“What is your vision for youth? How can young people help strengthen and support the work of institutions and associations for the benefit of the Italian-Australian community?”

These are the questions that the GIA Network (network of young Italian-Australians) president Domenico Stefanelli posed to representatives of Italian institutions Coasit, Comites, Consulate, Chamber of Commerce and Enit.

Guests present last Monday at the event themed “Sistema Italia,” where GIA created another networking opportunity by positioning itself as a direct voice of the needs of the new migratory force, both temporary and permanent.

The event, organised precisely on the occasion of Labor Day at the impressive Doltone House was attended by more than 150 people.

The GIA aims to “strengthen the Italian community by promoting collaboration among the different generations of Italian-Australians through the organisation of social, professional, sporting and institutional events,” said Stefanelli during his welcome speech.

The network aims at “ensuring that the tens of thousands of young Italians who will arrive in Australia in the near future on permanent or temporary visas will have, in the existence of the GIA Network and its volunteers, a safety net they can rely on,” as Felice Montrone, dubbed a mentor and guide by the GIA youth themselves, pointed out in his speech.

Paolo Barlera, director of the Italian Cultural Institute, answered questions from young people encouraging them to meet and exchange ideas.

“Culture is also values, knowledge of society, awareness of what's around us, and I think we should try to adopt alternative and interactive models,” he said.

“This evening I think is an ideal example, a time when we meet and try to exchange ideas and create alliances, get to know each other better to do things together.

Simona Bernardini, trade commissioner of the Italian Trade Agency, also responded to questions.

Bernardini cited foreign trade statistics recalling that Italy is Australia’s 12th largest trading partner, while Australia is Italy’s 28th

“You can do more if you create a synergy with institutions,” Bernardini added.

“The concept of ‘Made in Italy’ today cannot and must not be limited to clichés about Italy, but must be extended to the fact that Italy is technology, machinery, innovation.

“No longer just pizza, dolce vita and mandolin.”

Rachele Grassi, managing director of the Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry Australia, stressed “the importance of building a world where cooperation rather than competition is more fundamental.

“A more sustainable world where we try to do good, not just get somewhere.”

Concluding the speeches was a highly applauded performance by singer Gaetano Bonfante.

What Italy represents from a cultural, economic and identity point of view is inevitably changing over time, the cultural heritage we boast of as Italians is precious, but without undergoing modernisation it will inevitably become obsolete.

Young people are the only ones who can shape this new Italian identity.