As with every ALTO event, the spread was top notch. Guests helped themselves to focaccia, pizza, cheeses, cannoli and an array of other Italian delicacies – not to mention an open bar.

ALTO president Adrian D’Aprano welcomed the large turnout of over 100 people. “Over the past 11 years, we’ve developed a thriving community, with 300 plus lifetime members,” he said.

“Our members are the top professionals in their fields,” he added, before paying homage to the “wonderful new venue” of Il Mercato Centrale.

“It’s a stunning space which hosts 23 Italian artisans … designed to reflect the bustling and communal nature of Italian markets.”

D’Aprano then thanked the night’s sponsors, Boss Private Clients, That’s Amore Cheese, Il Mercato Centrale and Marco and Michelle Singarella, owners of both Il Mercato Centrale’s l’enoteca, where the event was held, and Vino Bambino.

The president also thanked the Italo-Australian businesses that donated raffle prizes: That’s Amore Cheese and Vino Bambino again, along with Sapori D’Amalfi and Palace Cinemas.

D’Aprano also gave a shoutout to the ALTO committee members “for all of their hard work over the course of this year”.

ALTO members enjoyed a delicious Italian-style buffet

Offstage, D’Aprano was bullish about ALTO’s year and its potential moving forward. “It’s been a successful year,” he shared, “We’ve had really good engagement from all of our members.

“We’ve held three really big events, two of which had topics,” he continued, referring to ALTO’s event on health and the other on Italians in the Australian food industry.

“We continue to get new people onboard … our real aim is to support the next generation and get more younger people to see the value in coming to our events.

“[We want] to support young Italian professionals throughout Melbourne, throughout Australia, throughout the world.

“We have connections in all of the major cities in Italy and many places throughout the world.

“We look forward to continuing to support young Italians in their professional journey in 2025 and beyond.”

D’Aprano is indeed ambitious for ALTO in 2025. “Next year, it’ll be similar,” he said, “We’ll have several large events.

“We’ve got a sports event in the pipeline with some big sports stars, I won’t give too much away.”

The president revealed the stars will be from the AFL, with more from “other codes” potentially getting involved.

ALTO sponsor Marco Singarella also sang the organisation’s praises. “It’s a wonderful group of people,” he said.

“For us to continue to have that involvement [with ALTO and] to continue to grow the Italo-Australiano culture here in Melbourne is a wonderful thing and I’m very proud of it.

“[At ALTO events] you’re standing around with likeminded people, but in a very relaxed environment.”

When asked who ALTO was looking for in potential members, Singarella was quick-witted. “Maybe people not like me, I’m over 50,” he joked.

If you’re looking to join a network of ambitious and talented people from a similar background to you (but not exclusively, as ALTO is truly open to all), click here.