The Voic(edr iivoenf b yt thhe evo iicMe of aiitsl retaedesrse ) Issue Fortnightly magazine for the Diaspora November 5, 2019 215 Fortnightly magazine for the Diaspora

The Government in Malta is mak - ing the construction of high level roads and road safety a priority. As part of its on-going plans to spend at least €700 million on building new roads in seven years, it is now projecting the construc- tion of an intersection made up of two new tunnels beneath the roundabout at Gudja to link the south-and northbound carriage- ways of L -Avjazzjoni Avenue and Hal-Far road, allowing road users travelling to and from the airport, Birzebbuga, the Freeport and Hal- Far to bypass the roundabout. 2 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday November 5, 2019

Below is final part the series of articles about the Maltese heroes who gave their all so that our National dignity Viva Malta! homeland in the Mediterranean could become what it is today. A history to be proud of, to celebrate, and one that must recognise the magnificent contribution made by our ancestors.

Wor meh this ais thte cr uxc of may n we do to bring our whole essay on the heroes of Malta and the part our little homeland has played in the history of the world, as we Fknow it. In order to respond to this hI takee your bacok to emy sno t jutstiofied. " life? introductory statement in the first of the articles in this se - It is this feeling of subservience, ries. I will do this by quoting a substantial extract from it of being less than other Euro - since, I believe, it perfectly encapsulates the point I am at - peans, perhaps especially less tempting to make: than those who had been our “When I first came to Australia as a 12-year-old, I did my very masters in the past, that I want to best to assimilate into the dominant Anglo based Australian challenge forever. This sense of community. I didn't want to stand out as a 'foreigner' and es - being inferior, not only in the pecially not as one from an origin in the Southern Mediter - eyes of others but, of greater sig - Andy Busuttil ranean region. nificance in our own eyes, needs I desperately wanted to belong and felt that there was really to be changed once and for all. nothing of any value in my 'wog' back - I am not suggesting for a moment ground that would be appreciated by my that we view the world from a posi - newfound country folk. Regardless of our size tion of arrogance and hubris. We Worse still, I did not believe in my own as a nation or as a have suffered that from too many value as a Maltese national. I did not ad - others in our lives. I am also not sug - equately understand the history of our homeland, we Maltese gesting that we do so from a position people and the extraordinary contribu - have been magnificent of pride, which can also be destruc - tions we had made over the millennia to tive to others and ourselves. the history of the world. in our carriage and in What I am suggesting is that we do Consequently the value of our history . so with dignity and with a strong and of the people who had constructed that historuy,r th te rMaadlteistei, onses nse of who we are and what we have contributed in our was also lost to me. In feeling this way I know I was not alone long and magnificent history. It is a history that is recog - amongst my compatriots in the Maltese diaspora. nised in the historical artefacts that remain on our island Many of us felt this way, perhaps ashamed of our language home. However, it is not a history that has been ade - and our national background. We didn't know enough about quately recognised in the names and the beings of our our origins to feel that sense of pride in our homeland and, more people. importantly, a sense of pride in ourselves. It is time to change that. It is time to recognise in our - We tended to approach our new homeland and its people from selves and to pass on to our children and their children a a subservient position rather than one of equality and pride in clear understanding that, regardless of our size as a nation ourselves. or as a homeland, we have been magnificent in our car - We often reacted with physical violence when called 'wogs' riage and in our traditions. but I wonder if we ever truly believed that the denigration was While we need not view the world from a position of 'pride' we need, nonetheless, to be proud of ourselves and to never hang our heads low. Our place in the world has made an astounding contribution and an enormous difference. The few examples that I have used in this series of articles are not the complete picture by any stretch of the imagination. It is only the start of the story. It is left to you and your chil - dren to complete it and to do it as members of a diaspora that has spread to all parts of the world, a world that our progenitors shaped with nobility, commitment and dedi - cation. Awarding Malta’s heroes: As I have said so many Governor Lord Gort present - times and as I say in ing the George Cross to every concert that Sko - Chief Justice Sir George