28/10/2026
Speech by the Italian Ambassador at the Eureka Democracy Award Dinner
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure to be here with you this evening. I would like to thank Eureka Australia for this kind invitation and for the opportunity to take part in the Eureka Democracy Award ceremony.
I would also like to warmly congratulate Anthony Green, whose expertise, impartiality and outstanding contribution to public understanding of elections have helped strengthen Australian democracy.
The values celebrated by this award bring us to the story of Raffaello Carboni, one of the most remarkable figures associated with the Eureka Stockade, and to Eureka Australia’s commitment to preserving his memory and ensuring that his contribution receives the recognition it deserves.
When I received President Eric Howard’s letter requesting our assistance in locating Carboni’s final resting place in Rome, I was immediately fascinated by his story. Here was an Italian who had travelled to Australia in the nineteenth century, played a significant role in a defining moment in Australian history, and left a first-hand account of events - simply titled “Eureka Stockade” – to which we owe much of what we know today about such a remarkable event, and that at the time helped shape the country’s democratic identity.
Born in Urbino, Italy, in 1817, Raffaello Carboni was a writer and composer committed to freedom, social justice and Italian independence. Inspired by Mazzini’s democratic and patriotic ideals, he took part in the defence of the Roman Republic in 1849, fighting alongside Garibaldi’s volunteers, before going into exile and emigrating to Australia in 1852.
His journey brought him to Victoria during the gold rush, where he joined the many men and women drawn to Australia in hopes of a better future. At Ballarat, however, he witnessed the harsh conditions miners faced, the burden of costly mining licences, and the lack of political representation. These grievances eventually led to the Eureka Stockade uprising in December 1854, in which Carboni played an active role alongside other leaders of the movement. Charged with high treason alongside twelve other men, he was acquitted in 1855.
Although the rebellion was defeated militarily, it became a turning point in Australia’s democratic history, strengthening public demands for political reform, fair representation and a greater voice for ordinary people.
I was therefore delighted to work with Eureka Australia to help trace his grave – in the Monumental Verano Cemetery in Rome - and reconnect his Italian origins with his enduring Australian legacy. I take this opportunity to thank our cultural attaché, Ms. Valentina Biguzzi, who has worked with passion and dedication to ensure this important result.
Carboni’s story reminds us that democratic ideals cross borders and bring people and nations together. It also offers a meaningful perspective on the relationship between Italy and Australia today.
Our two countries are like-minded democracies, committed to freedom, the rule of law, human dignity, and respect for democratic institutions. The Eureka Stockade remains an important chapter in Australia’s democratic history, reflecting the struggle for political representation and a fairer voice in public life. Carboni’s involvement reminds us that the pursuit of these ideals has never been confined by national borders.
Our ties extend far beyond diplomacy. More than one million Australians identify as having Italian heritage, and generations of Italian Australians have made an invaluable contribution to this country’s cultural, economic and social life.
Remembering Raffaello Carboni is therefore not simply an act of historical remembrance. It is a tribute to our shared democratic values and a gesture of friendship between Italy and Australia.
I thank Eureka Australia for its dedication and determination in ensuring that Carboni receives the recognition he deserves.
May his legacy continue to inspire future generations in both our countries, reminding us that democracy is a shared achievement—one that must be protected, nurtured and renewed by every generation.
Thank you, and enjoy the evening.
