· BIG story ·
Humble beginnings,
iconic legacy
Nestled in the heart of Sydney, our little pocket of the world is a celebration of contemporary Italian-Australian community and multicultural life. A place where those from all over can come together to connect, share, and savour the essence of Italy, and the diverse flavours of modern Australia.
Little Italy Sydney is an initiative of Viva Leichhardt and funded by the NSW Government Uptown Program. It seeks to promote experiences and create connections for Sydneysiders seeking authentic flavours, culture and entertainment. We invite locals and visitors alike to wander our main streets, spend time enjoying our culture, and wine and dine your way to ‘la dolce vita’, the Australian way.
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Come together to connect, share, and savour the essence of Italy
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Wander our main streets, spend time enjoying our culture, and wine and dine your way to ‘la dolce vita’
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Our Italian heritage
Officially named ’Little Italy’ by the Geographical Names Board of NSW following a proposal by the Inner West Council in 2020, Leichhardt has always been known as the hub of Sydney’s Italian migrant population. Since the first arrival of Italians in the late 1800s to the influx of migrants seeking work in the post-war era, our suburb has provided a home and place of connection for our community.
We share in a strong history of migrant ambition and our neighbourhood is a place of Australian firsts. APIA Leichhardt FC, founded in 1954 by the Italian community, was an early advocate for the creation of a national soccer league. Rete Italia Radio and La Fiamma Newspaper, which are still going strong, were some of Australia’s first translated media services for Italians.
Casa d’Italia, the headquarters of Co.As.It Sydney, Italian Association of Assistance, has helped Italian migrants maintain community spirit through the promotion of Italian language and culture for generations. We also saw the first Norton Street Festa organised by the Capuchin Priests at St Fiacres Church in Leichhardt in 1986. Their desire was to replicate the religious festivals of Italy, and now, the Norton Street Italian Festa has grown to become one of the largest street festivals in Australia, held on the last weekend in October.
Like all cultural locations, Leichhardt has changed over time, but its foundations and many of its Italian traditions, passions and values are still alive today. From the Italian Forum to Lambert Park Stadium and Pioneers Memorial Park, you can hear the language spoken daily on our streets. You can still experience the aromas and sounds synonymous with the Italian experience.
While the Little Italy name honours this legacy, our welcoming spirit of hospitality is shared by all our restaurants, bars, venues and retailers.
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Like all cultural locations, Leichhardt has changed over time, but its foundations and many of its Italian traditions, passions and values are still alive today.
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Viva Leichhardt
Viva Leichhardt is a not-for-profit business alliance, and the official Leichhardt chamber of commerce, supported by the NSW Government Uptown Program and the Inner West Council. It aims to revive the sparkle, spirit and soul of Little Italy. Connecting businesses across the area, our passion lies in collaborating, activating, and advocating for the local community. With a rich Italian heritage, we aim to create a sustainable future that is welcoming to everyone, to share our dedication to the cultural significance and history of the area, and celebrate modern day Little Italy.
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With a rich Italian heritage, we aim to create a sustainable future that is welcoming to everyone.
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