Dear Supporters,

We have troubling news to share with you regarding our petition to save the Italian language program at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.

Despite the efforts of the Italian Consul General, the Director of the Italian Cultural Institute and Comites, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Chris Dixon, has announced that the Italian language will no longer be taught at Macquarie University. This decision comes alongside the elimination of four other language programs.

Macquarie University's decision is only the latest in a series of Italian major program closures in Australia, with the most recent occurring at the University of Wollongong in 2020. This concerning trend underscores the critical importance for the Italian Government of investing in language education and cultural diplomacy. Notably, the German language program, initially slated for elimination at Macquarie, has now been saved due to such investments. 

Comites NSW remains committed to promoting and preserving the teaching of the Italian language in NSW, but we need your ongoing support to make our voices heard. Please consider reaching out your local MP to express your concern over this decision and to advocate for the importance of language education.

We will continue our advocacy on behalf of the Italian community in NSW with both the Australian and the Italian governments so that our concerns can be heard and addressed. 

Thank you for your support,
Comites NSW