Bridging Countries and Communities

Since September 2024, Chiara Mauri has served as the Consul General of Italy in Melbourne, overseeing diplomatic affairs across Victoria and Tasmania. Segmento had the privilege of speaking with her about her distinguished career, her vision for the Consulate, and her dedication to uniting and empowering the Italian community.

Mauri's diplomatic career began in 2010 at Palazzo del Quirinale, the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic, where she played a pivotal role in organizing state visits and coordinating international trips.

"At the time, Giorgio Napolitano was in office, and the role was both physically and psychologically demanding. Protocol is a critical aspect of international relations, and as a 26-year-old recent graduate, I initially felt like a fish out of water. However, those two years proved to be a period of intense learning and immense professional growth," Mauri reflects.

Her journey then took her to Myanmar in 2012 as Deputy Head of Mission at the Italian Embassy in Yangon, where she navigated political, economic, and cultural relations during the country's democratic transition. By 2016, she was leading the Commercial Office at the Italian Embassy in Rabat, Morocco, strengthening Italy’s economic ties with Morocco and Mauritania.

Returning to Italy in 2020, Mauri joined the General Directorate for the Promotion of the Country System, supporting Italy's strategic industries abroad. In 2022, she was appointed Chief of Staff at the Service for Legal Affairs, Diplomatic Disputes, and Treaties before assuming her current role in Melbourne.

Despite her impressive ascent in diplomacy, Mauri remains deeply aware of her humble origins.

"I have never hidden my background—I am the daughter of a worker and a homemaker, born and raised in Olginate, a small town in the province of Lecco, where a career in diplomacy seemed almost unimaginable. Yet, from a young age, I was captivated by the idea of being a diplomat, perhaps inspired by a film I once watched, where a diplomat mediated an international conflict."

Encouraged by her family, she pursued higher education, earning a degree in International Relations from the University of Milan and a Master’s in Diplomacy from the Italian Institute for International Political Studies. She is fluent in Italian, French, English, Spanish, and has studied German.

As Consul General, Mauri has set out an ambitious roadmap for the next four years. Her priorities include modernizing consular services, promoting Italian culture and commerce, and strengthening ties between Italy and the Italian communities in Victoria and Tasmania.

"My foremost duty is to serve the Italian citizens here. The Consulate introduced electronic identity cards in 2024, and while the initial rollout was gradual, we are now ramping up operations to make this service more accessible in 2025. Our aim is to ensure that all resources—whether for Italian citizens or visa applicants traveling to Italy—are efficiently available."

Despite a compact team, she lauds the balance of youth and experience within the Consulate, which allows for a dynamic and highly effective working environment.

Mauri is also a passionate advocate for Italy’s cultural and economic presence in Australia. She has actively participated in initiatives such as the Italian Business Awards Gala and the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, underscoring her commitment to fostering economic and trade relations.

"I have established a productive dialogue with Global Victoria and met with key government figures to explore opportunities for Italian businesses. Over the next four years, I will focus on supporting Italian companies—both those already established here and those looking to enter the market—because I see great potential for their expansion."

Beyond commerce, she is deeply invested in promoting Italian culture and language.

"One of my objectives is to revitalize the Italian Cultural Institute. Currently, it operates with just two employees within the Consulate General offices, but my vision is to transform it into a true cultural hub—one that serves as a beacon for all associations and organizations working to preserve and promote our heritage."

Mauri holds profound respect for the generations of Italian migrants who have enriched Australian society. At the Sagra della Melanzana (Festival of the Eggplant) in February 2025, hosted by the Calabria Club in Melbourne, she paid tribute to their contributions:

"With their resilience and strong sense of identity, Calabrians have brought to this city not only warmth and community spirit but also an extraordinary culinary tradition that has become integral to local gastronomy."

She extended this recognition to all Italian migrants:

"The eggplant, the symbol of this festival, is just one of the many ingredients our fellow countrymen have introduced, enriching Australian cuisine with the authentic flavors of our homeland."

Through her diplomatic acumen, cultural advocacy, and steadfast commitment to the Italian community, Chiara Mauri is shaping a new chapter for Italian-Australian relations. With a keen vision and an unwavering dedication, she is not only strengthening institutional ties but also ensuring that Italy’s rich heritage continues to thrive in Australia and beyond.

‍