On the 11th May the Consul was guest speaker at the “Volunteer Award” – annual ceremony to award the numerous Co.As.It. volunteers who assist with their dedication the elderly of the Italian community in Adelaide. Among the guests of honour, the Governor of South Australia, the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Shadow Minister for Families and Child Protection.
I her address the Consul reminded of the importance of the local welfare policies in support of the elderly community, especially the Italian one, which have to support the existing associations and their volunteers. According to official data, in fact, Italians born in Italy are among the largest community in Australia, of which 85% are over 50 years of age and of those, 50% are over 60 years of age. The number of Italians over eighty years is expected to increase by 190% by 2026. Strategic policies in the field become therefore vital to prevent a future social problem.
