President Domenico Stefanelli announced that this time it will be a more “interactive and engaging” experience.
The GIA Network - a community of young Italian-Australians - continues to grow as a key point of connection for the new generations within our community.
“As usual, we expect between 60 and 80 people,” explained Stefanelli, “But this time it will be a more dynamic event. There will be games, group activities, moments of sharing and of course traditional food.”
The aim is to create a space that’s not just informative, but also experiential - a place where Italian culture can be lived in a fun and authentic way.
A core focus of the event will be celebrating the many linguistic expressions that form part of our heritage.
“We will talk about the Italian language and the dialects together; it will be a way to reflect on what it means to be Italian in Australia today,” he said.
This is exactly what GIA sets out to do; not just offer a meeting place for those with Italian roots, but also serve as a cultural hub where tradition meets modern life.
Events like this are an opportunity to connect, reconnect and reinforce a sense of belonging, something that can often be tested by both geographical and cultural distance.
“It will be a participatory event,” Stefanelli continued, “No long formal speeches - we want to involve the audience, hear their stories and create real connections.”
Over the years, the GIA Network has proven its ability to bring together young people from a variety of backgrounds, all united by a desire to maintain a strong connection to their Italian heritage. And in a world where younger generations are constantly moving between cultures, initiatives like this are more important than ever.
More details about the event and its guests will be shared in the coming days. But one thing is clear: the GIA Network is growing, and with it, the vision of a young, vibrant community that understands its unique place between two worlds.
