The Sydney Opera House has put on a show in celebration of the 75th Italian National Day and Republic Day, lighting up with the green, white and red of the Italian flag.
Festa della Repubblica is an important Italian national holiday celebrated each year on 2 June to commemorate the institutional referendum held by universal suffrage in 1946 following the end of the Second World War and the fall of Fascism.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade John Barilaro said the occasion celebrates the birth of the modern Italian nation.
"While the realities of living through a pandemic have limited planned festivities and travel opportunities, I can think of no better way for NSW to show support for Italy and our local Italian community than by lighting up our most famous icon," Mr Barilaro said.
"NSW and Italy have strong cultural and economic ties and a shared history, dating back to James Matra and Antonia Ponto boarding the Endeavour in 1770.
"The Italian-Australian community makes a substantial contribution to NSW, with over a quarter of all Italian born residents of Australia living in NSW and we have a strong bilateral trade relationship, with more than $200 million worth of premium NSW goods including wheat, wool and steel reaching the hands of Italian buyers in 2018."
Minister for Multiculturalism Natalie Ward said the Australian-Italian community continues to contribute to our State's social cohesion and cultural diversity.
"Diversity is one of our State's greatest assets, and the Australian-Italian community continues to contribute greatly," Mrs Ward said.
"I also want to thank you for your support over the last 12 months during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has been a challenging period but I am pleased we are once again able to celebrate with family and friends.
"I wish you all a happy and safe Festa della Repubblica."
