John Alexander (Bennelong, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Queen's Birthday weekend is more than just a necessary long weekend in the middle of the year. It is also a time to reflect on those who make our communities such vibrant and welcoming places. Hundreds of Australians from all walks of life were recognised on the Queen's Birthday Honours List this year. Amongst them was one local man who I would like to commend today. Mr Giuseppe Pino Migliorino of East Ryde has been awarded an AM for services to the Italian community. Mr Migliorino founded the excellent Italian Bilingual School in Meadowbank, which I have been fortunate enough to visit on a couple of occasions. He also helped build a culturally targeted aged-care program.

Ageing and growing old in a foreign land can be difficult. Accessing services in your second language or finding support when your family may live far away can make this time particularly difficult. Mr Migliorino's program provides dignity for the Italian members of our community and helps them through this time. Anybody who listens to my speeches in this chamber will know that I am fiercely proud of the ethnic diversity of the area I represent. These cultures have all flourished thanks to rich community organisations like those run by Mr Migliorino. I congratulate him and all those who help make our local area such a strong and diverse society. Grazie, grazie mille, Giuseppe.