As we approach Italy’s national day, the Festa della Repubblica, this Sunday, I rise to thank the Springvale Italian Senior Citizens Club and the broader Italian diaspora for their contributions to my community. The Italian community has long been significant in the Mulgrave electorate, with over 3000 people of Italian ancestry still calling my electorate home. The Springvale Italian Senior Citizens Club is a cornerstone of this community and has been active for 43 years, with almost 200 members, demonstrating its enduring importance. The club provides friendship and support and promotes wonderful activities for the elderly.

Celebrating Italian Cultural Day recently with the members was a great honour, highlighting their vibrant social life and cultural sharing along with some fabulous music and dancing. Under the leadership of president Biagio Di Blasio and his dedicated committee, including his wife Rita, Teresa Rechichi, Joe Rechichi OAM and Frank Orlando, the wonderful club members meet every Wednesday for social activities and fundraisers for causes like children’s cancer research and the Springvale Benevolent Society. I proudly welcome those from the club in the gallery today. To the Springvale Italian Senior Citizens Club and all Italians in my electorate, I extend my heartfelt thanks and wish you a wonderful Festa della Repubblica celebration this weekend.