Hall of Fame Awards
FNQ’s Italian/Australians top achievers
An important part of the festival is the Hall of Fame awards, which are a yearly celebration of past and present Italian/Australians who made a significant contribution to the North Queensland region. We must not forget those who made a difference to make North Queensland what it is today.
The awards are presented during the Cairns Italian Festival with nominations open early in the year. Follow our Facebook, Instagram, or subscribe to our eNewsletter to be notified when nominations are open. Award Categories include: Community Service, Arts and Culture, Italian of the Year, Excellence award and the Life Member, voted by the committee
Hall of Fame 2025 Award Winners
Life Member: Gina Codotto
Arts and Culture: Suellen Maunder
Italian of the Year: Theresa Pin
Excellence Award: Carlo Portella
Community Service: The Piccone Family
Hall of Fame 2024 Award Winners
Life Member: Elvio Meoli
Developing and Building Award: Ross Straguszi
Young Italian of the Year: Ignazio Fortunato & Albina Niceforo
Arts and Culture: Frank Dangelico
Business Recognition: Frank and Vince Pappalardo
Sporting Achievement: Zenon Caravella
Educational Achievement: Lucy Fedrizzi
Community Service: Maryanne Stokes
Farming and Agriculture: Guiseppe, Mario and Pasquale Cosentino
Hall of Fame 2023 Award Winners
Life Member: Mike Borzi
Develoment and Building: Giuseppe Barletta
Young Italian of the Year: Claudio Di Bartolomeo
Arts and Culture: Roz Pappalardo
Business Recognition: Vitalia Zanda
Sporting Achievement: Frank Farina
Educational Achievement: Floriana Torelli
Community Service: Angela Toppin AM
Farming and Agriculture: Elvio Meoli
Hall of Fame 2022 Award Winners
Life Member: Louie Piccone
Development and Building: Salvatore and Francesco Marino
Young Italian of the Year: Angelo Senna
Arts and Culture: Gina and Lui Codotto
Community Service: Giuliano Cordenos
Business Recognition: Peppi Iovannella
Sporting Achievement: John Bomben
Educational Achievement: Alberto Avolio
Farming and Agriculture: Romolo Beghin