rba presents to Maltese Borg (right) in the presence community audiences: of Commissioner Axisa on 'Viva Malta u viva niesna September 13, 1942, l-Maltin'. *Concluded Tuesday November 5, 2019 The Voice of the Maltese 3 Another service offered by The Voice of the Maltese providing legal information to our readers Am I in a de facto relationship? by Paul Sant 7. If the relationship has been regis - contributions & serious injustice – tered under a State law both must be present t is not uncommon to hear different 8. Care and support of children things that your friends or family 9. Reputation and public aspects of the Contributions in family law include may have heard - such as, “Once relationship. both financial and non-financial; direct yIou’ve lived with someone for 2 years, and indirect. Determining whether one it’s a de facto relationship”, or “I read on - Where does the 2 years come party made substantial contributions is a line that once you’ve lived with someone from? subjective test to be applied in all the cir - for 6 months it’s de facto”. cumstances surrounding the parties to the The truth is, in a family law context, and Where one party to a de facto relation - de facto relationship, and contributions for the purposes of seeking a property ship asks the court to make a property made in that context. settlement after the irreconcilable break - Order (such as for spousal mainte - An example may be a large lump sum down of a relationship, the length of time nance, or altering interests to property of money, say $50,000. BUT it could also two people have lived together is only owned by the parties solely or jointly), be a sum of $5,000, where the financial one factor the court considers. the court must be satisfied of any of the circumstances of the parties are modest, following: and balanced with other contributions. Definition of de facto relationship 1. The period, or total of the periods, If the court finds there were substantial – Family Law Act 1975 of the relationship, is at least 2 years; contributions, it then goes on to deter - OR mine whether the Applicant has proved, If the persons in a de facto relationship: on the balance of probabilities, that fail - 1. Are not married to each other; AND 2. There is a child of the de facto re - lationship; OR ure to make a property adjustment Order 2. Are not related by family; AND would result in a serious injustice to the 3. Having regard to all circumstances of 3. The relationship was registered under a State/Territory law; OR Applicant. the relationship, they are living together What the court considers may include as a couple on a genuine domestic basis. 4. The party who applies for property Orders: the overall property pool, and contribu - The relationship fits into the meaning of a. Made substantial contributions tions made by the Respondent during the ‘de facto’ under the Family Law Act . AND relationship. For example, where an Ap - b. Failure to make Orders would re - plicant lived in accommodation rent free, What does ‘living together sult in serious injustice to the appli - or provided financial support during a de as a couple’ mean? cant. facto relationship, contextual substantial Whilst two years is noted in section contributions may be offset and the court The legislation provides further details as 90SB of the Family Law Act, there are will hold that no substantial injustice what other circumstances of the relation - cases where the court finds a de facto re - would occur, based on benefits received ship should be considered (and consider - lationship did exist, where the total during the relationship: Dover & Mosely ation of each is not mandatory): length of cohabitation was less than two & Anor [2019]. 1. The duration of the relationship years. In Volpe & Stark [2019], the parties had 2. The nature and extent of common It may be a useful starting point in as - lived together for 13 months. The Appli - residence sessing what the court’s ultimate view cant contributed $224,000 toward the ac - 3. Whether a sexual relationship exists may be, in deciding whether to make quisition of a jointly owned property (the 4. Any degree of financial dependence, property Orders, but the length of a rela - balance was financed by mortgage). interdependence, or arrangements for tionship is certainly not the be all and end The Respondent held an additional financial support all for establishing the existence of a de property prior to the relationship in his 5. Ownership, use and acquisition of facto relationship. sole name. The Applicant sought to retain property the property they had purchased together. 6. Degree of mutual commitment to a Two step approach: Substantial The court held that a serious injustice to shared life the Applicant would result unless Orders were made.

