Sebastian (Sebastiano) Galipo is an Italian–Australian entrepreneur best known as the founder and Managing Director of Galipo Food Company, one of Australia’s leading foodservice distributors.

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Born on 28 April 1952 in Naso, Province of Messina, Sicily, Galipo emigrated to Australia with his mother and brother in 1956 to join his father, who had come earlier to work as a sugar-cane cutter and later a share-farmer in New South Wales. The family later settled in Adelaide, where Sebastian attended St Morris Primary School and Norwood Technical High School. Initially struggling with language barriers and discrimination, he worked hard to improve his grades and, with the support of teachers and mentors, won a scholarship to St Ignatius College, where he matriculated and was accepted into law at the University of Adelaide. After two years he left university, realising law was not his calling.

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Returning to sales work, he began a series of small ventures, selling orange juice, operating snack bars, and managing hospitality businesses, before founding the Galipo Food Company in 1983. Starting literally from his home garage with domestic fridges, freezers, and a one-ton truck, he pioneered the concept of a “one-stop-shop” distributor supplying cafés, restaurants, and takeaway outlets with everything from meat and cheese to sauces and beverages. Under his leadership the company grew to an annual turnover exceeding $100 million and earned numerous national awards, including Australian Distributor of the Year (Foodservice Suppliers Association of Australia) multiple times between 2014, 2019 and 2025.

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Beyond business, Galipo is known for his strong belief in corporate and social responsibility, caring for employees, suppliers, customers, and the wider community. The company has supported more than fifty-five charities and community groups, among them the Cancer Council, Ronald McDonald House, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Nonna Cucina, and the Italian Historical Society of South Australia Inc.

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His life story, documented by the Italian Historical Society of South Australia Inc. in the project 'A Suitcase Full of Dreams, A Trunk Full of Memories', illustrates the classic migrant journey: from poverty and cultural struggle to success built on resilience, family values, and hard work. Galipo’s experience has made him a respected figure in both the Italian and broader South Australian communities