Conceived originally as a project by an Italian Capuchin, Fr. Boniface Zurli, then constructed and brought to completion in 1960’s. With the help of donations and voluntary labour from generous members of the Italian community, this shrine is adorned with a variety of esteemed and priceless works of religious art. In addition to the abundant use and beauty of the rare and multi-coloured marble, there are the splendid mosaics including one depicting the Calvary scene which is perhaps the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Among other artistic features are the many statues carved in wood of the blessed virgin and particular saints held in veneration by migrants from various regions of Italy. Noteworthy, too, are the admirable paintings of the renowned Hungarian local artist, Bela de Valentin, applied to the suspended concave ceiling where even Saint Mary of the Cross finds a place. The image of St. Anthony, Parton of the shrine, which occupies a central position behind the main altar, was sculptured at Ortisei in northern Italy, sent to Padua where it was placed on the tomb of the saint, blessed and inserted with a precious relic and then shipped to Australia