CAV. FILIPPO D’ARRÒ
Dear Members and Friends of ICCI Queensland,
Over the last few weeks the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Queensland has been participating in a series of web based meetings between the Italian Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Australia and the Australian Embassy in Italy.
These initiatives have one goal – to assist with the re-opening and strengthening of trade between Australia and Italy post Covid 19. Over the coming months we will continue to participate in these current programs and initiatives to strengthen Bi-Lateral relations, driven by the Italian Embassy in Canberra and our very effective Consul in Brisbane.
During one of these meetings, the Australian Ambassador to Italy, Greg French, revealed a wonderful connection with Queensland and Italy that I would like to share.
His Excellency Greg French revealed the following: “A UV disinfecting device for hospital beds was donated by a Queensland company, Cleantech UV International, to a hospital in Lombardy. Its arrival in Lombardy saw the involvement of the Queensland Government, the Embassy and the Consulate-General. It took a while to get through bureaucratic hoops, but I am happy to report that the device has now operational in Lombardy for a number of weeks”.
You can read more about this at: https://www.tiq.qld.gov.au/queenslands-cleantech-donates-to-lombardys-covid-19-cause/
One of Brisbane’s Italian business leaders, Dean Merlo, delivers a video message in this Newsletter. The Board and Executive of ICCI Queensland is grateful for the support that Merlo Coffee has always given our Chamber. Merlo Coffee’s 28 year journey is a testament to Dean and the Merlo family.
Winners of the ICCI Qld Major Raffle
A heartfelt thank you to the Sponsors that donated prizes and everyone that was able to support our Major Raffle. This wonderful idea came from Board Member Allan Pidgeon after the cancellation of our Major Art Union. The winners of the Major Raffle are announced in this Newsletter.
Young Members Program
We have recently set our focus to creating an ICCI Queensland Young Members Program. Our goal is to encourage the younger generation of young Italians to become future leaders of our business community. Our young members project is championed by Board Members Cathy Pappalardo and Giorgio Giaroli, as well as our Secretary General Federica Marinatto. So far we have had the participation of some wonderful young people of Italian origin.
In the next Newsletter we will have an update directly from our young leaders, so that you can learn more about this program.
New Website
Next month will also see the relaunch of our Website after a lot of hard work from our Secretary General, Board Member Rosaria Vecchio, and immediate past president Santo Santoro, who prior to his stepping down put in the framework for this new initiative.
Annual Gala Dinner and Inaugural Business Excellence Awards
Covid-19 has again played havoc with our events schedule, however today we can announce the 10th of October is the date for our Annual Gala Dinner and Inaugural Business Excellence Awards. It was necessary to combine these events this year, as I am sure everybody will understand. It will be a wonderful evening celebrating all things Italian at Gambaro Restaurant and Function Centre.
The Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Queensland’s Board wishes all our members and friends a strong and positive beginning to our new financial year.
Andrà tutto bene
Cav. Filippo D’Arrò
President of ICCI Qld
