The magnificent Savoy Ballroom at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on Collins Street welcomed around 500 guests, including entrepreneurs, institutional representatives and key figures from the economic and cultural sectors.

All were gathered to celebrate Italian excellence and the invaluable contribution that businesses and professionals continue to make to economic relations between Italy and Australia.

The Savoy Ballroom set an elegant tone from the very entrance, where the pre-event lounge showcased a selection of Made in Italy brands, featuring products ranging from fine craftsmanship to culinary specialties.

Guests were able to browse these displays during the aperitif before the gala dinner, which alternated musical interludes with formal remarks.

In his opening speech, Adrian LoGiudice, President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Australia, emphasised Italy’s enduring influence on the global stage.

“Italy is much more than pizza, pasta, fashion and fast cars, as much as we may love all those things,” LoGiudice noted.

He then recalled the country’s historic legacy, from the founding of the Medici Bank in 1397, “which laid the foundations of modern finance”, to the innovations of Antonio Meucci, who “created new ways of communicating”.

“Italy still shapes our future,” he concluded.

Representing the Italian Embassy in Canberra—following the end of Ambassador Paolo Crudele’s term—was Roberto Rizzo, Chargé d’Affaires, who extended warm greetings to those present.

Also in attendance were Nicola Carè, Democratic Party MP elected abroad (Africa, Asia, Oceania and Antarctica division), Danny Pearson, Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, and Daniela De Martino MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs in Victoria.

The highlight of the evening was the awards presentation. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Caterina Borsato, a prominent figure in hospitality and a respected voice within the Italian–Australian community.

Consul Chiara Mauri then bestowed the prestigious title of Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia on Paul Guerra, CEO of the Melbourne Football Club, and on Veronica Misciatelli, General Manager of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Melbourne.

Among the other award winners were:

Italian Business Award (sponsored by Iveco): Amplifon, global leader in hearing innovation.

Italian Design Award (supported by SMEG): Diadem, recognised for its integration of industrial design, brand identity and sustainable materials.

Italian Businesswoman Award (sponsored by Avondale FC): Leticia Ficarra of PMY Group.

Italian Innovation Award (supported by Cubes.com): Unox Casa, which brings professional-level performance to high-end home kitchens.

Young Entrepreneur Award (sponsored by That’s Amore): Ben Circosta, founder of Bippi, a rapidly growing food brand.

Sustainability Award: Veneto Group, honoured for its commitment to producing certified, low-emission, long-lasting timber interiors.