PAUL SANT Conclusion (SOLICITOR) There are many factors that are consid - PARTNER AT LONGTON LEGAL ered if a court is asked to determine whether a de facto relationship exists, and For All Your Legal Needs to alter property interests after the break Now at: down of such a relationship. 21 George Street As the matters can be complex, you should obtain legal advice if you are Parramatta seeking to claim or deny a relationship and determine what your entitlements Phone: 8599 8877 may be. Also at: Level 4, 370 Pitt Street, Sydney. Ph: 8355 9999 We have provided you with an overview of the topic above but you should consult Email: [email protected] a professional for advice specific to your Maltese Spoken circumstances. 4 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday November 5, 2019 Il-pjaga fid-daħla tal-belt Valetta

awk il-Maltin li bħali jgħixu barra ħares qatt il-bombi tal-Gwerra ġarrbu kom - minn Malta u li jżuru pajjiżhom Lawrence Dimech pletament it-teatru Manoel żgur li ma kon - żgur li jinnutaw bi pjaċir il-riġen - niex nibnuh mill-gdid bla saqaf mhux eDrazzjoni tal-belt kapitali tagħna l-Maltin. kemm ippeżenta l-Ministru tal-Finanzi l- hekk? iIlum insibu belt mimlija ħajja kemm fil- Professur Edward Scicluna fakkarna li fil- Il-belt Valletta qatt mhux se tkun kom - għodu kif ukoll bil-lejl fejn sar l-akbar manifest elettroali tal-Parit Laburista dan pluta jekk din il-kanuntiera pjaga ma progress. Il-pjazza Tritoni tatna spazju is-sit kulturali li ġie mgarraf 77 sena ilu terġax tara fiha l-binja minn barra, kif kien enormi, sebħet b’mod majestuż id-daħla waqt it-Tieni Gwerra fl-1942, jista’ jigi it-Teatru Rjal. tal-belt. msaqqaf biex il-potenzjal jkun massimiz - Nasal biex ngħid li l-Parlament u l-bini Illum, flok il-bibien tradizzjonali mħaffra zat, sintendi wara s-solita’ konsultazzjoni, mill-ġdid tat-Teatru Rjal jistgħu ikun fis-swar insibu bieb miftuħ sas-sema u fuq u sa anke qed tiġi mitluba x-xewqa tal- konġunti fl-operat simili tagħhom. Il-bini il-lemin il-binja tal-Parlament Malti, ġens Malti għal din l-idea. tal-Parlament preżenti jibqa bħala uffiċini, proġett tal-perit Renzo Piano magħruf Dan is-sit storiku fejn kien hemm it-Teatru libreriji u post ta’ konferenzi żgħar waqt li għax-xogħlijiet tiegħu madwar id-dijna. Rjal (ir- Royal Opera House ) li nbena fl-1866 l-kamra tal-laqgħat tigi mibnija mill-ġdid Din il-binja ġabet magħha ħafna kritika b’arkitettura li ssaħrek għandu jigi mibni fuq stil aktar tradizzjonali fejn kien hemm iżda maż-żmien jidher li qed tigi aċċettata mill-ġdid, almenu minn barra. Hekk biss in - it-teatru. ... m’hemmx x’tagħmel. ħoss li hu xieraq. Li nkomplu nraqqgħu l- Hekk nispiċċw bil-bini tat-Teatru kif kien Iżda ftit passi l-isfel ħarstek tmur fuq l- pannu bil-qara bali mhu se naslu mkien. minn barra, filwaqt li gewwa jkun hemm ikbar pjaga u xena ta’ kruha li ħallielna Qatt daqs illum il-Gvern Malti ma hu is-sede tal-Parlament Malti. Dawn joħolqu dan l-hekk famuż Piano. Ma nista’ nifhem f’pożizzjoni li jerġa’ jibni din il-binja attrazzjonijiet turistici mill-aqwa fil-kapi - qatt kif xi ħadd b’moħħ artistiku jista’ jasal storika. Jista’ jinfetaħ fond apposta jew jiġi tali Maltija u hekk jingħalaq kapitlu ta’ biex iħallilna diżastru bħal dak fejn qabel kkunsiderat id-dħul mill-IIP. Li kieku, Alla dwejjaq li karkar għal 77 sena sħaħ. kellna wieħed mill- isbaħ binjiet tal-belt Il-kapolavur li kien it-Teatru Valletta. Isejħu l- Rjal qabel ġie mġarraf fl-1942 bini t-teatru bla saqaf, jew il-Pjazza Teatru Rjal. Jien in - sejjaħlu diżastru li jagħmlilna diżunur. Ir-ritratt fuq juri xeni ta’ mistħija li l- epiċentru tal-kul - tura Maltija jinsab fih illum imdawwar bil-gebel, ħadid, siġġijiet tal-plastik u plakki tal-injam biex joskuraw dak li jsir ġewwa. Qud - diemu llum għam - luh ukoll kafeterija fil-miftuħ. Bil-baġit li għadu Tuesday November 5, 2019 The Voice of the Maltese 5 GGoovveerrnnmmeenntt ttoo rreessccuuee hhoouussee QQuueeeenn lliivveedd iinn ttoo rreeooppeenn iitt aass aa ttoouurriisstt aattttrraaccttiioonn alta will soon have another tourist attraction to add to its list, Villa Gwardamangia, Queen Eliz - abeth II’s former home in Gwardamanga, Malta Mwhere she and Prince Philip lived in the early years of their marriage, between 1949 and 1951. The Maltese govern - ment said it has managed to purchase the villa from its pri - vate owner for an undisclosed fee, estimated to have been around €6 million. The then Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh lived at the property between 1949 and 1951 when Philip served on HMS Chequers with the Royal Navy Mediterranean Fleet at the time. It offered the pair their only real taste of life as a relatively ordinary couple before Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953. For years the villa had fallen into a dilapidated state. