captured the remarkable talents in music of some high school students who were given, thanks to a scholarship offered by an Italian-Australian philanthropist, Cav. Stephen J Pellegrino, the opportunity to undertake further studies in prestigious Italian institutions.
This year in 2009, we are proud of offering to the city of Brisbane in its prestigious location of the Queen Street Mall another unique experience of food, culture and celebrations.
Francesco Capecchi
Consul of Italy in Queensland and Northern Territory