Italians in Melbourne: migrants, communities and stereotypes

Abstract

This work aims to illustrate the development of the profile and perceptions of Italian migrants in Melbourne from the beginning of the 20th century to today. As a consequence of the Immigration Restriction Bill of 1901, Italians replaced the Pacific Islanders working in the cane-field industry, especially in Queensland. The Italians’ hard work and determination to settle and to find a “better life” in Australia aroused the suspicions of the Government, which started to investigate on Italians, but also saw the rise of racism and discrimination towards them. The first Australian “Little Italy” was recreated in Carlton, Melbourne, where regional clubs and supporting associations were founded. In this context, the testimonies of the Italians migrants Sir James Gobbo, Ivo Vellar and Giorgio Mangiamele are fundamental in understanding the discrimination that the Italians migrants faced in the 1950s and 1960s in Melbourne. However, in the last 20 years, thanks to the globalization, Australia has developed into a multicultural country and negative perceptions have moved to other ethnic groups such as Asians and Africans. In contrast, today the “Italian” has become a prestigious label synonymous with a high standard of culture, delicious food, design and good taste.