These services include supporting the aged and people with a disability, and promoting teaching of the Italian language and culture.

Attended by over 340 people, the event was held in honour of hitting the 40-year milestone, and was a memorable celebration that included past and present staff, committee members, sponsors, volunteers and dignitaries.

Director of CO.AS.IT., Dina Ranieri, said she was “honoured to witness this amazing milestone and be a testament to the positive impact our organisation has made on the community”.

To commemorate the achievement, a historical booklet was presented to each guest and an evocative documentary video featuring CO.AS.IT. founder Fiorenza Jones OAM was shown.

Past and present committee members carried the audience through CO.AS.IT.’s 40-year journey.

A slide show of 40 years of photographs of clients, events and community projects was integral to the understanding of the importance of the organisation in its early years of operation.

The organisation was and still is the first contact point for the Italian community.

Welcomed by CO.AS.IT. President Cav. Nereo Brezzi, the evening’s official component also included the Hon. Stirling Hinchliffe MP; Italian Consul Dottor Ludovico Carlo Camussi (representing the Italian ambassador); Ms Jacinta Webb (representing the Minister for Education and Industrial Relations); Cr Krista Adams (representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane); Cr Vicky Howard; Cr Norm Wyndham; Senator Francesco Giacobbe and Com.It.Es. President Mariangela Stagnitti.

Hosted by media personality Damien Anthony Rossi and actress-singer Naomi Price, the dinner was an entertaining evening of laughter, excellent food and wine sponsored by Casella Wines, Prosecco and Strega Liqueurs by Italiquore’s Cav. Fil D’Arro.

Music was provided by Sydney entertainers the De Bellis Band. 

The dozens of valuable raffle prizes donated by CO.AS.IT.’s committed sponsors included a chance to win a $2,000 travel voucher and diamond jewellery.

Special thanks to other major sponsors such as Black and White Cabs, Black and White Home Services, Westpac, Toyota, Better Build Constructions, Tunstall and Crown Family Jewellers.

CO.AS.IT. has a proud reputation of catering to the needs of the aged, people with a disability, carers and families in crisis and is integral to the maintenance and learning of the Italian language and culture in Queensland.  

It is particularly focussed on assisting people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD).

Proceeds from this memorable event will go towards the Dementia Carer Support Program.