On Saturday October 22, the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Melbourne (ICCI) held its annual Gala Night. At this edition, in addition to the elegant and refined atmosphere, in the air was the electrifying anticipation of the candidates for numerous awards celebrating businesses that have distinguished themselves via their promotion of Italian culture within Australian society.

The rendezvous took place at the opulent Ciel The Venue in Southbank, where guests were greeted by tasty delicacies, still warm, kindly offered upon arrival, and presented on ornate trays adorned for the occasion.

Guests were then able to enter the main hall where dozens of beautifully decorated tables awaited them. After the initial greetings, the floor was passed to Lou Farinotti, current President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Melbourne.

"I would like to thank everyone for coming here tonight and, in particular, the new Italian Ambassador to Australia, Paolo Crudele. I have recently returned from Italy, and realised the global nature of the challenges that await us in the coming months, and I can confirm that our aim as a Chamber of Commerce will always remain to assist our members in the best way possible. It is also with immense honour that I can announce that, on October 3, the State of Victoria and the Region of Lombardy signed off on collaborations in various professional fields, in the presence of Governors Fontana and Dessau. Finally, I would like to thank all the ICCI staff for organising this wonderful event.”

After his speech, Farinotti left the stage to the newly appointed Ambassador Paolo Crudele, who only started his term in Australia a few months ago.

"I only arrived in Canberra a couple of months ago, and it is a real pleasure for me to meet all of you. In the next few days I will be touring several Australian cities and, although it will be a bit hectic at times, I am happy to have the opportunity to meet and greet the representatives of the Italian community who have done so much for the development of the Bel Paese outside its borders. I am also very pleased that here in Melbourne, two talented women like Hanna Pappalardo and Veronica Misciattelli hold such important positions, respectively as Consul General and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, committed to guiding and assisting our compatriots.”

"The Chamber of Commerce plays a fundamental role in the collaboration and unity of the two countries," continued Crudele.

"It is very important that Italian institutions and businesses work together as a united and strong team to support our traditions and our role in the world. I wish the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Melbourne and all its members a great future full of success and remind them that they can count on my full support.”

Between one speech and the next, the guests were delighted by a delicious dinner consisting of several courses. The evening continued with screenings of interviews with the award finalists, conducted by journalist Riccardo Schirru and now available to stream on Il Globo Tv.

At the end of the evening, the winners were announced and invited on stage: Giorgio Linguanti, owner of the company That's Amore Cheese, won the Italian Business Award, an award sponsored by Iveco.

Giorgio Linguanti accepting his award. (Photo: Frank Amato)

“I feel honoured to be here tonight and to have received this award,” he later told Il Globo Tv.

“I would like to dedicate this award to the fantastic people in our team who contributed to the success of That's Amore Cheese. But most of all, I would like to send a message to young Italian migrants, to believe in their hopes and dreams. Australia is a country that allows you to realise your projects, I am proof of that, so don't be afraid and throw yourself into it.”

The Businesswomen Award, sponsored by Webuild, went to Elysia Zeccola, director of the Italian Film Festival, which promotes the culture and language of the Bel Paese through the screening of the best Italian films participating in the most important international film festivals such as Cannes and Venice.

"I was very lucky to have been brought up in an environment where one could see and breathe European films, and this allowed me to cultivate and strengthen my Italian identity. I think cinema is one of the best languages to convey messages of union between cultures,” Zeccola said.

Elysia Zeccola interviewed by Giulia Benatti for IL GLOBO TV.

In addition, the Lifetime Achievment award, a particularly important and cherished honour of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was awarded to Rino Grollo ― and collected by his son Lorenz ― for his contribution over the years. Rino, along with other members of the Grollo family, was instrumental in the urban development of Melbourne and Sydney. With his wife Diana, he also supports numerous causes promoting multiculturalism. The Grollo couple were also founders of the Italian Australian Institute, which aims to spread the culture of the Bel Paese.

Honorary Lifetime Membership Certificates were subsequently awarded to the former President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Melbourne, Luca Scribani Rossi, and Silvio Pitruzzello (OAM), owner of Pantalica Cheese, for their important service to the community.

The evening finally ended amidst dancing and fun, with all participants invigorated to continue promoting Italian talent and values in Australia.