CASSINO – On the 9th of August 2024, mayor Enzo Salera awarded Mr. Tony Lamarra with “Euroferr” European railway award in Cassino Municipality’s “Sala Restagno”: a very prestigious prize for our 84 years old fellow citizen, born in Sant’Angelo and later emigrated in Goulburn, South New Galles, Australia. The award was given by the “Association Europeenne Des Cheminots”, a partnership between European railway workers instituted back in 1961. Such award is bestowed upon soft and intermodal mobility, culture, territory and connections among nearby areas. In other words, this prize acknowledges European small and less known railway stations and their incredible landscapes, together with their historical importance, tourism, environmental and archeological features. Our Australian fellow citizen was also awarded with AEC – Lazio honorary badge from Lazio regional secretary Oreste Varone.
Mr. Tony Lamarra was chosen to receive this award for his outstanding efforts in preserving the historical and cultural heritage, preventing Roundhouse railway station from demolishment, alongside with other fellow railway workers. As a matter of fact, Roundhouse railway station was the first hub favoring never-before-seen wide railway connections in Western Australia.
AEC Italia association’s president Vito Visconti Porcelli, together with AEC Italia association’s national secretary Margherita Sardella opened the ceremony with a moving speech expressing appreciation for an act of friendship among nations and small territories, suggesting a profound entanglement between AEC Italia association and Railway infrastructure.
Mayor Enzo Salera expressed his gratitude and appreciation towards our incredible fellow citizen Tony Lamarra, stating: “Tony and the local railway committee created the Golbourn Rail Heritage Center, one of the most important historical destinations in Australia. The award is a gesture of appreciation for the pivotal contribution given in favor of consolidating the relationship between Italy and Australia, especially between Cassino and faraway lands [..]”, highlighting the enterprising spirit of our visionary entrepreneur and fellow citizen Mr. Tony Lamarra. “We are also here today to highlight the efforts made by Luigi Franco Miele, Mr. Lamarra’s old friend and ex railway worker: an outstanding citizen still supporting his love for his job and the bond between railway workers of the past and of tomorrow. Alongside, AEC Italia association can rely on and work with an active person to promote new initiatives”, continued mayor Enzo Salera.
“This is the most incredible acknowledgment I have been given since I moved to Australia. I would like to thank the Association that awarded me with such a prestigious prize: “I will proudly bring it back to Golbourn, because being a railway worker is the best job in the world.”, said Tony Lamarra visibly moved by the ceremony.
This prize strengthens the bond between Cassino and Australia, while also promoting the use of trains and public transportation in the fight against Climate Change and guaranteeing particular attention in rediscovering Italian small towns of touristic interest!
Traduzione: Daniele Pensabene