Festival Ambassadors
We are very pleased to announce our wonderful ambassadors for the Viva Italia in Canberra festival.
Our ambassadors have been selected based on their Italian heritage and importantly their contributions to the ACT community.
ANNA CAPEZIO
Anna Maria Capezio (nee Catananzi) O.M.R.I is a valued member of the Canberra Italian community having served in numerous positions over many decades.
Anna served as a founding committee and board member at the Villaggio Sant’ Antonio Retirement Home from 1980-2000.
In recognition of her immense contribution to the Italian Community in Canberra, Anna received a Cavaliere knighthood from the Italian Government in 1995.
Significantly she was also the founding President of the organising committee for the 2016 “La Festa Italiana” held in the grounds of the Embassy of Italy in Canberra.
MARIO SANFRANCESCO
Mario Sanfrancesco is a prominent Canberran with nearly 30 years’ experience working in the Canberra real estate industry. His abilities in this area have landed him numerous awards, including recognition as the Real Estate Institute's ACT Auctioneer of the Year three times.
For nearly 25 years Mario has also put his formidable skills to use for the good of society, running hundreds of charity auctions for a range of charities including the Starlight Children's Foundation, Canberra Cancerians, Menslink, AFFIRM, Bossum Buddies, the Red Cross, South Care Helicopter, and RSPCA among many others.
GUY JUTER - youth ambassador
The Viva Italia in Canberra committee is happy to welcome Guy Juter as our first Youth Ambassador.
Guy is a student of Italian Language Studies at the Australian National University and the recipient of the inaugural 'Viva Italia in Canberra' scholarship which has provided a one-month intensive Italian language course at the Università per Stranieri di Siena (Siena’s University for Foreigners) in Tuscany, Italy, which he is currently attending.
Guy’s decision to study Italian has led to a deep connection with Italy where he has interests in the language alongside Italian culture, history, and society. In his own words, Guy describes his journey with the Italian language:
“I am deeply grateful for how Italian has enriched my life and plan to continue studying it well into the future, wherever it may lead me. Looking forward, I hope to use my passion to continue growing as a person, building connections across Italy and Australia, and discovering the perspectives, stories, and experiences that the Italian language makes possible.”
In addition to a Bachelor of Arts Degree specifically to undertake an Italian Studies major, Guy is also studying for a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the Australian National University. He is also a committee member of the ANU Italian Cultural Society.
