Lombardy and Queensland are closer after the evening event organised by the Italian Consul in Brisbane (Queensland), Salvatore Napolitano, as part of the ‘Tour of Italy through Queensland’ initiative to celebrate the roots and success stories of the Italian community in Queensland.
Partnerships in the institutional, economic, cultural and sporting fields were also discussed at the event. With regard to sports, a video-message by the Mayor of Bormio, Roberto Volpato, was an opportunity to explore the possible collaboration between the organisations of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Coinciding with the promotion of the Salone Internazionale del Mobile – the world-renowned furniture and design fair in Milan – the event also showcased products by the Lombardy-based company Calligaris and Bianchi bicycles, including a replica of Marco Pantani’s bike at the 1999 Tour. Consul Salvatore Napolitano, announced that the Queensland State Library would collect and make available to the general public all the video materials, interviews with members of the community and the content of the ‘Tour of Italy through Queensland’.
The Lombardy-themed event was, in fact, the third leg of the initiative that, on June 18, had already regarded Tuscany, to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the death of Dante Alighieri and the first Australian translation of the Divine Comedy by the Queenslander Sir Samuel Griffith.
