Following their annual convention in Melbourne, where strategies to strengthen economic ties between Italy and Australia were among the topics discussed, the delegation travelled to Sydney to visit one of the most prominent Italian community institutions in the country.
Assocamerestero coordinates a global network of 84 Italian Chambers of Commerce operating in 61 countries. The organisation plays a key role in promoting Italian businesses abroad and strengthening international economic and trade relations.
The delegation included President Mario Pozza, Secretary General Domenico Mauriello and Franco Conzato, the CEO of Venicepromex.
Also present were President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Sydney Fabio Grassia, together with board member Antimo Di Antonio and Secretary General Roberto Tagliaferri.
Representing Club Marconi were President Morris Licata, board members Giovanna Pellegrino, Dino Zonta, Antonio Paragalli and Angelo Ruisi, along with CEO Matteo Biviano.
During the visit, the delegation toured the club’s facilities and sports grounds before concluding the evening with dinner at the busy bistro in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
At the end of the visit, President Pozza shared his impressions of Club Marconi.
“First of all, I must compliment the quality of the club’s cuisine,” Pozza said. “I was truly surprised by the size and organisation of this club.”
“I have visited many countries around the world, but there is nothing like this—not in South America or North America—an organisation with more than 50,000 members and facilities of this level: a stadium, two synthetic football fields, five tennis courts, three squash courts, a gym open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, a billiards room, a bocce court and extensive dining areas, along with many other activities.
“For me it is also a source of great pride to know that many of the founding members were of Venetian origin, particularly from the province of Treviso,” he added.
“Over time, the club has continued to grow thanks to Italians from many other regions, which reflects the spirit of integration of our Italy abroad.
“At Club Marconi I found a genuine sense of Italian identity—a combination of values, quality and community spirit that helps maintain Italy’s reputation overseas.
“Here, Italian identity is expressed through quality, service and the continuity of tradition. As we say, blood is thicker than water—you can feel it as soon as you walk in.
“In Australia, I found an environment of great value and a clear example of what Italy can represent in the world,” Pozza concluded.
The meeting ended in a warm and positive atmosphere, with the shared view that the visit could mark the beginning of a broader collaboration.
Both the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Sydney and Club Marconi’s leadership expressed their intention to strengthen these exchanges, recognising their importance in building stronger connections between the business community and the long-established Italian-Australian community.
The hope is that similar meetings will take place more often, paving the way for joint initiatives and cultural and economic programs.
A structured partnership between the two organisations could create new opportunities while further highlighting the role of the Italian community in Australia’s social and economic life.
With these foundations in place, the future appears full of possibility.
