Giovani Italiani Australia (GIA) is pleased to announce the success of its 2009 YOUTH FORUM, which took place on Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November 2009.

Nearly 70 youth representing almost every State and Territory in Australia attended the Forum, along with special guests Hon. Marco Fedi, The Hon. Marie Ficarra MLC, Ms. Angela D’Amore MP, Console Benedetto Latteri (Sydney), Mr. Adriano Tedde (Italian Embassy) and Mr. Andrea Comastri (Co.As.It NSW).

Ms. Angela D’Amore MP Member for Drummoyne presented the GIA Forum with a grant on behalf of the NSW government to go towards covering expenses of the Forum.

The theme of the Forum was ‘Lingua, Cultura e Identità’, with workshops and activities on the Saturday including ‘Identity’ with Mr. Nino Lo Giudice (Youth Worker Coasit NSW), ‘Collaboration between Italian and Italian-Australian Youth’ (Ms. Mariangela Stagnitti, Comites President Qld & NT), and ‘When are you gonna get married?’ (Karen Pocock and Gabriella Ferraro, Mental Health Workers and GIA members).

The Saturday night event, ‘Dolce e Amaro’, was hosted by six other NSW Italian Youth Associations, including IAYA, GSA, CTG, Lazio Juniors, I Giovani Pugliesi & I Gigli, at the Marriott Hotel, Circular Quay. Over 140 youth were in attendance, and music was provided by Sydney’s DJ Stefano and DJ Matt La Scala, and GIA’s very own DJ David Ferrini (Brisbane) and DJ Talis Evans (Adelaide). 

The Sunday activities and cultural participation opportunities took place at the Leichhardt Town Hall, generously provided by Leichhardt Council. Workshops included Italian Cinema, Music, Bocce, Briscola, Dialect, and Language.

GIA would once again like to thank the Italian community for its support and acknowledge Ms Angela D’Amore MP for her support and assistance in applying for a NSW Government Grant.

In particular GIA wishes to recognise and thank its 2009 GIA FORUM SPONSORS who have made this initiative possible.

Media Contact: Sandra Pitronaci, Forum Convenor 0405 171 449.