BRISBANE - The much-anticipated annual Christmas event and Business Excellence Awards of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Queensland was held at the Coffee Commune.
The event provided an extraordinary opportunity to bring together the Italo-Australian business community during the festive season, highlighting its success and contribution to the economic and social development of Queensland.
The event was opened by Allan Pidgeon, president of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in QLD and NT, who warmly welcomed the guests.
In his speech, Pidgeon emphasised the importance of moments like these to celebrate not only the economic successes of the awarded businesses but also their positive impact on the local community.
He reiterated the Chamber’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration between Italy and Australia, underscoring how Italian values of dedication and innovation continue to be a key driver for progress in Australian society.
The guest of honour, Brisbane Mayor Adrian Schrinner, praised the significant contribution of the Italian community to the city’s urban and cultural fabric.
Schrinner noted how the energy and enterprise of Italians have played a crucial role in transforming Brisbane into a dynamic and continuously growing city.
He also referenced the city’s preparations for the 2032 Olympics, an event that will present an extraordinary opportunity to showcase Queensland’s capital on the international stage.
The mayor highlighted how preparations for the Olympic Games are transforming Brisbane with new infrastructure projects and initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ quality of life and creating a lasting legacy.
Schrinner reiterated the importance of collaborating with all of Brisbane’s communities, particularly the Italian community, to continue building an inclusive and prosperous future.
The central moment of the event was the presentation of awards to Pennisi Cuisine and Tizzone Manufacturing, which received the ICCI Queensland Guido Canale Business Excellence Award 2024 and the ICCI Queensland Carlo Crocetti Business Excellence Award 2024, respectively.
The ceremony was attended by prominent members of the Italian community, including Comites Secretary Rosaria Vecchio, who praised the value of the event as a unifying tool for the Italian diaspora.
Also present was Santo Santoro, who recalled the deep roots of Italian culture in Queensland and its contribution to the region’s economic progress.
Giovanni Antonaglia personally supported the initiative, stressing the importance of keeping Italian traditions alive through events that celebrate the community’s success and talent.
The event offered a perfect mix of celebration, reflection and networking, shining a spotlight on the awarded businesses for their commitment and innovation.
Alongside the prestigious Business Excellence Awards named after Guido Canale and Carlo Crocetti, the evening featured moments of conviviality alongside cuisine showcasing authentic Italian flavours and a raffle with exclusive prizes.
Pidgeon concluded the event by expressing gratitude to the guests and sponsors for their support, closing with a message of hope and optimism for the future of relations between Italy and Australia.
With the support of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and the enthusiastic participation of the community, the ICCI QLD & NT 2024 event reaffirmed its central role in celebrating and promoting Italo-Australian excellence, helping to strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two countries.
