The docuseries features some of the “who’s who” of Italo-Australians, including a fashion icon, an internationally bestselling author, renowned chefs and “Australia’s Coffee King”.

The Italians was initially developed as a web series by CO.AS.IT. in Sydney and was created and directed by the institution’s marketing, events and communication manager, Carlos Raso, and filmed by Nowhere Famous.

The general manager of CO.AS.IT. in Sydney, Thomas Camporeale, is excited about the collaboration.

“As the leading Italian community organisation in New South Wales, we work to maintain the Italian language and culture,” he said.

“This series has been a wonderful way to capture some of the significant stories of these celebrated Italo-Australians.

“We’re thrilled to partner with SBS to reach a wider audience across Australia.”

The series delves into themes that are synonymous with Italian culture, including fashion, food, coffee and the arts.

Personalities such as the CEO of Vittoria Food & Beverage, Les Schirato, who has been dubbed “Australia’s Coffee King”, and the artistic director of Opera Australia, Lyndon Terracini, feature in the series.

Catherine Harris, the chairperson of Australia’s largest independent produce retailer, Harris Farm Markets, was actually born Catherine Mary Rossi.

In the series, she shares the story of her ancestors, Francesco Villa and Maffio Rossi, who migrated to Australia in 1880.

The Italians also captures one of Australian fashion icon Carla Zampatti’s last interviews, before her tragic passing earlier this year.

Other episodes showcase interviews with leading jewellery designer, Nicola Cerrone, and directors of a haircare empire, Chris and Anthony De Lorenzo.

Melina Marchetta, the award-winning author of Looking for Alibrandi, appears in the series, as well as internationally-acclaimed comedian, Joe Avati, and chefs Armando Percuoco, Alessandro Pavoni and Luigi Esposito.   

This attention-grabbing mix of themes and personalities delivers a unique insight into the lives of prominent Italo-Australians, from the perspectives of migrants and the children of migrants.

The Italians was named as a finalist in the NSW Premier’s Multicultural Communications Award in the category of ‘Best Audio-Visual Report’.

Viewers are invited to experience the stories that have helped to shape the Italo-Australian landscape of today.

“The series highlights the contribution of Italo-Australians over the years and the vast impact this has had on Australia,” Camporeale said.

“The Italians seeks to inspire the community to reconnect with their Italian heritage.

“These are only some of the numerous Italo-Australian success stories and we intend to feature more tales of triumph in subsequent seasons.”

The series is set to launch on SBS TV and SBS On Demand on December 13.