The annual beauty pageant is organised by Il Globo, with the proceeds going to centres for disabled children.
The gala evening was a great success, with around 1000 members of the Italian community in attendance.
The crowd applauded the 11 finalists of the pageant, announced after a long series of qualifying events among the various Italian companies and associations.
Lina Massaro, the candidate for Club Cavour, was crowned Miss Italian Community.
The coveted title is accompanied with a prize: a cruise for two people.
Meanwhile, the title of Charity Queen went to Loretta Rupena, the candidate for the Veneto Club, who raised the most funds for the cause.
Miss Rupena was awarded a return trip to Italy for two by ship.
Both prizes were courtesy of shipping company Lloyd Triestino.
In the photo are (left to right): Helen Bogden, a representative of the Spastic Society of Victoria; Charity Queen, Loretta Rupena; the wife of the Italian Consul General in Melbourne, Isabella Ferrari Di Carpi; and Miss Italian Community 1968, Lina Massaro.
Photo: Marzella
