SYDNEY - The official presentation of the portal and the logo of the Sydney Comites took place on Tuesday, August 22 at the Forum Cultural Center in Leichhardt.
The evening was entitled “Apericena italiana” - the word Aperi being an abbreviation of aperitivo.
Welcoming those in attendance was NSW Comites president Luigi De Martino. Among the various topics touched upon in his speech, De Martino fondly recalled the president who preceded him, Pino Musso.
Musso mentored him and sadly passed away a few years ago at a young age.
De Martino explained what the aims of Comites are, as the representative organisation of the Italian community. The organisation is a tool that Italian law makes available to Italians abroad.
President De Martino thanked the Italian Consulate and all the employees for the service they perform with dedication.
Thanks to their efforts they have introduced possibility of renewing passports without appointments.
In the concluding part of his speech, De Martino thanked Coasit CEO Thomas Camporeale, emphasising the friendly collaboration between Comites and Coasit, the two sponsors of the evening.
He also thanked Robert Carbone’s Cardem Property Group, Monica Cucciardi’s Soho Accounting, Antonio Bamonte’s Viatour, Sandro Isabella and Graziella of Pasta Man, Massimo Orobello of Divine Food and Beverage, and Luigi De Luca for the surprise Sicilian granita offered to those present.
De Martino concluded with a special mention of the representatives of the institutions operating in Sydney: Dr. Giuditta Giuffrida of the Consulate, Dr. Paolo Barlera of the Italian Cultural Institute and Dr. Simona Bernardini of the Italian Trade Agency.
De Martino highlighted the always appreciated and welcome presence of Senator of the Italian Parliament Francesco Giacobbe.
After De Martino, the advocates and creators of the website, Luciano Jerry Gerardi and Lisa Genovese, took the floor. The vice president of Comites outlined what useful information can be drawn from the portal. Among the very useful resources the portal will also contain a calendar with all the community events of Italian organisations and associations. Lisa Genovese pointed out that the dates of the various festivals will be publicised free of charge, just write to info@comitesnsw.com.au
Giuditta Giuffrida and Thomas Camporeale then said a few words. Both speakers applauded the initiative of the portal, claiming it will be very useful for many of the young people from Italy coming to Australia.
Senator Francesco Giacobbe was given the closing speech. Giacobbe also wanted to remember his friend Pino Musso, who in addition to his position as president of Comites, had always put himself at the disposal of the Italian community in a selfless manner.
The senator informed those present of proposals currently in front of the Italian parliament, one being a digital identity card that will also be available to Italian citizens residing outside Italy.
The senator concluded by extending warm thanks to Comites President De Martino and all the members of his committee because everything they do, they do because they believe in the Italian community.
In attendance were Felice Montrone, Domenico Stefanelli, Claudio Paroli and numerous presidents and members of well-known Sydney associations.
According to us, a duo composed of accordionist Paolo Campanari Brancordi and soloist Rossella Fanelli, graced the evening with a performance.
