The Charge’ d’Affaires of the Italian Embassy in Canberra, Roberto Rizzo, and Consul General Hanna Pappalardo visited Tasmania in the past days.
Supported by the Italian Honorary Consul, Elvio Brianese, they had meetings at State and City level and with prominent figures of academia and research, and of the cultural, tourism and business community. They also visited the famous “Mona” Museum and the “Tasman Museum and Art Gallery” accompanied by Brett Torossi, Chair of the Museum.
Of particular importance for the relaunch of the bilateral relationship between Italy and Tasmania the meetings with the Deputy Premier of Tasmania, Michael Ferguson, with the Minister for Education of Tasmania, Roger Jaensch, with the CEO of the Hobart City Council, Kelly Grisby and with the Director Connected City, City of Hobart, Jacqui Allen, with the Vice Chancellor of the University of Tasmania, Rufus Black, with the Director Antarctic Tasmania, Karen Rees, with the CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, Michael Bailey, with the CEO Tourism Tasmania, John Fitzgerald and of Brand Tasmania, Todd Babiak.
Among the most promising areas of cooperation: research with a focus on the Antarctic region and marine environments, the cooperation at University level, ethic and sustainable agriculture and renewable energies.
The visit offered the opportunity to establish a direct connection with the Italian Community in Tasmania at the Australian Italian Club coordinated by President Riccardo Ghedini and Vice President Marty Zucco, and for a pleasant and constructive discussion on how to reinforce the Italian presence in Tasmania and promote the Italian language and culture.
During the visit, the staff of the Consulate General received Italian citizens for general questions, processing 23 requests of consular services (13 passports, 7 citizenships, and 3 authentication of signature).
