Italian National Ball - Speech from The Hon. Mark Coure MP

Ladies and gentlemen, it is a great pleasure to be with you all this evening celebrating Italian National Day.

I am here representing Premier Dominic Perrottet, who sends you his warmest regards. Tonight’s gala celebration hosted by Co.As.It., with the support of the Italian consulate-general for NSW, honours the birth of modern Italy.

It honours the vote for a republic and the beginning of democracy in one of the world’s greatest nations and of course, Italy’s rich history did not begin 80 odd years ago.

Elements of ancient Rome remain in our daily lives and are entrenched throughout our modern architecture, government, literature and technology. It is clear that Italy, and its wonderful people have had an enormous impact not just in NSW, but across the world.

This ancient influence on our contemporary civilisation should be celebrated. Today, NSW is home to more than 270,000 people of Italian heritage, who continue to practice, preserve and share the wonders of Italian language and culture.

Co.As.It. is a wonderful example of how the Italian community is part of modern Australia’s story. Formed more than half a century ago, your giving spirit and charitable nature has benefited the Italian-Australian community and beyond.

Your generosity and compassion has gifted a lifelong legacy that strengthens our state for the better and this is exhibited as tonight's proceeds benefit the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

Bravo!

Today, supported by more than 300 dedicated volunteers, Co.As.It works hard to provide community programs and also work to give younger generations a love of the beautiful Italian language. I would like to thank the Italian Government, who are well represented this evening by Senator Giacobbe, Deputy Caré and Consul-General De Felip, for supporting Co.As.It.

And as Minister for Multiculturalism, I thank our Italian community and everyone in this room for helping make our cultural diversity the treasure of our State.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for inviting me to share your wonderful Italian National Day celebration.

Grazie e… Buona Festa della Repubblica!