The Ballarat Italian Association is a Not for Profit group that was formerly incorporated in 1986, however, Italians have been coming to Ballarat since the Gold rush period of the 1850’s – Raffaello Carboni being the most famous. They came to Ballarat in greater numbers after World War II and by the 1960’s Italians were well established and holding regular social gatherings at the Ballarat Show Grounds to celebrate various festivities to maintain and share their cultural identity whilst contributing to the social, culinary, professional and economic prosperity of the Ballarat Region. The purpose of the current Association is to create and maintain an organisation of Italian origin that is inclusive of people of diverse cultural backgrounds and, to foster harmony in a spirit of friendship and unity. The Association also aims to arrange and coordinate a range of cultural and social activities and functions for the benefit of members and the broader Ballarat community. Membership of the Association is steadily changing with recent members joining to connect to their Italian heritage. Currently, there are over 140 financial members and many others who are friends of the Association and regularly attend functions and participate in organised activities. Key activities of the Association include:
• Ballarat Italian Film Festival
• Italian Language Conversation Group
• Ciao Bambini – Italian language and culture for children
• Italian Choir – Coro dell’Oro
• Regular Lunches for members and friends
• Italian Independence Day Dance
• Bus trips to various cultural events
• Sponsorship of Cultural Events