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said in Parliament that the building would be restored to its original state and turned into a tourist site as the house the Royal couple lived in when the Duke was in the Royal Navy and stationed in Malta. The 1,560sqm prop - erty had six bedrooms, three bath-rooms, a Villa Gwardamangia grand 'sala nobile' liv - as it is today, in a ing room – not to men - state of disrepair tion 'various guest- servant quarters' and The then Duke and the Queen divided her time between rooms leading to a Duchess of Edinburgh England, where a young Charles re - large mature 900 sqm (later Queen Elizabeth II), mained with his grandparents, and garden. From the roof enjoying their stay at Villa Malta. terrace one could sea Gwardamanġia in the late It was Constitutional Party politi - views over Marsamx - forties and early fifties cian and judge Sir Augusto Bartolo ett Harbour. The prop - who built Villa Guardamangia, close erty has 'great histo- to St Luke’s hospital in 1900. It was rical value', although it then called Casa Medina. Lord Louis has since fallen into Mountbatten leased it around 1929 disrepair. because of its proximity to the Marsa When she re-visited horse racing track and golf course. the Villa in during an When the Duke and Duchess of Ed - official visit to Malta inburgh came to Malta they first in 2015, the Queen lodged at San Anton Palace, where spoke of her 'deep af - they were hosted by Gerald Strick - fection' for Malta, the land and his wife. Princess Elizabeth country she once (later Queen Elizabeth II) and her called home during then fiancé, Philip Mountbatten, first her early twenties. stayed at Villa Guardamangia in Her long visits stop- 1946. ped in February 1952 While the Duke was stationed in when her father, Geo- Malta as a Royal Navy officer Prin- rge VI died unexpect - cess Elizabeth worked with the Sol - edly and Elizabeth diers, Sailors, Airmen Families As- inherited the throne sociation (SSAFA) at Auberge de She said that the time Castille in Valletta. she spent in Malta A few years ago Heritage Malta with Prince Philip, got in touch with the Royal Family was the happiest in her life. She said: “Visiting Malta is always about its project for Villa Guardamangia in order to find out what very special for me. I remember happy days here with Prince tangible interest there might be for them to support this project. Philip when we were first married”. The Queen also celebrated her It was suggested that the property could be restored to the way 60th wedding anniversary on the island in 2007. it looked in the 50s and used as a historic house, a museum for This was the only place outside the UK that a member of the colonial history. Now the decision has been taken and the govern - Royal Family could call home. During their time living at the villa, ment wants to make full use of it for tourism purposes. 6 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday November 5, 2019 It-tluq tas-sorijiet Dumnikani minn NSW l-komunita Maltija ta’ NSW tinsab iffaċċjata minn żewġ mewġiet disturbanti. L-ewwel waħda tikkonċerna l-Missjunarji Maltin tas-Soċjetà ta’ San PIawl, u l-oħra, aktar reċenti, dwar is-sorijiet Dum - nikani Maltin. L-ewwel xokk kien bl-aħbar li l-Missjunarji Maltin tas-Soċjetà ta’ San Pawl iddeċidew li jħallu l-migrant chaplaincy li kellhom fiċ-centru La Valette u għal - hekk ħallewna mingħajr saċerdot Malti. Dwar dan saru, u qegħdin isiru, diversi tentattivi biex tinstab soluzzjoni. Kif ħabbarna fl-aħħar ħarġa ta’ The Vocie, is-sorijiet Dumnikana Maltin li ilhom iservu fi NSW għal dawn l-aħħar 32 sena, l-ewwel snin bħala għalliema, Annunciation Hall, parti mid-dar tax-xjuħ fi Blacktown NSW issa iddeċidew li jbiegħu s-St Dominic Home for the Elderly, propjeta ta’ madwar sitt acres li tinsab f’Walters Road Blacktown, biswit iċ-Ċentru La Valette. Jingħad li din id-deċizzjoni, li tħabbret uffiċjal - Deċiżjoni finali ment ftit gimgħat ilu, kienet ilha meħuda mid-diriġenti f’Malta madwar seba’ xhur ttieħdet seba’ xhur ilu ilu. Hu mifhum li d- deċiżjoni hija waħda finali. zjoni tat-tluq tas-sorijiet tkun kemm jista’ jkun waħda Il-komunità Maltija fi NSW minn dejjem kienet taħt l- trankwilla u biex din id-dar tibqa’ b’xi mod assoċjata impressjoni li din id-dar tal-anzjani kienet immexxija kemm mal-komunita` Maltija u r-reliġjon Kattolika. minn bord tad-diretturi, għax hekk kienu jgħidulna, Sakemm ġejna biex nippubblikaw The Voice jidher li ma iżda fil-fatt kien hemm biss Advisory Board . Sar magħruf kien hemm l-ebda ċaqlieq definit dwar xi bejgħ jew li dan il-bord kollu rriżenja madwar seba’ xhur ilu fl-ist - transferiment. ess perjodu li ttieħdet id-deċiżjoni li tinbiegħ din id-dar, Smajna wkoll li għandha ssir laqgħa miftuħa għall-ko - l-unika waħda għall-Maltin fi NSW. munità izda għadu mhux magħruf x’forma se tieħu din Qegħdin isiru sforzi minn ħafna naħat biex it-tranżaz - il-laqgħa. Maltese language in Australia on ccording to the Victorian Cur - being un - riculum and Assessment Author - dertaken in ity, the CCAFL National the VCE. the very brink RAeference Group is once again putting One of the miserable state we have been in for on notice the Maltese language. They these criteria states that where the na - the last few years. It is unbelievable that have identified Maltese as a subject that tional candidature of a nationally as - with all our resources we cannot bring is at risk of suspension due to its very sessed language falls below a total of 15 forward 15 