The Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Melbourne organised the launch of its program for the new year which included some innovative initiatives.
In the cosy entrance hall, attendants were treated to a tasty array of appetisers inspired by Italy’s culinary tradition.
They were then invited to make their way into one of the venue’s atmospheric screening rooms.
Elysia Zeccola, Palace Cinemas' National Festivals Director who had just returned from the Berlin International Film Festival, gave a welcome address to those present.
The evening continued with a screening of a film announcing Rome’s candidacy for the 2030 World Expo.
At the conclusion of the film, the Italian Ambassador to Australia, Paolo Crudele, took the floor and discussed the warm relations between Italy and Australia.
He emphasised the fundamental role the Chamber of Commerce has played in those relations, a point emphasised by the large attendance.
Crudele also reminded those present of the importance of the yet to be finalised free trade agreement between Australia and the European Union.
He expressed Italy’s enthusiasm for this initiative as he believes it will help to further strengthen relations between the two countries and, in particular, with Victoria, following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the state and the region of Lombardy in recent months.
At the conclusion of the speech, the microphone was passed to Lou Farinotti, president of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Melbourne.
Farinotti stressed the importance of the Italian community within Australian society, but also reiterated the need for the community to aim for an even greater role in the future.
Farinotti warmly thanked Ambassador Paolo Crudele, Consul General Hanna Pappalardo and the Director of the Italian Cultural Institute of Melbourne, Angelo Gioè, for their presence at the event and for their daily support of the Italian community.
Representatives from business partners Iveco, La Vita in St. Genevieve, Varvaglione and Plega Healthcare were also invited to speak.
Finally, Veronica Misciattelli, Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce, thanked Palace Cinema for hosting the event, before announcing the innovative program for 2023.
She reminded everyone of the upcoming Business Awards Gala 2023 scheduled for September 16 at the Plaza Ballroom.
Misciattelli also spoke of the interesting discussions had during the 'Women in Leadership' series, the long-awaited culinary Masterclasses in association with 'True Italian Taste' as well as other exciting initiatives.
But this year's novelty, serving to underline the importance of the collaboration between Australia and Italy, comes in the form of new seminars with prominent members of the Australian government.
The first meeting is scheduled for March 31 with Andrew Giles, Australia's Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs.
Minister Giles is set to discuss the profound changes the country is adjusting to as it comes out of its recovery from the Covid pandemic.
"I think that the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Melbourne is evolving more and more, always trying to work closely with both the local Italian-Australian business community and the purely Italian community," concluded Misciattelli.
