Motions

South Australian Italian Association Anniversary

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. J.S. Lee:

That this council—

1. Congratulates the South Australian Italian Association (SAIA) on reaching its remarkable 75^th anniversary in 2024;

2. Recognises the proud history and contributions of the SAIA as a community hub which preserves and promotes Italian culture, services and experiences in partnership with the wider Italian community of South Australia;

3. Acknowledges the outstanding contributions of founding members, community leaders, current and past presidents, committee members, volunteers and supporters who have carried on the legacy of the founding members in serving the Italian community and enriching our multicultural society in South Australia;

4. Commends the SAIA for creating the prestigious recognition programme, namely the SAIA Excellence Awards, which aims to promote and perpetuate the Italian-South Australian heritage and celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of individuals or organisations in the South Australian community;

5. Acknowledges the pioneering and entrepreneurial spirits of the Italian community and pays tribute to the outstanding contributions that first-generations and subsequent generations of Italian migrants have made and continue to make to our resilient and dynamic multicultural society; and

6. Reflects on the achievements and vision of the SAIA as a centre for all, helping to connect South Australian Italians to their cultural heritage, fostering strong business and cultural ties between South Australia and Italy and delivering 75 years of dedicated service to the Italian community in South Australia.

(Continued from 27 November 2024.)

The Hon. L.A. HENDERSON (18:10): I rise today to briefly indicate the opposition's support and indicate that I will be the lead speaker on behalf of the opposition. In doing so, I take the opportunity to congratulate the South Australian Italian Association on its outstanding 75^th anniversary in 2024.

The South Australian Italian Association (SAIA) has established the prestigious SAIA Excellence Awards, a program that celebrates the remarkable achievements of individuals and organisations, while promoting the Italian heritage in South Australia. These awards underscore the SAIA's commitment to honouring the accomplishments of its members and nurturing the next generation of leaders within the South Australian Italian community. For over seven decades, the SAIA has been a pillar of community service preserving Italian culture and enriching our multicultural society in South Australia.

In supporting this motion today, I acknowledge the contributions of the founding members, community leaders, current and past presidents, committee members, volunteers and supporters who have carried on the legacy of the founding members in serving the Italian community, enriching our multicultural community in South Australia. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community and the invaluable contributions of many individuals in the multicultural community are no different.

I also briefly touch on the contribution of the Hon. Frank Pangallo in supporting the Hon. Jing Lee's motion where he spoke of the resilience of the South Australian Italian community, something that remains true today. The South Australian Italian community has made a significant contribution to our state across numerous sectors and there is no doubt that their work ethic, drive and determination are some of the key reasons for that success.

In concluding, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to SAIA and all who have contributed to its legacy in providing many South Australian Italians with connection to their cultural roots by fostering strong cultural and business ties with South Australia and Italy.

Motion carried.