(Aug. 27) – The international poetry competition, organized by the Italo-Australian Writer Academy , “Alias” is just closed in Melbourne. For the second year in a row, the award went to Liliana Puggelli and Valentina Chiaramonti, both from Prato, Tuscany, and respectively grandmother and granddaughter. Giovanna Li Volti Guzzardi, President of Alias and founder of the Award in 1992 to promote Italian language and culture in Australia, congratulated Puggelli and Chiaramonti. The award, sponsored by the Consulate General of Italy in Melbourne and by the Italian Cultural Institute, is supported by the Victorian Multicultural Commission of Moonee Valley and from INCA-CGIL. “Solo sei anni” (Only six years) is the title of the winning poem from the young Valentina Chiaramonti. The fourteen year old granddaughter tried with poetry while her grandmother preferred prose. “Rinascita” (Rebirth) is titled her work: sweet memories and a hope for the future of her beloved city, Prato. “The crisis hits the world and the largest industries in all sectors, leaving young people with no job. The situation has now become very serious for everyone and the hope of a ‘rebirth’ must be stronger than any other feeling,” writes Puggelli. (PO/Gil/Peg)
