GIA NETWORK - MISSION STATEMENT
Il GIA Network The GIA Network is an association of Volunteers that aims to provide support to Young Italians in Australia. The goal is to strengthen the Italian Community by promoting collaboration between different Italian-Australian generations through the organization of Social, Professional, Sports and Institutional events. The association provides a network of Support and Opportunities to enhance the experience and integration of Young Italians into Australian Society. GIA is also committed to the Promotion of Italian Culture and Language.
OUR VALUES
COLLABORATION, COMMUNITY SERVICE, COMMITMENT, RESPECT, AND INNOVATION
Il GIA NetworkThe GIA Network, Young Italians in Australia, has established a set of core values that serve as guiding principles for our organization. Through these values, we strive to create an inspiring and engaging environment for young Italians in Australia. Our goal is for them to become active participants in society, contributing to a community that fosters collaboration, social impact, individual engagement, diversity, and innovation.
- SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY:We are actively committed to generating a positive impact in our community and beyond. We are dedicated to serving others and contributing to the well-being of society. Through active involvement in service-oriented activities, we aim to make a lasting difference in the lives of people and communities.
- COLLABORATION AND SYNERGY:We firmly believe in the power of working together to achieve meaningful results. We harness the strength of our members' collective skills and ideas to create initiatives that are even more effective and relevant.
- COMMITMENT AND INTEGRITY:We are deeply committed to living our values and pursuing our goals with dedication and integrity. We strive to ensure that our actions are aligned with our mission. We support and encourage each other, fostering a culture of care and support within our network.
- RESPECT AND INCLUSION:We value and respect the diversity of opinions, traditions, and backgrounds within our organization and in the broader community. We foster open dialogue, inclusiveness, and mutual understanding. By embracing diversity, we create an environment that promotes learning, growth, and mutual respect.
- COURAGE AND INNOVATION:We embrace courage as an engine for innovation and progress. We encourage our members to think creatively, take risks, and go beyond limits. By embracing new ideas, technologies, and approaches, we strive to make a positive impact and drive change.
FOSTER INCLUSION, PROMOTE ITALIAN CULTURE, AND CREATE INTERGENERATIONAL CONNECTIONS FOR A STRONG AND UNITED COMMUNITY
DIRETTORI ESECUTIVI
DOMENICO
STEFANELLI
PRESIDENT
President of GIA Network since 2021, Domenico brings nearly two decades of international experience in the hospitality industry as a Chef and, in recent years, as a young entrepreneur. A leader with strategic vision, he is committed to building a stronger Italian-Australian community founded on respect and intergenerational collaboration. In his free time, Domenico dedicates himself to volunteering and continually invests in his personal growth and leadership development
LIANA PAOLINO
VICE PRESIDENT
As an engineer in the construction industry, Liana has been leading teams to deliver building and infrastructure projects for over 10 years. She is a second generation Italo-Australian, who was raised in Australia with a strong influence and appreciation for her Italian heritage. As Vice President, she is passionate about expanding our community reach and bringing together like-minded young people to honour and celebrate Italian culture.
GIUSEPPE MUSMECI CATANIA
TREASURER
Passionate architect with a keen interest in contemporary urban planning and cinema history, he moved to Sydney in 2016. Actively involved in the Italian community of Australia as Treasurer of the GIA Network, Secretary of the Federation of Sicilians in Australia, and Vice-President of the Palermitani Association of NSW. Enthusiast of vintage motorcycles and Italian-designed classic cars spends leisure time engaged in competitive sailing at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia.
SAMANTHA MAVULI
SECRETARY
Samantha is a Program Manager for the New South Wales (NSW) government, managing strategic projects and cross-functional teams to improve the state's school education sector. She is also a member of the ethics committee at Macquarie University and hosts a radio program on Rete Italia, where she interviews Italian talents. She loves art and culture, swimming, adventure travel, and geopolitics.
VINCENZO VURCHIO
VICE SECRETARY
A dynamic and positive pastry chef from Puglia, who has a deep passion for photography and folk traditions. As a young councilor for the Puglia region in Australia, he is always in search of new inspirations, carrying the tradition of his homeland with a creative and modern approach.
