Community & Business
13 August, 2025
Italians honoured at festival
ITALIANS who have made a difference in their communities were honoured as part of the Cairns Italian Festival’s Hall of Fame awards, with three from Mareeba accepting accolades for their contributions.
Taking out the Italian of the Year award was Mareeba’s Theresa Pin, who has been involved in preserving her Italian heritage for more than four decades through her involvement with cultural groups that provide opportunities for people from her region to come together.
While she was born at Bilwon, Theresa has always been dedicated to embracing her Italian roots, being involved with the Dimbulah-Mareeba Trevis-ani Nel Mondo group for 30 years before becoming the assistant treasurer and tour organiser for the Trevis-ani Nel Mondo North Queensland branch since 2015.
In her roles, Theresa was instrumental in the success of the 11th Trevis-ani Nel Mondo Conference, which welcomed 800 guests from across Australia and Italy.
She regularly hosts meetings at her home, donates homegrown produce, and volunteers tirelessly at cultural, church, and school events.
Theresa also organises weekly bingo to support elderly Italian women, provides transportation and translation for those in need, and visits the sick and elderly in hospitals and aged care facilities.
The Express’s managing editor Carlo Portella was presented with the Excellence Award, for being a dedicated champion of regional journalism in Far North Queensland.
Through his independently owned newspapers, The Express, Cairns Local News, Douglas Gazette, and the soon-to-be launched The Observer for the Cassowary Coast, Carlo has provided a strong local media presence that embraces regional journalism.
“His publications provide vital news services, preserve community history, and give regional residents a voice on local issues,” the award submission states.
“Carlo supports emerging journalists by offering employment and hands-on experience to students studying media, fostering the next generation of regional reporters.
“Under his leadership, The Express and Cairns Local News have won numerous Queensland Country Press Association Awards, including accolades for Best Free Newspaper, Best Online Publication, Journalistic Team Excellence, and community-focused campaigns.
“Carlo’s unwavering commitment to accessible, high-quality journalism, both in print and online, has had a profound impact on the region.
“At a time when many regional papers have closed, Carlo has defied the trend, connecting communities and keeping the spirit of independent journalism alive.”
Picking up the Life Members Award was Gina Codotto who is said to be “the heart and soul” of the local Italian community since co-founding the Italian Club in 1992.
“Her vision, perseverance, and countless volunteer hours have united Italians across Far North Queensland, preserving their heritage while inviting the broader community to share in the beauty of Italian culture,” her award submission states.
“She continues to be a driving force in celebrating Italian identity, nurturing intergenerational pride in traditions such as dance, song, food, and spiritual connection to Italy.
“Her influence has reached not only Italian migrants but also the broader FNQ population, who have embraced and celebrated their roots thanks to Gina’s passion.”
Alongside her husband, Lui, Gina has helped raise thousands for the Cancer Foundation through their now-iconic annual Italian Pizza Night, an initiative that took on special meaning following her cancer diagnosis.
Her determination to support others facing hardship led to years of fundraising to alleviate the burden for patients who needed to travel for treatment.
In other awards, the Piccone family was named the recipient of the Community Service Award, while the Arts and Culture Award went to Suellen Maunder.
