5. Walking Hand In Hand

As you become older, you have a greater appreciation of your roots, your heritage. I am a proud first generation Australian whose parents arrived on our beautiful shores in the 1950s.

I am in awe of my parents and what millions of migrants have achieved – by leaving their old home of instability to arriving in their new destination with trepidation and uncertainty, but hopeful for a brighter future. What a brave and inspirational to make.

While born in Australia, it did not stop people calling you a 'wog' or 'dago'. But I saw it as a badge of honour, made me more resilient, and taught me about ‘the fair go’, about treating peoples the same regardless of cultural, social and economic background, and about ensuring people less advantaged were not left behind.

The Italian and many other migrant communities have brought much to the community of Newcastle, a city I love dearly and passionately. And without their contribution, Newcastle would not be the city it is today – a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and more cultured and spiritually aware community.

As new cultures and peoples from different parts of our world arrive on our shores and into our community, it’s important that we welcome, accept, and embrace them, because at the end of the day we are all one people, regardless of colour, race, nationality or religion.

This is one of the reasons why my dear Nick Moretti and I established our not for profit organisation Hand in Hand Art House and organise the Newcastle Italian Film Festival.

Through the lenses of foreign films, our key goal is for people from all walks of life to come together and understand, be compassionate, embrace and respect each other as individuals, and as communities regardless of heritage.

And through our events, we also hope to contribute to promoting Newcastle as an economic and culturally diverse and vibrant hub, and raise awareness, and contribute back to our community by raising and donating net profits of the film festival and other events to a charity.

To date, we have raised and donated close to $50,000 to support victims of abuse, and to those diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

And this Friday and Sunday, we are excited to be involved in a film fundraising event with 'Newcastle for Nepal' to raise funds to help families afflicted by the devastating earthquakes in Nepal recently.

I truly believe that if we can all come together, walk 'hand in hand', better understand and support one another, regardless of our origins or cultural beliefs, our world can be a less violent and more compassionate one.