79th Festa Della Repubblica
Italy and Australia celebrate unity and collaboration
On 28 May, The Embassy of Italy in Canberra opened its doors to celebrate the 79th Festa della Repubblica — Italy’s national day commemorating the foundation of the Italian Republic in 1946.
Hosted at the residence of H.E. Ambassador Paolo Crudele, the event brought together diplomats, government officials, community leaders, and cultural figures to honour the enduring bonds between Italy and Australia.
A Celebration of Shared Values and Vision
In his official remarks, Ambassador Crudele emphasised the richness of the Italy-Australia relationship, underpinned by the vibrant Italian-Australian community and strengthened by robust partnerships across various sectors—particularly in scientific research and innovation. Of special note was the collaboration in aerospace research, where joint efforts have brought significant advances to both countries.
The Ambassador also acknowledged the important role of institutions such as ICE (Italian Trade Agency), COMITES, and Co.As.It., whose work continues to reinforce cultural, economic, and educational bridges. Their committed efforts reflect the evolving and resilient partnership between the two nations.
Honouring Italian Excellence Abroad
A key highlight of the evening was the conferral of the prestigious Order of the Star of Italy (Ordine della Stella d’Italia) to Professor Eduardo Trifoni, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to strengthening Italy’s international standing in aerospace.
Professor Trifoni currently serves as Director of the Space Test Program and Head of the National Space Test Facility at the Australian National University (ANU), where he is also Associate Professor. In a brief interview following the award, he expressed deep gratitude:
"It is a great honour to receive this recognition after a career filled with both challenges and accomplishments. It signifies not just a personal milestone but a tribute to the shared scientific future of Italy and Australia."
His professional journey began with pioneering research on hydrogen fuel cells—technologies that are now widely used in the automotive industry. He later specialised in hypersonics, focusing on atmospheric re-entry phenomena relevant to vehicles such as the Space Shuttle. He also worked extensively at Italy’s advanced SCIROOCO Plasma Wind Tunnel facility—the largest and most powerful of its kind in Europe—where he led engineering tests and research.
One of his landmark collaborations was with the European Space Agency and Thales Alenia Space on the IXV project: a space vehicle launched from French Guiana that almost circled the Earth in 100 minutes before landing near the Galápagos Islands. Speaking with optimism about the future of aerospace innovation, Trifoni noted:
“We’re getting closer to an era when the distance between Europe and Australia may be reduced to less than two hours of flight. These hypersonic vehicles, exiting Earth’s atmosphere and then re-entering, may soon make such futuristic travel a reality.”
Having relocated to Australia with his family after winning a competitive academic position at ANU, Trifoni praised the country’s meritocratic environment and the robust research opportunities it provides.
A Moment for Unity and Hope
The evening was also graced by speeches from Senator Raff Ciccone, Chair of the Australia-Italy Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Italian Parliamentarians Senator Francesco Giacobbe and MP Nicola Carè, each reaffirming the commitment to further strengthening bi-lateral ties.
A lighter moment added warmth to the occasion—both Senator Ciccone and Professor Trifoni are long-time supporters of Napoli Football Club, and they celebrated not only Italy’s national day but also their team's recent Serie A championship win.
The evening concluded with a shared expression of hope for peace in the world. Dignitaries and guests called attention to the urgent need for diplomatic solutions in the ongoing conflicts in the Ukraine and Gaza. It was a solemn reminder that while we celebrate democracy and international friendship, the world continues to grapple with conflict and suffering—challenges that require unity, empathy, and collective resolve.
Looking Ahead
The 79th Anniversary of the Republic in Canberra was more than a ceremonial gathering—it was a powerful reminder of the strength that lies in cooperation, cultural diplomacy, and shared human aspirations. From aerospace innovation in the skies to community engagement on the ground, Italy and Australia continue to chart a path toward a future shaped by innovation, respect, and peace.
