In the morning, a delegation took part in the commemoration of the Giorno del Ricordo at Preston Cemetery, honouring the victims of the Foibe.

Present at the ceremony were the Consul General of Italy, Chiara Mauri, and Com.It.Es. President Ubaldo Aglianò, together with representatives of various military associations.

“Remembering these painful chapters of our history means renewing our commitment to preserving memory and passing it on to future generations,” it was emphasised during the event.

In the early afternoon, the Alpini Club of Epping held its annual assembly at its headquarters and processed membership renewals. Invited to attend, the Alpini Section of Melbourne took part in proceedings which unfolded smoothly and were enriched by several proposals put forward by members.

At 5 p.m., at the Casa D’Abruzzo Club in Epping—home to the association—a ceremony marked the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of Nikolayevka, with the laying of a wreath at the commemorative monument.

Following the solemn moment, remarks were delivered by Alpini Association of Melbourne Vice-President Danilo Abrotonite and Casa D’Abruzzo President Fernando Cardinale.

The ceremony was also attended by Felice De Lucia, president of the National Association of Non-Commissioned Officers of Italy, contributing to the success of the event.

Afterwards, at the entrance to the club’s reception area, a brief presentation took place featuring the symbolic donation of a wooden Alpine feather to the president and committee of Casa D’Abruzzo—a sign of friendship and collaboration.

“Dear friends of the Casa D’Abruzzo Club of Epping, it is a pleasure to be here today,” said Gianfranco Rebeschini, president of the Alpini Association of Melbourne.

“As an Alpini association, we feel a natural bond with those who, like you, proudly promote our roots and traditions. We are not here only for a formal greeting, but to seal a mutual friendship in the spirit of brotherhood.

“This Alpine feather carved in wood is not a simple decorative object: wood represents strength and resilience; the feather recalls the eagle, symbol of those who know how to look upward.

“Giving it to you means entrusting you with a sign of our history and our respect. May it find a place of honour in your headquarters, as a testament to a collaboration we want to see grow—as solid as wood and as proud as the feather.

“Long live the Alpini and long live the Casa D’Abruzzo Club of Epping!”