Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has praised the contribution of Italian-Australians, declaring that the community has helped make Australia “the most successful multicultural country on earth”.
Speaking at the Ferragosto Festival on Sunday, Albanese said the annual celebration provided an opportunity to recognise the Italian community’s contribution to modern Australia.
“It is a celebration of the proud contribution of Italian-Australians to making Australia the most successful multicultural country on earth.”
The Prime Minister also highlighted his own Italian heritage, saying he was proud to be Australia’s first prime minister with a non-Anglo-Celtic name.
“I’m very proud to be the first Prime Minister of Australia, out of the 31 that we’ve had, to have a non-Anglo Celtic name, and I’m very proud of the background that I have.”
Albanese said Ferragosto had its origins in Italy, where the mid-August period traditionally marked a time of rest following the summer harvest.
He said the festival in Australia had taken on a broader meaning by celebrating the food, language and culture brought to the country by generations of Italian migrants.
The Prime Minister specifically acknowledged members of the Italian community who were preparing to sing in the Abruzzese language during the celebrations. “We have a proud country,” Albanese said.
“This is the best country on earth because people have brought different cultures here, remembered where they’re from, are proud of their culture, but also are proud Australians.”
He said Australia’s ability to embrace different cultures while maintaining a shared Australian identity was central to the country’s multicultural success. “And that’s what makes us such a country where we can enjoy the broad breadth of our diversity,” he said.
Albanese thanked local council representatives, faith leaders, special guests and volunteers who helped organise the festival.
He also paid tribute to faith leaders, including Bishop Umbers, for their role in the religious procession associated with the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
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