The South Australian Italian Association is a non-profit and nonpartisan organisation supported by a community of volunteers, who assist in preserving, promoting and experiencing all things Italian for the benefit of its members and the greater South Australian community.

Adelaide has a widespread Italian community and, as a result, there are many first-, second- and third- generation Italians who look to continue to maintain their cultural roots and identity. The Italian community has always been connected to its heritage and we offer to partake in both the traditional and modern Italian cultures while maintaining links and networks of both community and corporates both locally and abroad.

The South Australian Italian Association (SAIA) connects the past, present and future while promoting a sense of togetherness and our events will always feature a “Made in Italy” factor.

SAIA represents a vibrant personal, social and corporate community. We are a voice and a set of services for our clients, members and partners in the communities we serve. Preserving, promoting, and experiencing the Italian way of life for all South Australians, we are a centre for all.

Our Patron

We gratefully acknowledge the contribution of our presiding Patron, Mr Ernesto Pianelli, Consul of Italy in South Australia.

Mr Ernesto Pianelli
Consul of Italy in South Australia.

Ernesto Pianelli was born in Pedace (Cosenza) on the 21 August 1977. He graduated in Political Sciences from the University of Perugia and joined the diplomatic service in 2016, after having worked in the private sector for several years.

He began his diplomatic career in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Directorate‑General for Italian Citizens Abroad and Migration Policies. His first assignment abroad was at the Embassy of Italy in Cyprus, where he served as Deputy Head of Mission from 2020 to 2023.

He assumed his duties as Consul of Italy in South Australia on 13 November 2023.

Passionate about jazz music and tennis, he is married to Natalia and has a daughter, Catherine.