2027 Committee
Ciao and Welcome from our President, Claudio Di Bartolomeo
It is a privilege to continue as President of the Cairns Italian Festival for 2027, honouring our Italian heritage, the courage and hard work of generations of migrants, and the traditions we proudly share.
The heart of this festival is its people. Our incredible committee, dedicated coordinators and generous volunteers give countless hours, skills and passion to bring it to life. Alongside our valued sponsors and supporters, they make this celebration possible, and I am deeply grateful to every one of them.
As a volunteer-led, not-for-profit organisation, we are united by a purpose: to preserve our heritage, connect generations and welcome everyone to experience the warmth of Italian culture.
Join us as we celebrate our stories, traditions, food and wine, and the community that brings us together.
Grazie di cuore!
Claudio Di Bartolomeo
President, Cairns Italian Festival
Executive Committee
Claudio Di Bartolomeo
President
Maree Mazur
Vice President
John Wilson
Treasurer and PR & Media
Rennay Hanrahan
Secretary and La Festa Stage Co-Manager
Laura Avolio
Executive Committee Member | Entertainment Co-Coordinator & Stage Co-Manager
Ignazio Fortunato
Executive Committee Member | Marketing & PR Coordinator
Rita Clerio
Executive Committee Member | Planning and Logistics
Joseph Indorato
Executive Committee Member | Sponsorship & Committee Advisor
Stephanie Iovannella
Executive Committee Member | Website & Social Media
Coordinators
Patty Poutanen
Entertainment Co-Coordinator
Marco
Social Media Co-Coordinator
Louise Hansen
Social Media Co-Coordinator | Event Coverage
Lainie Rossi
Volunteer Co-Coordinator
Asia Stolfo
Volunteer Co-Coordinator
Erika Unold
Volunteer Co-Coordinator
Teresa Senna
Raffle Coordinator
Frank Dangelico
Food and Wine Dinners Coordinator
Yu-Kang Huang (Patrick)
Graphic Designer
Angelo Aurelio
Food Vendors Coordinator
Mario Catalano
Eftpos & Wifi Coordinator
Lui Garozzo
Casa Italia Co-Coordinator & Sponsorship
Jon Westaway
Photographers Coordinator
Mark Langtree
Audio and Lights Coordinator
Michael Pattini
Videographer Coordinator
Michela Torelli
Teacher Co-Coordinator
Lucy Fedrizzi
Teacher Co-Coordinator
Deanne Vracknos
Decorations & Theming Coordinator
Gina Codotto
Casa Italia Social Events & Raffle Co-Coordinator
Lui Codotto
Casa Italia Social Events Coordinator
Interested in volunteering or joining the committee?
We would love to hear from you. We are seeking volunteers to join the committee and undertake larger roles as well as event volunteers on the days of the festival. Please click the button below to express your interest.