The event was a great success and demonstrated the wonderful work of the association, as well as Italo-Australians’ continual love of their homeland.
The guests, who were pioneers of immigration in Australia, were welcomed by the association and enjoying refreshments before participating in an outdoor mass.
Townsville’s Bishop Leonardo Faulkner celebrated the mass, alongside the vicar Michele Mullins and parish priest Luca Fay.
During mass, the vicar spoke about the courage, honesty and tenacity of the Italian pioneers who, among other things, brought the faith of our ancestors to North Queensland.
After mass, the president of the association encouraged the elderly Italians to teach their children commitment to family and work.
Then parliamentarians Tom Aitken and Scott Young spoke, acknowledging the contribution of Italian migrants to the development of North Queensland and encouraging those present to continue to be proud of their origins.
After the speeches, a delicious lunch prepared by Paolo and Fausto was served.
