Viva Leichhardt awarded Uptown Grant by the NSW Government
- susannamontrone
- Nov 2, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 29
Work commences to revive Little Italy in Sydney.
October 2024
Viva Leichhardt, a new business alliance dedicated to the revitalisation of Little Italy in Sydney’s Inner West, has been successfully awarded an Uptown Grant by the NSW Government.
With a focus on Norton Street and Marion Street Leichhardt, over the next 12 months Viva Leichhardt will be connecting with the Inner West Council, local businesses, landowners and community leaders to collaborate and work together to reinvigorate Sydney’s official Little Italy.

Image: Viva Leichhardt featured in Allora Newspaper
President of Viva Leichhardt and owner of renowned Leichhardt restaurant Moretti Ristorante Pizzeria, Ilario Ventolini said: “For more than 70 years, Leichhardt has been the hub of Italian culture in Sydney. We believe Leichhardt is not just a destination for the best of Italy, it is a living story, a melting pot of memories and traditions, home to restaurants, bars, cafes and shops that present the very best of multicultural Sydney.”
“For Leichhardt the award of this grant funding is a transformational opportunity to work together to revitalise and restore our Little Italy. Our vision is to build a dynamic and distinctive business district, inspired by Italian culture and creativity, which once again becomes a destination for visitors and locals showcasing our authentic cuisine, vibrant community and established and emerging new businesses.”
NSW Government Uptown Program
Seed funding for Viva Leichhardt has come from the Uptown Program, an initiative of the NSW Office of the 24 Hour Economy Commissioner, designed to fast-track the formation of local business communities and facilitate the growth of their districts into vibrant going-out hubs in line with the NSW Government’s 24-Hour Economy Strategy for Greater Sydney. Viva Leichhardt was originally selected to participate in the Uptown District Acceleration Program late last year.
The Uptown Grant Program supports formally aligned groups of businesses in a local area (District Teams) to collectively work on enhancing their district’s offering and building consumer engagement including promotion, marketing and events in their district.

Image: Viva Leichhardt featured in La Fiamma
About Viva Leichhardt
Founding members of Viva Leichhardt include Moretti Ristorante Pizzeria, Dom Panino, Amato’s Liquor Mart, BBQAroma, Capriccio Osteria and The Leichhardt Collective. Susanna Montrone has been appointed District Coordinator for Leichhardt, and will work closely with the local businesses, landowners and community leaders in Leichhardt to help achieve the vision of a revitalised Little Italy precinct.
To find out more, and join Viva Leichhardt in its mission to revive Little Italy, contact ciao@vivaleichhard.com.au
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