Just a few years ago, it was little more than an idea born around a table—a social gathering, an aperitivo, a few colleagues and a shared desire not to face a challenging period for the construction industry alone.
Before the formal proceedings, introduced by board secretary and interior designer Lidia Brugnaro, Carlo Gabriele, garden designer and one of the project’s promoters, reflected on the group’s beginnings.
“At a difficult time for the sector, I thought about bringing together the people I knew in design, architecture and construction,” he recalled.
“It was a simple evening, very Italian, with conversation and some food. The idea was to be together, but above all to share our contacts and support one another.”
From that almost spontaneous meeting, something gradually began to take shape.
“It’s been a long journey,” Gabriele told the founding members, “What is happening tonight goes beyond the initial vision I had. This is the first step of a new journey.”
The transition from informal group to structured organisation was marked by contributions from board members.
“Eleven months ago, during an event hosted by Tiento, we asked ourselves whether we wanted to take this community of professionals, colleagues and friends to the next level,” recalled Gianfranco De Vecchi, general manager of Veneto Group and president of the Collettivo Italiano.
“Today, we are here to celebrate that step. We’re not just building a group that meets for a pizza or an aperitivo, but a professional association that can become a platform for everyone’s growth.”
De Vecchi highlighted the value of the founding members present at Holding Redlich’s offices or joining online.
“You are part of this project with your time and your trust,” he said, “After today’s vote, we will be able to create synergies at a level that was not possible before.” The key word of the meeting was ‘growth’, not only in numbers, but in quality.
Fabio Biavaschi, board member and founder and director of Features Group, emphasised the role of events. “The Collettivo began by inviting a group of friends to someone’s home, and that spirit remains,” he said.
“Events will be at the heart of our activity. But it won’t just be the board organising them; we want everyone to bring ideas, contacts and opportunities.”
Looking ahead, the association is also casting its gaze towards Italy, especially at key events such as the upcoming Salone del Mobile in Milan.
Alongside the enthusiasm and the planning of industry events designed to add value to both the Collettivo and its members, attention was given to the practical requirements of building a solid organisational structure.
Marco Cimino, vice-president and treasurer of the Collettivo Italiano and partner architect at Akehurst Owen Cimino, addressed the topic of financial resources and governance, opening his remarks with thanks to the law firm hosting the AGM.
“I would like to express our gratitude to Holding Redlich and, in particular, to lawyers William Kohng, Lou Farinotti, Dado Hrustanpasic, Andrew Iser and Daniel Jackson,” Cimino said.
“Their availability and professionalism were essential in allowing us to organise this first AGM and take such an important step towards formalising the association.”
Cimino then turned to the future and the concrete steps needed to strengthen the organisation: “Tonight, we are talking about membership in an association with a very clear objective: to grow, to create connections and to invest in opportunities for everyone.”
“We ask for trust,” he continued. “We have skills, knowledge and a strong identity. We are Italian—we can do things differently and add value to what we build together.”
The Collettivo Italiano took its first official step as the founding members present unanimously endorsed both the constitution and the board, which is composed of: Gianfranco De Vecchi (president), Marco Cimino (vice-president and treasurer), Lidia Brugnaro (secretary), Fabio Biavaschi, Carlo Gabriele, Marco Patavino and Lou Farinotti.
From a dinner among friends to a structured association, the defining trait remains the same: the desire to share experience and vision, leveraging Italian heritage as a strength within the Australian professional landscape.
The Collettivo now enters its operational phase, with plans to define a calendar of initiatives and meetings in the coming weeks, formally opening a new chapter of activity and collaboration among Italian professionals in Melbourne.
