Victoria spent 600 days in a state of emergency to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, enduring a world record of 263 days in lockdown (across six separate lockdowns).
The Italian Chamber of Commerce (ICCI) in Melbourne marked the reopening of businesses and a return to social activities on Thursday, with its first event of 2022.
Some 200 guests flocked to the Port Melbourne Yacht Club to celebrate Italian culture and industry in an evening that kicked off a stellar social calendar full of events, from seminars to masterclasses.
Guests were greeted by the master of ceremonies, John Di Natale, and the chamber’s president, Luca Scribani Rossi, who was quick to praise the strong ties between sister cities Melbourne and Milan.
“We’ll aim to drive greater economic relations to strengthen and complement the existing relationship between the two cities,” Scribani Rossi said.
“This relationship provides opportunities to develop strategic partnerships between institutions and allow local companies to do business in Milan and Italy in general.
“Last week, Australia reopened its international borders and, that same day, we welcomed the first Italian company to arrive.
“It’s just one example of the significant positive impact of Italian trade in Victoria.”
Consul General of Italy in Melbourne Hanna Pappalardo also made a speech, marking her official introduction to the Italian community following her recent appointment.
Consul General of Italy in Melbourne Hanna Pappalardo
Pappalardo paid an emotional tribute to Italy’s ambassador to Australia, Francesca Tardioli, following her death on February 19.
The consul general invited guests to observe a minute of silence in honour of Tardioli, whom she described as “a mentor, friend and inspiration whose commitment to promoting human rights and gender equality is unparalleled”.
Pappalardo’s speech also touched on the opportunities provided through strategic partnerships between Melbourne and Italy.
“Italy is passion, heritage, diversity, innovation and creativity, but it’s so much more,” the consul general said.
“It’s about dedication, bravery, imagination, expertise and precision.”
Pappalardo concluded by thanking the community for its warm welcome.
“When landing at Tullamarine airport in December, my attention was immediately caught by the message on your number plates: ‘Victoria – The Place to Be’,” she said.
“I looked at my husband and said: ‘We’re in the exact right place’.”
Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio also delivered a speech, celebrating “a story that will continue to forge relationships, identify opportunities and shape the future for generations to come”.
Meanwhile, Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp highlighted the 105 per cent increase in pedestrian traffic along Lygon Street in Carlton, the beating heart of the local Italian community.
Guests then participated in a masterclass led by cocktail connoisseur Orlando Marzo as part of the ICCI’s True Italian Taste initiative.
Crowned the world’s best bartender in 2018, Marzo showed his audience what lies behind some of the most popular Italian cocktails – Negroni, Americano, Spritz and Espresso Martini – and explored the use of authentic Italian ingredients.
Orlando Marzo
Another highlight of the evening was the launch of the first official ICCI Melbourne app, which can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.
The next event on the chamber’s 2022 calendar is the Melbourne Italian Festa, which will take place on April 3 in Carlton’s Piazza Italia (Argyle Square).