students nationally. small candidature in 2017 and 2018. students for each of three consecutive A campaign by the Federation of Mal - Should the final 2019 candidature in years, the language subject would be tese Language Schools to attract more Maltese also fall below 15 students na - suspended until such time as there is ev - students to take up the subject of the tionally, Maltese would be suspended idence that projected student numbers Maltese language for study at Years 11 following the 2021 VCE examination. have risen significantly, and 12 that can then be accredited to - The suspension of a language allows Were Maltese to be suspended, from wards the Victorian Certificate of Edu - students to complete studies currently January 2022 it would not be offered as cation (VCE) has been launched in a language sub - order to achieve the magic 15. One Maltese students at one ject. again, we may have to resort to adult of the meetings in NSW Edwidge Borg, students. the President of The Victorian Curriculum and Assess - the Federation of ment Authority acknowledged the con - Maltese Language tribution made by the Maltese Schools has circu - community and others in supporting the lated a letter that study of Maltese language across Aus - the Federation re - tralia. They like us at The Voice of the ceived from the Maltese hope that the information of - Victorian C&AA fered here will assist our readers to un - alerting the Mal - derstand the current situation and the tese community to possibilities for the future. Tuesday November 5, 2019 The Voice of the Maltese 7 Australian citizenship – the missing link passage to Aus - Norman Bonello tralian Citizen - ship. itizenship is an evolving subject, Yet similar never-ending, always kept alive. It cases of Maltese gets rather complicated when it people born in transits between different countries. Australia who C renounced their The Maltese are very proud to have achieved, perhaps their biggest gain when Australian Citi - changes in 2000 to the constitution al - zenship AFTER lowed them to have dual citizenship. How - they turned 18 ever, it is with regret to notice that when allowed their such complex issues are evaluated and de - children (al - cided upon, there will still be some left in ready born), to limbo. be able to inherit their parents’ Australian Citizenship. notice blatant discrimination. In my article I would like to go back to To put the situation in a historic context before dual citizenship was enacted. At the The difference in treatment stems from a subtle technicality in the 2005 Australian it affected those that were at a delicate time Australian born persons residing in time of their life (at 18) - between study - Malta before they turned 19 years were Citizenship law making a distinction be - tween, Renouncing under Section 18 (we ing and studying further or starting work. forced to decide between being Maltese or Those that were 'on the radar' e.g. those at - Australian citizens. have a problem) or Section 17 (they don't have a problem). tending government schools, technical At the time Malta law stipulated that if colleges, university or applied for a job re - one does not choose to become a Maltese Section 18 ceived a letter from the Maltese govern - citizen he would not be able to study or Renounced Australian Citizenship when ment to immediately decide their citi- work in Malta. turning 18: zenship (Maltese or Australian). In 2005, after much persuasion from Existing children NOT able to inherit Staying Australian meant having to pay those concerned, the Australian Govern - their Australian Citizenship from the high fees for schooling, tech, university ment managed to change the laws allow - Australian parent. (this was not a real option in those days) ing those Maltese born in Australia but and not being able to work in Malta at all who were forced to renounce Australian Section 17 Renounced Aust. Citizenship AFTER (ever) . Citizenship at age 18-19 to regain Aus - This was the situation of Section 18 per - tralian Citizenship. This, no doubt was a turning 18: Existing children ARE able to inherit sons. The other persons (Section 17) were big step forward for the approximate 3,000 somehow 'under the radar' so escaped Maltese people affected. their Australian Citizenship from the Australian parent. being picked up and given notice by the But due to a legal technicality, the chil - government. dren (already born) could not inherit this Examining both sections you would They attended private schools, could pay the University fees and/or worked ille - gally. But as time passed after they turned 18 they did eventually renounce their Aus - tralian Citizenship, e.g. they wanted to work legally (possibly for a government post) or qualified to enter University late and renounced Australian Citizenship to avoid paying hefty fees. Therefore the only subtle technical dif - ference was, 'when' you renounced BE - FORE turning 18 or AFTER turning 18. That is the only difference. This very issue was in fact taken up to Fl-ewwel