Over the course of his life, Randazzo became a journalist, politician, author, playwright, historian and Italian migration expert.
Three years after his passing, the Italian community flocked to CO.AS.IT. in Carlton to celebrate his incredible life.
Guests were captivated by the presentation of an exclusive collection of all of Randazzo’s plays, Il Teatro di Nino Randazzo.
The exhibition is designed to “highlight his contribution to the arts and preserve it for years to come”.
Last week, the Consulate General of Italy in Melbourne hosted a special ceremony for the official delivery of Randazzo’s plays, which were placed in the Senate Historical Archive.
The ceremony was attended by Randazzo’s daughter, Carmen, the Senator of the Democratic Party, Francesco Giacobbe, and the president of the Senate Library Commission, Senator Gianni Marilotti.
Consul General of Italy in Melbourne Hanna Pappalardo marked the occasion.
“Politician, journalist, artist, historian,” she recounted.
“I can only remember him through the words of a dear friend and colleague of his, Dario Nelli, the director of Il Globo.
“In Nelli’s moving eulogy at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Randazzo was described as ‘a young Italian who became a great Australian, to whom we all owe a lot’.
“From the struggles for the rights of migrants in Australia to ensuring that Italian citizens abroad had the ability to vote, Randazzo tirelessly campaigned to protect the reputation and dignity of his community.
“He championed the study of the Italian language, especially at a time when Italo-Australians were being constantly attacked by the mainstream media.
“Randazzo always fought on the front lines for what he believed in, without any fear, and he represents the very essence of multicultural Australia.”
Carmen was moved by the affection expressed towards her father and thanked everyone for their “presence, friendship and support”.
She acknowledged the significant role played by the Italian Senate, thanking them for giving her father “the happiest seven years of his life”.
Senator Francesco Giacobbe recalled Randazzo’s immeasurable contribution, remembering his “thought-provoking editorials, reflections and critical statements on current issues”.
Senator Gianni Marilotti announced that a special volume dedicated to Randazzo’s parliamentary speeches and prominent articles had been commissioned.
“As Gramsci said, ‘truth is always revolutionary’,” Marilotti concluded.
“As Voltaire said, ‘above all, we owe the truth to those who are no longer there’.”
