President George Vella encouraged the Maltese community in Australia, now in its third and fourth generation, to remain active so that Maltese customs and traditions are not lost over time.

During an event organised by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Zoe Bettison, in Adelaide in the state of South Australia, President Vella said that the Maltese communities abroad are part of our extended family. They are part of Malta and Gozo. He stated that he feels it is his duty to meet and keep in touch with them.

President Vella observed that while there is a smaller number of Maltese in this state than in other Australian states, he is impressed that there are at least seven associations and other entities assisting the Maltese community or organising activities with the aim of keeping Maltese traditions alive. “This is an excellent example of how, while being fully integrated in Australian life, through your professions, families and hobbies, you have kept the characteristics that make you Maltese and Gozitans in your heart”, added the President.

The President said that during his last meeting with the Council for Maltese Living Abroad, last month, he could note that Australia’s representatives on this Council were and still are among the most active and enthusiastic to safeguard the interests of the Maltese community in Australia. He remarked with pleasure their emphasis on the need to promote Maltese culture and also Maltese history, especially with the young generation of Maltese in Australia.

In Adelaide, President Vella also met with the Governor of South Australia, Frances Adamson. There are around 7,800 people of Maltese descent in South Australian. Most of the Maltese emigrated to this Australian state in the fifties and sixties. A smaller group emigrated in the seventies.

In his last engagement in the state of Victoria, President Vella visited the Caroline Springs George Cross FC, which has a long history in football. Here, the President received a warm welcome by a large number of Maltese attending the event. In a few words on the occasion, President Vella said that this club is a strong testimony of how the Maltese identity – in this case the sporting identity – has been steadily renewed over the years. He remarked that such clubs have served and still serve as a place where Maltese meet and support each other. He admitted that this meeting was an emotional experience seeing different generations of the Maltese community together. The President also met with a group of children, most of them of Maltese descent, who train at this club. The band ‘MMG Concert Band of Victoria’ also took part in this event.

The President’s delegation in Australia includes the Minister for Public Works and Planning Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi.

#MaltaDaily