sena kienu 107,000 the then Prime Minister of Australia John Howard who was in Malta for the Com - monwealth Heads of Government meeting persuna li żaru s-siti storiċi in November 2005. But the PM’s re - sponses at the time showed that his gov - ernment failed to objectively assess ta’ Heritage Malta bla ħlas demographic information at its disposal on aħda mill-miżuri ewlenin fil-qasam tal-kultura li skont il-Ministru għall-Ġus - the family affected. tizzja u l-Kultura, Owen Bonnici biddlet il-mod kif il-Maltin iħarsu lejn il-wirt This request to the Australian Govern - sWtoriku ta’ pajjiżna kienet li tfal u anzjani setgħu jżuru s-siti storiċi ta’ Heritage Malta ment lost traction over the years. To the bla ma jħasslu, billi jużaw l-hekk magħruf bħala The Heritage Malt Passport . Fil- many hundreds of Maltese children who fatt, fl-aħħar sena kienu 107,000 persuna li żaru s-siti. would have been Australians had their par - Għall-ewwel il-miżura kienet maħsuba biss għat-tfal li magħhom setgħu jdaħħlu ents not been forced to renounce their Aus - żewġ adulti li jakkumpanjawhom, kollha b’xejn. Iżda mbagħad f’Mejju li għadda, tralian citizenship, this issue is very wara ftehim mal-Assoċjazzjoni tal-Kunsilli Lokali nfetħet ukoll għall-persuni ta’ l- concerning as they are still in limbo. fuq minn 60 sena. Kollox jindika li dan l-għadd is-sena d-dieħla se jiżdied. They would like to have it rectified. 8 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday November 5, 2019 Have your say/Xi trid tghid? Your letters/ L-ittri tagħkom ... Il-Knisja Maltija responsabbli Carmel Calleja minn Bankstown NSW jik - jana qed issibha diffiċli li jkollha r-ragħaj teb: li jista’ jwassalha u jżommha fit-triq re - liġjuża. mmnuni li ma nistax nifhem kif Ħafna minna għandna familji li ppruvajna donnu li l-entitajiet tal-knisja Maltija ntellgħuhom isegwu r-reliġjon li ħaddanna The Voice of the Maltese qed ‘jabbandunaw’ lill-komunita` fi tfulitna f’Malta. Imma nistaqsi, mingħajr ffoorrttnniigghhttllyy mmaaggaazziinnee EMaltija fl-Awstralja, l-aktar fl-inħawi ta’ tmexxija spiritwali, iż-żgħażagħ Maltin NSW, għalkemm smajt li anke f’South f’ċerti stati kemm se jibqgħu jipprattikaw is is a bi-lingual (in English Austalia l-affarijiet ukoll sejrin lura. dak li għallimnihom f’pajjiż hekk kbir fejn and Maltese) fortnightly mag - Mela l-ewwel bdejna bin-nuqqas ta’ saċer - tant hawn fejn jisvijjaw? azine that specifically targets doti u issa qed ukoll iberraq bl-għeluq tad- Mingħajr il-gwida li kapaċi jtuna s-saċer - all Maltese living abroad with Dar tal-anzjani mis-sorijiet Dumnikani. doti Maltin huwa diffiċli li dawn in-nagħaġ emphasis on the Australian Ċert li f’Malta, kemm il-Kurja - il-fakto - se jibqgħu fil-merħla. Għalhekk il-Knisja and Maltese scenes. tum fejn jidħol l-affarijiet li għandhom x’ - Maltija għandha kull responsabbilta` li tara jaqsmu l-knisja - kif ukoll l-MSSP, u wkoll kif ssib is-soluzzjoni. Jekk ma tagħmilx xi e magazine can also be read in il-provinċja Dumnikana jafu b’dan. Id- flipbook format online. A pdf copy ħaġa ta’ malajr il-mexxejja tal-Knisja Mal- diżappunt tiegħi hu li donnu li ftit jimpur - tija se jkollhom għax jiddispjaċihom meta is also sent via email on request. tahom. If you require a printed copy we jaraw lill-Maltin jitkarrbu u ma jsibux li Li mbagħad iwassalni nistagħġeb mill-fatt min jismagħhom. can also oblige. li f’Malta niftaħru (u bir-raġun ngħid) Editors: kemm Malta tipprovdi missjunarji f’arti - Malta: Joseph Cutajar jiet, uħud minnhom tat-Tielet Dinja biex Australia: tgħin iġġibhom lejn ir-reliġjon Nisranija. Is it maybe, ‘Out of Lawrence Dimech: MOM, Naf ukoll kemm flejjes jinġabru u jint - OAM, JP bagħtu lill-istess missjunarji, qassisin u sight out of mind?’ sorijiet li qed jaħdmu f’dan l-artijiet biex email address: jgħinuhom fix-xogħol tagħhom. Ron Borg from Pooraka, SA writes: [email protected] Imbagħad f’art fertili bħal ma hi l-Aw - completely empathise with Anthony stralja, fejn is-saċerdoti żgur li jistgħu jaħ- from Seven Hills NSW. I am also sad dmu b’ċerta kumdita` mhux li jikkonvertu tIo say that the Maltese Community in Letters for publication in The Voice lill-fidili, imma jgħinu biex iżommuhom Adelaide has just celebrated the feast of magazine, either in Maltese or English fit-triq Nisranija neqsin. Hawn fejn is- Maria Bambina, probably for the last should include name, e-mail address saċerdot Malti dejjem kien u hu rrispettat u time, because our treasured Maltese and residence of the writer, and be e- kapaċi li jilħaq l-għanijiet tiegħu fil-kon - Chaplain is leaving us. mailed to: [email protected]. front tal-komunita` Maltija, l-aktar dik anz - Because of his age and his ill health, Fr. Gabriel Micallef, a Franciscan priest who Now you can also has nurtured our community for the last Please Note: 23 years is retiring and returning to join us on facebook: DST in Malta ended October 27 Gozo. It seems there is not one Maltese Daylight Saving Time in Malta ended at priest available to fill the void that he is https://www.facebook. 3.00 a.m. on October 27. That is when leaving behind. com/groups/thevoice - clocks were turned backward one Just like you, I tend to think that the hour, to 2.00 a.m. local standard time. Malta Curia has also forsaken the Mal - ofthemaltese tese people in Adelaide. Perhaps, it is a case of, Out of sight, out of mind! Dr Hugh McDermott MP State Member for Prospect For issues concerning: Sitwazzjoni

