Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As the latest federal member to represent the community of Griffith in the New South Wales Riverina, it is an honour to be invited as one of the guest judges at my very first Griffith Salami Festival later this month. For the record, the official name is Festa delle Salsicce. For those of non-Italian extraction—that's Festival of the Sausage. I may or may not bring my sausage dog, Snag.

I am told there are two types of Italian families in the Griffith area: those who make the best homemade pasta sauces and those who make the best salami. Given over 13 per cent of the region is of Italian heritage—around 500 families—the competition is intense and fought out each year between locals and salami connoisseurs from around the nation.

The event, now in its 18th year, started among a few families many yeas ago when a friendly rivalry decided there should be an annual winner. This year's colder weather allows the salamis more curing time, making them even more delicious. Proving we are truly one of the great multicultural societies, Aussies are allowed to submit an entry, although I suspect they are not permitted to win! Entries are judged by an expert panel with an Italian luncheon complete with local wine and live music to celebrate the occasion. To all my colleagues: it's been a long, cold winter, and I invite you all to celebrate the edge of spring with me in Griffith on the 27th of this month. Siete tutti accolti a venire.