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Background
NIMAC had its formation in 1998 when a group of Victorian Councillors of Italian background arranged for an initial meeting. The broad objectives of the group in the early meetings were to develop a social network at the Local Government level and establish broad objectives that could contribute to the development of improved relationships between Italy and Australia in the areas of governance, culture, industry and commerce and community involvement. The original group consisted of 6 Councillors including 3 Mayors representing 5 municipalities with over 500,000 residents. Today we consist of 15 active members, including 13 Councillors with 3 Mayors and representing 11 municipalities with over 1.2 million residents and operating budgets of more than $800 million. The group is still growing with contact and involvement of further Councillors. On 9 September 2000, NIMAC adopted a constitution. The constitution listed the following aims and functions. Aims: The object of the Network shall be to promote the sharing of ideas among the member Councillors, with the overall object of promoting the profile of the Italo-Australian community in Australia and developing links with Italy. * To establish a forum for the exchange of views, information and materials on Local Government matters. * To identify areas for co-operation on joint projects in Victoria, and between Victoria and Italy. * To encourage through appropriate channels the establishment of links between Victorian and Italian organisations. * To organise an annual conference on a rotation basis among interested Councils. * To develop and maintain a database of persons and organisations who are interested in and/or working towards promoting the Italian community in Victoria. * To assist in promoting multi-culturalism in our society. * To improve business, cultural and social opportunities in the respective Councils and in Victoria as a whole. * To promote the Italian contribution to Australian Society. * To initiate, seek funding and develop special projects. * To establish a web page. * To maintain regular communications links with: - the Consul General - the Italian Institute of Culture - other appropriate institutions as identified. During the operation of the group we have achieved a number of initiatives which include regular contact with the Consul General of Italy, contact with Federal and State Parliamentary representatives with an Italian background, invitations to significant Italian events, hosting Italian delegation visits to our municipalities and bringing together Councillors from Italian backgrounds to develop a framework for future directions. We have recently identified as a priority the issue of problems in aged care, particularly within the Italian communities and we are currently developing strategies to lobby for an improved outcome for our communities. Photo August 2000 meeting of NIMAC. Seated from left Cr Vince Fontana (Darebin City Council), Cr Sam De Gabrielle (Mitchell Shire Council), Cr Carl Marsich (Mayor – Hobsons Bay City Council), Cr Sam Alessi (Mayor – Whittlesea City Council), Cr Rozi Parisotto (Wangaratta Rural City Council), Cr Margaret Giudice (Brimbank City Council). Standing from left Cr Frank Merlino (Whittlesea City Council), Cr Roberto La Rocca (Moreland City Council), Cr Alex Del Porto (Bayside City Council) Cr Don Di Vincenzo (Moonee Valley City Council), Cr James Long (Moonee Valley City Council) Cr Emanuelle Cicchiello (Knox City Council), Giuseppe Cossari (previous Councillor and Mayor of Maroondah City Council). Other active members not shown in the photo are Cr Joe Cutri (Maribyrnong City Council) and Ciro Lombardi (Previous Councillor and Mayor of Brimbank City Council). |
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NIMAC Contacts
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