Ageing and disability - community iMmario Gbriaxti rmiannz Taz’ Xabienx, Mtai lta jikteb: services -education - environ - war l-istorja li s-sorijiet dumnikani se ment - health - housing - planning jitilqu minn Blacktown ukoll kif irrap - - Police - transport - water pDurtat fl-aħħar ħarġa ta’ The Voice , naħseb li din hi sitwazzjoni imbarazzanti, kemm P: (02) 9756 4766 għar-residenti fi New South Wales, kif E: [email protected] ukoll għall-komunita` tas-sorijiet innifisha. 2/679 The Horsley Dr, Smithfield NSW 2164 Meta jseħħu sitwazzjonijiet bħal dawn, ix - ekklu l-qlub u l-imħuħ. U soluzzjonijiet, jekk ikun hemm, jidhru fil-bogħod. Tuesday November 5, 2019 The Voice of the Maltese 9

dIl-Ministru għal Għawdex Justyne Caruana tippresiedi l-iffirmar tal-ftehim. Dr Joseph Caruana (bil-wieqfa xellug)

Eżempju ta’ Dark Sky Heritage Area Dr. Caruana qal li dan hu suġġett li jibqa’ jsaħħar lil nies ta’ kull età, u li dan l-osser - vatorju se jkun qed jgħin irawwem sens ta’ kurżità dwar il-misteri tal-univers u l- ġmiel tiegħu.” Studji astronomiċi għandhom bżonn ta’ postijiet ’il bogħod mit-tniġġis tad-dawl, u Għawdex għandu għadd ta’ postijiet im - sejħa Dark Sky Heritage Areas . Wieħed minn dawn il-postijiet, fin-Nadur, se jkun qed jilqa’ dan it-teleskopju. Se jitwaqqaf osservatorju Ir-Rettur tal-Università ta’ Malta, il-Pro - fessur Alfred J. Vella, ta ħajr lill- Ministru għal Għawdex li laqgħet it-talba tal-Uni - astronomiku f’Għawdex versità biex jiġi installat teleskopju razzi għal ftehim bejn il-Ministeru għal Għawdex u l-Università ta’ Malta se j it - sofistikat f’sit li ma jinkludix light pollu - waqqaf f’Għawdex, eżattament fil-ġnien Ta’ Isopu fin-Nadur, osservatorju as - tion u li għadu kif ġie riabilitat. tronomiku b’investiment ta’ €160,000. GMeta ġie mħabbar il-ftehim, il-Ministru għal Għawdex Justyne Caruana qalet li kif ix-xjenza tal-astronomija qed tikber fl-importanza tagħha, huwa daqstant ieħor importnti dan l-osservatorju biex ikun fil-qalba tal- iżviluppi marbuta ma’ din ix-xjenza li qed jiġru fuq livell internazzjonali. Flimkien mal-aspett xjentifiku u akkademiku hemm ukoll l-aspett ta’ destinazzjoni hekk kif is-sema f’Għawdex jippermetti l-osservazzjoni astronomika. Fil-fatt siti bħad-Dwejra, il-Fanal tal-Ġordan, li qed jiġi restawrat, u issa wkoll Ta’ Sopu fin-Nadur qed jat - tiraw u se jissoktaw jiġbdu lejhom nies minn madwar id-dinja kollha biex josservaw il-moviment stellari u fenomeni astronomiċi oħrajn. L-astrofiżiċista Dr Joseph Caruana mill-Università ta’ Malta spjega li, l-proġett għandu tliet aspetti, jiġifieri, li jservi bħala għodda ta’ riċerka fl-astrofiżika minn studenti u riċerkaturi fl-Università, u anke jwassal għal kollaborazzjonijiet ġodda ma’ xjenzati oħrajn barra minn Malta. It-tieni li jservi ta’ skop edukattiv, fejn student jżidu jinteressaw ruħhom fis-suġġetti tax-xjenza, u jiġi mwassal il-messaġġ ta’ kemm hu importanti li jiġu kkonsidrati żoni naturali mudlama. U t-tielet id-dimen - sjoni kulturali. L-astronomija sikwit tiġi deskritta bħala l-iktar xjenza antika; il-bniedem mill-eqdem żminijiet ħares lejn is- sema u staqsa dwar l-univers, l-oriġini tiegħu, u post il-bniedem fih. New President for Ħamrun Club (NSW) t its annual general meeting held on October 27, the Ħamrun Association Club of 100 Jackson Rd Mars - dAen Park NSW, elected Joe Borg as its new President. The sixty-two members present at the meeting also elected the following to form the rest of the committee: Edward Ellul (Vice President), Sandra Armour (Ass. Secretary), and Ray Muscat (Ass. Treasurer). The Board of directors is to be made up of Lina Rus - mussen, Tessie Rizzo and Mary Attard. Emanuel Camilleri President of the Maltese Commu - nity Council of NSW acted as a returning officer, and Charles Callus and Mary Attard as scrutinisers. 10 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday November 5, 2019

A version of this series in kitba ta’ English may be found in the author's blog at: IVAN https://ivancauchi. CAUCHI Perspettiva blogspot.com