MARCO ORAZIO ABBONDANZA
NATIONAL COORDINATOR
Marco Orazio Abbondanza, Architetto milanese con una passione per il Design e l'Architettura, è coordinatore del GIA Network dal 2022, dimostrando ottime competenze manageriali e di leadership. Nel tempo libero si dedica con entusiasmo al volontariato e sfoga la sua creatività scrivendo canzoni e creando musica e video musicali grazie all’uso di nuove tecnologie; inoltre, tifa con passione per la sua squadra del cuore, l’Inter, e fa parte dell’Inter Club Sydney.
MEMBRI DEL COMITATO
ALESSIO MEZZETTI
IT MARKETING
Alessio è un imprenditore dinamico con una vasta esperienza sia nel marketing digitale che nel settore della ristorazione.
Passionate about community building and personal growth, Alessio is dedicated to supporting young Italians in Australia by offering valuable insights and creating pathways for their personal and professional development.
MARINO MARASCIULO
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
Born in 1996 and originally from Monopoli, Puglia, he gained his first international experience in the United States. In November 2023, he moved to Australia, initially settling in Sydney.
Through the Inter-Club in Sydney, I connected with the GIA Network, of which I am now a member. This association brings together young Italians in Australia, promoting connection, shared experiences, and collaboration.
TAMARA MANSUETO
EVENT ORGANISER
Raised in Sydney to Southern Italian parents, Tamara has always felt a deep connection to her Italian heritage. Tamara thrives on connecting with people and building relationships, especially within the Italian-Australian community. She is also deeply committed to amplifying marginalized voices and fostering inclusivity in all aspects of her work.
When she’s not volunteering or working on creative projects, you’ll find Tamara catching up with family and friends, practicing her Italian, exploring new restaurants, and savouring a gelato (or two).
ALBERTO CUTRONO
EVENT ORGANISER
Originally from Palermo, Sicily, he worked in Italy within his family’s business, a design and representation firm specialising in electrical materials
Two years ago, I decided to move to Sydney to challenge myself and continue growing.
I strongly believe in the value of family, which is why I am part of GIA Network — a way to support those who have recently arrived in Sydney.
UMBERTO BALISTRERI
EVENT ORGANISER
Originario di Palermo, Umberto porta nella GIA Network energia positiva, spirito di servizio e forte senso di comunità. Solare e sempre disponibile, crede nell’importanza di aiutare il prossimo e di creare connessioni autentiche senza mai mettere gli altri in difficoltà. Nel suo ruolo di Responsabile Organizzazione Eventi, si impegna a costruire momenti di incontro che favoriscano inclusione, collaborazione e relazioni significative all’interno della comunità italo-australiana.
JOANNE TARANTO
EVENT ORGANISER
As a visionary engineer, Joanne is inspired by innovation and is driven by the pursuit of lifelong learning and continuous growth.
In her free time, she loves to travel and refine her skills in classic Italian cooking.
Joanne also values a vibrant sense of community and is always enthusiastic about building meaningful connections with those around her.
RAPPRESENTANTI STATALI
JOSEPHINE PAONE
VICTORIA REPRESENTATIVE
Founder of SUD CULTURE cultural marketing agency @sudculture_
With over 10 years of experience in cultural strategy, marketing, and community development.
In qualità di Rappresentante GIA per lo Stato del Victoria, mette a disposizione esperienza, network e leadership per sostenere i giovani italiani in Australia e rafforzare il legame nella comunità Italo Australiana.
RODOLFO SCIOLLA
WESTERN AUSTRALIA REPRESENTATIVE
Entrepreneur and founder of Stare_in_Australia, Rodolfo Sciolla supports individuals in their study, relocation, and professional development pathways to Australia.
Rodolfo offre una guida strategica e un supporto pratico e concreto lungo l’intero percorso. Fortemente orientato alla costruzione di comunità, è impegnato nel fornire strumenti per prendere decisioni consapevoli e realistiche e per integrarsi con successo nella vita australiana.
SOCI ONORARI
ISABELLA RESTIFA BORGHESE
PRESIDENT 2008 - 2016
Founder member of Young Italian Australian on 2008.
Founder member and former President of Young Sicilian of Australia from 2005 to 2010.
