Comites of Queensland and Northern Territory brought together community representatives for a round table discussion at the Brisbane City Football Club.
The aim of the meeting was to provide an update on the activities of the various associations, welcoming questions and exchanging views with all members of our vast community.
The main topics touched upon were the presentation of the new website, upcoming events and the organisation of the 10th anniversary of the Italian monument “Confluenze”.
The monument, laid in Rome Street Parkland, was donated in 2013 by the Lucania Association of QLD and the Italian community in memory of the contribution that Italian migrants have made to Australian democracy and as a sign of good luck to new migrants.
Special focus was also on the upcoming event for National Reconciliation Week 2023 with the presentation of Chris di Sarra, a member of the Italian community and a native Australian.
The presentation is about multiculturalism and integration, containing a very important testimony of a life that must be shared with new generations.
“The Round Table is an initiative created by Comites to bring together community representatives,” explained Comites President Rosaria Vecchio.
“Its goal is to create a link that allows them not only to update us on their activities, but also to connect with other members of the Italian-Australian community.
“It is essentially a forum to communicate, engage and collaborate.
“Our first roundtable in November 2022 was very well received and we look forward to continuing it as an ongoing initiative,” he added.
“Not only is it an opportunity for our community leaders to connect and coordinate programs, but their experience, knowledge and feedback are an essential guide for our activities, such as the upcoming Confluenza anniversary project.”
During the roundtable discussion, Comites also announced to the community that as many as eight cities in Queensland and the Northern Territory will pay homage to Republic Day by lighting major monuments in the colours of the Italian flag.
The sites in Brisbane this year will be Story Bridge, Victoria Bridge, City Hall, the Hervey Bay Avenue Figtree and Hervey Bay Esplanade and the Sir Albert Abbott Administration Building in Mackay.
Townsville will be completely green, white and red with as many as six sites: Victoria Bridge, Wharton Reef Lighthouse, George Roberts Bridge, Old Magistrates Court House, Flinders Square, Little Flecther Bridge and Central Park Boardwalk.
In Stanthorpe: Warwick Town Hall, Council Administration Building and Weeroona Park.
In the Northern Territory: Palmerston Recreation Centre.
Comites invited residents of the various areas to take pictures and send them to the social media accounts of Comites and the Consulate of Italy in Brisbane so they could share them.
Finally, Comites expressed satisfaction and gratitude for the support that the institutions gave to our community, happy and proud to celebrate Republic Day with us.
