Photo: On 12 March 2007, the historic Riverport of Goolwa in South Australia was recognised as the first Cittaslow in Australia.
Cittaslow - composite language word - 'citta'
is Italian for town or city and 'slow' from the international Slow Food movement and pronounced CHITTA-slow.
International Cittaslow President Roberto Angelucci (Mayor, Francavilla al Mare, Italy) presented the Cittaslow flag to Alexandrina Mayor Kym McHugh at a civic reception during a four-day visit to Goolwa. The Cittaslow delegation included the Vice President Stefano Mocio (Mayor, Orvieto, Italy) and Cittaslow Manager Pier Giorgio Oliveti.
They were accompanied by Mrs Iva Barbabella an Umbrian cook who prepared a traditional Italian meal using Australian produce as a thank you for the Mayor. The visit coincided with the SA Wooden Boat and Music Festival held in Goolwa and attended by over 13,000 people.
Recognition of Goolwa as the first non-European Cittaslow came after residents, businesses and Council combined to assess the town against an extensive series of criteria and to submit an application to join the international network of towns that consider quality of life important. The criteria covered environmental issues, infrastructure, urban fabric and heritage, local food and produce, hospitality and community, education and awareness. Cittaslow is a process of continuous improvement.
Goolwa has been asked to lead the establishment of an Australian Cittaslow network. Under Goolwa's guidance, the Blue Mountains town of Katoomba has become the second Australian Cittaslow.
Any town or city below a population level of 50,000 is invited to consider Cittaslow as a framework for developing a sustainable future whilst preserving the culture and traditions that make each town unique. Towns that have already established a Slow Food Convivium are already adopting Cittaslow qualities.
Enquiries to Lyn Clark, 33 Cadell Street, Goolwa, SA 5214 Tel (08) 8555 5801 Email: lyn@riverdolls.com.au.
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