Representative CGIE for Australia at the Young International Conference - Rome 2008 and for the CGIE Plenary - Rome 2009
CAV. FELICE MONTRONE OAM
PATRON
Patron of the GIA Network; CEO of Desane Group Holdings Limited; Secretary General for Australia of the Confederation of Italians in the World; President of the Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund; former Vice President of the Community Relations Commission of NSW; former member of the Multicultural NSW Advisory Committee. Felice’s love and passion are his family, his community, and his faith.
HISTORY GIA NETWORK
La storia della GIA Network è la continuazione di un progetto avviato da Isabella Restifa Borghese agli inizi degli anni 2000, con il contributo di altri giovani della comunità italo-australiana. Nel 2018, sotto la guida del nuovo direttivo presieduto da Christian Bracci, il progetto è stato ulteriormente sviluppato. Attualmente, il nostro team prosegue il lavoro iniziato da Isabella e dal team di Bracci, impegnandosi a mantenere i valori, i principi e la visione che sostengono gli italiani e gli italo-australiani e promuovono la cultura e la lingua italiana.
Tutto è iniziato il lunedì di Pasquetta del 2020, durante il primo lockdown a causa dell’emergenza coronavirus. Grazie all’iniziativa della Fondazione Caritatevole Father Atanasio e dell’Italian Media Corporation, il comitato esecutivo di quel periodo ha collaborato con il generoso supporto della comunità italiana nella raccolta di oltre $160.000. Questa somma è stata trasformata in voucher e distribuita a tutti i possessori di visto temporaneo che si trovavano in difficoltà finanziaria. Il grande successo e la gratitudine ricevuta ci hanno ispirato a contribuire anche durante il successivo lockdown del 2021, fornendo $30.000 in pacchetti finanziari destinati ai giovani in difficoltà economica.
In January 2022, we organized a major event: the free distribution of RAT tests at our Gazebo in St Fiacre. Through this initiative, we were able to assist many members of the local community in preventing the spread of COVID, at a time when obtaining these tests was particularly difficult.
We would like to sincerely thank our partners and supporters, without whom we would not be here today: 'Father Atanasio Gonelli Charitable Fund', 'CIM Australia', 'Italian Media Corporation', 'IGA Lamonica' and 'Multicultural NSW'. Thanks to their contributions, we have been able to provide help to over 1200 people.
Since then, based on the principles of Unity and Brotherhood and listening to the diverse needs and issues of young people, GIA Network has continued to help and support the Italian community through other funds and initiatives, aiming to rebuild the relationship of trust between newly arrived Italian youth and those who have been integrated into the Australian territory for decades. Our goal is to share Italian culture to create lasting opportunities for the community.
Over the past three years, we have organized many successful events in our community, offering moments of sharing, entertainment, and culture, with the active participation of members of the Italian community. Through walks, exhibitions, informational meetings, and symposiums, we have tried to promote the interest and participation of everyone. In addition, we fostered networking and professional collaboration among young people, giving them the opportunity to expand their connections. We did not limit ourselves to culture but also celebrated food and wine, organizing gourmet events that explored the authenticity of Italian culinary traditions. On each occasion, we sought to enhance our identity and preserve our cultural roots, creating a strong and meaningful connection within the Italian community.
For anyone who would like to help, support, and join the GIA Network, our doors are always open. We are looking for new members to help grow the network and support the Italian-Australian community.
COMMUNITY REPORT
RASSEGNA STAMPA
MAJOR SPONSOR
Il vostro contributo è stato fondamentale per creare un futuro più prospero. La vostra fiducia ci permettera di portare avanti i progetti nel 2026 con più forza.
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
The unwavering support and commitment of our Partners have been crucial to the success of our joint projects and the achievement of our goals.
MEDIA PARTNERS
EVENT SPONSORS
BECOME A PARTNER IN A DYNAMIC AND INCLUSIVE NETWORK
JOIN THE TEAM
If you are a young Italian in Australia looking for connection, support, and opportunities for growth, the GIA Network is here for you. Join us and become part of a vibrant community of young Italians who share your experiences and ambitions. Whether you have just arrived or already have firm roots in this land, the GIA Network offers you a one-stop shop for inclusion in the Italian-Australian Association System. Through meetings, events, projects, and engaging initiatives, you will have the opportunity to expand your network of contacts, gain new skills and help make a difference in the community. We are a mutually supportive family working together to make our dreams come true. Join us today and make your mark on the history of the GIA Network.
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