Little Italy
In September 2019, Inner West Council voted unanimously to celebrate the long-standing connection between Italo-Australians and the Inner West by renaming a precinct in the Leichhardt-Gulgadya ward.
Following a consultation which included local community members, businesses and the Italian Consulate General, in February 2020, Council successfully applied to the Geographic Names Board have central Leichhardt renamed Little Italy.
Media and historical commentators have referred to the area as 'Little Italy' for decades. Community feedback strongly supported the move to reflect this important aspect of Leichhardt’s heritage.
The boundaries of the Little Italy are Norton Street and Marion Street, Leichhardt between Hawthorn Parade and Balmain Road.
The renaming of the precinct recognises the immense contribution that Italian businesses and residents bring to the area, and honours the many thousands of Italian migrants who have helped to shape the fabric of Australian life since early settlement.
Italian migrants first came to Australia in the mid-1800s in search of work and opportunities in the wake of poverty, natural disasters and war. Many were from rural communities, bringing with them a rich knowledge of agricultural, architectural, artistic and culinary trades. Since at least 1920, Italian fishermen settled in and worked out of Leichhardt's Iron Cove, engaging in inner-harbour and deep sea fishing.
In the post-war years, Leichhardt provided the Italia diaspora an important social, cultural, economic and spiritual meeting place, which has continued to present day. More recently, Haberfield (the Garden Suburb) has also emerged as a thriving hub for Italian family-run businesses.
Leichhardt is now world-famous as the Italian heart of Sydney. If you’re after authentic cannelloni, the freshest cannoli, or Sydney’s best Italian coffee, Little Italy is the place to be.
The Norton Street Italia Fiesta, held annually in October, continues to attract thousands of people to the area each year.
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