Italian National Day celebrations in Perth
Politicians, entrepreneurs and notable members of the Italian community in Western Australia attended the 72nd Italian National Day celebrations last week at the Perth Town Hall.
Newly appointedGovernor of Western Australia, Kim Beazley spoke proudly of the Italianpresence in Western Australia and shared his appreciation for a number of localItalian businesses including Torres Butchers, D'Orsogna meats and Del Bassosmallgoods. However, the Governor was quick to point out that the Italiancommunity's contribution extends beyond smallgoods and food and praised theItalian community's impact on business, social welfare, mining, culture and thearts in Western Australia. GovernorBeazley raised his glass to "“the Italian Republic, the Italian people and ourfellow Australians with Italian families".
Italian Consul ofPerth, David Balloni also delivered a passionate speech praising the courageand hard work of migrants who arrived in Australia decades ago and continued toproudly honour their country back home. "“Our constitution"¦represents whatdeeply connects us even at the distance of 13,000 or so kilometres from Italy,making us all one community"¦Every Italian here tonight has contributed to thisstory", he said. "“It is evident how our culture celebrates the miracle ofbeauty, a tool so powerful that it can bring together every man and woman onthis Earth, reminding us that we are one and equal".
Among the many notableguests were WA Chief Justice Wayne Martin, Minister Rita Saffioti, Art Galleryof Western Australia Director Stefano Carboni, whose current exhibition, TheCorsini Collection was a main talking point throughout the evening and Order ofThe Star of Italy recipient Maria Grazia Saraceni.
Caption: ItalianConsul of Perth, David Balloni with wife Consuelo Sensi and Order of the Starof Italy recipient Maria Grazia Saraceni (centre).
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