News

Salute to shared sacrifice at Murchison’s Italian Ossario

By Taylah Baker

Nov 15, 2025

Hundreds gathered at the Italian War Memorial and Ossario for the service. Photo by Gabriella Calandro

The sun had well and truly risen above the horizon when the salutes began to exchange at Murchison Cemetery on Sunday, November 9.

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Under that same sky, two countries became one as over 250 people gathered at the Italian War Memorial and Ossario to honour the servicemen and women from Italy and Australia, remembering those laid to rest at the site.

The Ossario is the sole Italian military cemetery in Australia, and one of only two outside Italy.

It stands as both a monument and a bridge between nations, honouring the Italian prisoners of war and internees who met their fate in Australia during World War II.

Murchison’s Ossario is the only Italian military cemetery located in Australia. Photo by Gabriella Calandro

For over 50 years, the Ossario has been a place of pilgrimage for Italian servicemen and women, their families, and migrants.

Each year, a Remembrance Day ceremony is held here, marked by Italy’s three major armed services marching in full regalia and standing guard in tribute.

While they are a force, strong local support is its heart.

This year saw representatives from the RSL sub-branches of Murchison, Tatura, and Shepparton, community groups, City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali, and councillors Rod Schubert and Paul Wickham in attendance.

Representatives from community groups, RSL sub-branches, and Greater Shepparton City Council were present. Photo by Gabriella Calandro

Several schools participated, including Murchison, Kialla West, and Toolamba primary schools, Goulburn Valley Grammar School, and Greater Shepparton Secondary College.

Among the dignitaries were COMITES president Ubaldo Aglianò and Italian Consul Correspondent in Shepparton Maria Gardani Calandro.

Students place their wreaths and pay their respects. Photo by Gabriella Calandro

Students from various local schools took part in the ceremony. Photo by Gabriella Calandro

The ceremony was led by Assoarma Victoria president Cavaliere Joe Morizzi, who once again served as MC and chief organiser.

Italian Consul General for Victoria and Tasmania Chiara Mauri added her voice to the chorus of remembrance, speaking of the importance of connecting communities and preserving shared traditions.

After the wreath-laying and military parade, a Mass was celebrated in Italian at the chapel by Fr Ronaldo Masilang from St Mel’s and St Brendan’s parishes — remembrance and respect know no language barriers, after all.