Most recently, the group has raised funds to support young Italians who have lost their jobs over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The network has bridged the distance between first- and second-generation Italian migrants and newly arrived travellers seeking work through various events and activities.
For president of the GIA Network, Domenico Stefanelli, one initiative sticks in his memory.
“Our initial fundraising event on Easter Monday in 2020 is close to my heart,” he says.
“In eight hours, we managed to raise $110,000 from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
“All that generosity came from the Italo-Australian community, which wanted to take care of Italians in precarious living situations.
“We also distributed shopping vouchers, which encouraged new migrants to seek out the Italian community in Sydney.”
Stefanelli hopes that, in the future, the GIA Network will be an invaluable resource for Italian migrants.
Mentors from the network can assist newly arrived Italians in their pursuit of a visa, set up meetings with reputable immigration agents and offer advice where necessary.
For many migrants, the immigration process can be confusing and upsetting, and the GIA Network aims to smooth the path for Italians moving to Australia.
Currently, the network is attempting to organise another Lucca Comics exhibition, to be displayed at Club Marconi.
The last exhibition, held at Leichhardt Town Hall, showcased the work of the winners from Italy’s most famous comics festival.
