The naming will occur in honour of the close bond between the local community and Italo-Australians, who have long called the area their home.

The decision follows the recent successful naming of Little Portugal in Petersham, which recognises the close ties of that area with the Portuguese community.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said that the Inner West had a long-established association with Italy, which was reflected in the concentration of Italian businesses and peoples in the suburb of Leichhardt and Haberfield.

“Leichhardt is recognised across Sydney and even across the globe as Little Italy,” he said.

“The famous Norton Street Festa which has been running for many years brings thousands of visitors to Leichhardt each October, and is attracting more every year.

“At this year’s Festa we will be consulting the community on how we can make a permanent link between Italo-Australians and the Inner West.

“We want to formally recognise the Italian heart of Sydney.”

Council will consult with the Italian Consulate in Sydney and the local community about the appropratetarea and name for the Italian precinct.

Attendees at the Norton Street Festa on Sunday, October 27, will also be able to have their say on recognising the home of Italy in Sydney.

Another proposed initiative by Council is the painting of a commemorative artwork in recognition of Italian culture.

The artwork would be painted in a prominent place on Norton Street, with one possible location being the façade of the new building where the Harold Hawkins Court now stands.

Council has tentatively set its sights on celebrating the completion of the mural on June 2, 2020.

“Leichhardt has long been the symbolic home of the Italian community in Sydney and is recognised internationally as one of the first places that Italians settled when they arrived in NSW,” Thomas Camporeale, CO.AS.IT. general manager, said.

“Our headquarters, Casa d’Italia, is located on Norton Street and has been the beating heart of the Italian community in NSW.

“Out of this office we provide services to all Italians both young and old through our care services, community services and education services.

“For over 20 years our building has become a beacon for all Italians and has contributed to the feeling of ‘Little Italy’ in Sydney.”

Camporeale also mentioned two personal highlights from his time in Leichhardt.

“Firstly, the official visit of Italian President Scalfaro to Casa d’Italia, to officially open the building in 1997.

“Secondly, the purchase of the Italian Forum Cultural Centre by CO.AS.IT. in 2015 to ensure that this institution remained in the hands of the Italian Community.

“The official naming of Leichhardt as Little Italy is an opportunity to celebrate the Italian community, its heritage, contribution and success.

“We look forward to engaging with council in a community consultation process around this initiative.”