Ixtit -snixn qabael mna jiend u mairti remi i- et Maltin fl-Ali dwlonk jiksbtu bt’dirspjaaċir ul rabjja a(ġus - grajna lejn l-Awstralja konna ġejna tifikata), u l-kunsilli tal-Maltin jippru - hawnhekk fuq btala ta’ xi tliet vaw jirreżistu mad-diriġenti tal-SBS. Fġimgħat. Konna għamilna ftit jiem Mel - It-tieni suġġett jiġri daqsxejn spiss bourne u krejna vann tal-kampeġġ iżżejjed, meta xi trasmissjoni li kellha (campervan ). Konna soqnieh matul il- LAħbarijiet ssir fil-fatt tinqabeż. Niftakar fil-bidu kosta fuq il-Princes Highway (li ħafna kont nisma’ li ‘t-tejp ma wasalx minn Maltin t’hawnhekk sfortunatament ise - minn Malta Malta’, u din bqajt nismagħha anke jħulha b’mod li tinstema qisha Princess ħafna wara li kont nistenna li l-pro - Highway). grammi kien qed jitwasslu bl-internet. Insomma, darba minnhom konna Wara skoprejt ukoll li l-programmi qegħdin insuqu minn kampeġġ għall- etniċi jitwarrbu meta jkun hemm ieħor. Kellna r-radju miftuħ u kont qed in - avvenimenti li jitqiesu ta’ iktar impor - dawwar l-istazzjonijiet. F’ħin minnhom smajt daqqa li kienet tanza, bħat-tiġrijiet tar-roti Le Tour ta’ Franza jew il- Giro d’Italia . familjari, u wara xi sekondi ndunajt li kienet id-diska li kienet kantat Din dejjem tqajjimli l-mistoqsija għaliex il-Malti jitqies li mhux ta’ Claudette Pace fil- Eurovision tas-sena ta’ qabel, Desire . Skantajna importanza biżżejjed. għax ma ħsibniex li kantanti Maltin ikunu segwiti fl-Awstralja. L-aħħar suġġett huwa l-aktar komuni, għax jirrigwarda l-kontenut Skantajna iktar wara li spiċċat il-kanzunetta, li għal mument ħaditna tal-programmi, kemm tat-televiżjoni u kemm tar-radju. Jittieħdu lura lejn art twelidna, meta mbagħad kien hemm leħen jitkellem bil- pożizzjonijiet kompletament kontra xulxin. Malti. Dik kienet l-introduzzjoni tiegħi għax-xandiriet Maltin fl-Aw - Per eżempju, hemm minn jgħid li fuq dawn il-programmi, ma jridx stralja fuq l-SBS. jara affarijiet politiċi, għax kien xeba’ jisma’ politika partiġġjana Wara naturalment sirt naf li mhux biss kien hemm xandiriet Maltin meta kien Malta. Allura jrid jara kemm jista’ jkun programmi kul - tar-radju fuq l-SBS, imma l-istess organizzazzjoni xxandar l-aħbar - turali, storiċi, sportivi u l-bqija. ijiet bil-Malti fuq it-TV. Kien hemm programm Malti fuq l-istazzjon Mill-banda l-oħra, hemm min igerger li fuq it-trasmissjonijiet televiżiv tal-komunità ta’ Sydney TVS li issa għalaq, u hemm għadd tisma’ ftit li xejn dwar attwalment x’qed iseħħ fil-pajjiż, li kollox ta’ stazzjonijiet tal-komunità li jxandru programmi bil-Malti, bħat- ikun għadda mill-għarbiel biex il-gvern ta’ Malta jidher sabiħ. 2GLF u WOW FM f’Sydney, 3ZZZ u North West FM f’Melbourne, Naturalment dan il-kumment huwa japplikabbli għall-aħbarijiet Gippsland FM f’Gippsland Victoria, 5EBI f’Adelaide, u 4EB fi bil-Malti fuq it-TV prodott f’Malta, u għall dik il-parti tal-programm Brisbane, fost l-oħrajn. tar-radju li hija prodotta f’Malta, għax il-parti l-oħra tal-programm L-aktar popolari jidher li huma l-programmi tar-radju u TV fuq l- tar-radju hija prodotta minn Maltin impjegati tal-SBS. SBS, naturalment għax dawn huma stazzjonijiet li jintlaħqu fuq is- Biex ngħid il-verità naħseb il-kumment huwa kemmxejn esaġerat, settijiet tar-radju u t-televiżjoni fuq it-territorju nazzjonali għax kummenti kritiċi għall-gvern spiss nisma’, u hemm limitu Awstraljan. kemm tista’ tgħid affarijiet fi programm wieħed ta’ siegħa li jrid iko - Ngħid għaliha huwa ta’ serħan għalija meta jinzerta jippreżenta l- pri jumejn jew tlieta. aħbarijiet tal-Malti s-Sur Joe Dimech, li għal għexieren ta’ snin kien Imbagħad hemm il-kwestjoni dwar li l-aħbarijiet isemmu avveni - jaqra l-aħbarijiet ewlenin fuq TVM f’Malta, u li jirrappreżenta kon - menti li jiġru barra minn Malta. It-tgergir ikun li dawn l-affarijiet tinwità u huwa wieħed mis-simboli ħajjin tal-istorja kurrenti Maltija. ikunu diġà magħrufa, u li wieħed ikun qiegħed jistenna li jisma’ Dawn ix-xandiriet spiss ikunu fid-diskussjonijiet meta jiltaqgħu aħbarijiet fuq Malta. familji u ħbieb Maltin u jibdew jaqsmu l-istejjer tagħhom u tal-ko - Mill-banda l-oħra, hemm l-attitudni li jien nappartjeni għaliha, li l- munità Maltija. Ikun hemm tliet suġġetti prinċipali li għandhom il- aħbarijiet ikunu mhux dwar Malta imma mill-perspettiva Maltija. potenzjal għal xi argument ibaqbaq. Għalhekk jista’ jkun hemm avveniment li jsir barra minn Malta, li L-ewwel iqum kull ftit snin, meta l-SBS jirrevedu l-lista ta’ etniċi - jiġi rrappurtat minn lenti ta’ xi ħadd Malti, li għalhekk per eżempju tajiet li jgawdu minn ħin ta’ trasmissjoni. Ġeneralment, it-trasmis - jista’ jagħti importanza lil affarijiet li jiġu njorati fl-aħbarijiet Aw - sjonijiet Maltin jgħaddu minn esperjenza ta’ ssikkar taċ-ċintorin, jew straljani, jew li jista’ jingħata kumment dwar kif is-suġġett jaffettwa għax l-ammont ta’ programmi jitnaqqsu, jew inkella jiġu ddelegati l-komunità Maltija. għal kanal meqjus inferjuri, bir-raġuni tkun li l-ammont ta’ nies li Dwar din il-ħaġa, jidher li l-politika tal-programmi mhix magħrufa jqisu lilhom infushom Maltin fl-istħarriġ li jsir, iktar ma jgħaddi ż- biżżejjed mit-telespettaturi u s-semmiegħa Maltin, u forsi tista’ tiġi żmien dejjem jonqos. magħmula iktar ċara. Meta jiġri dan, mill-ewwel ikun hemm reazzjoni mis-semmiegħa, Mitt bniedem, mitt fehma!

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website: www.breakawaytravel.com.au Tel (02) 9622 7799 Breakaway Travel 94 corner of Main & Campbell blacktown@breakaway- Streets, Blacktown NSW travel.com.au ...... for all your travel needs. Tuesday November 5, 2019 The Voice of the Maltese 11 SANTA ĊEĊILJA: patruna tal-mużika u l-mużiċisti bla ma kienet taf xi noti ekk kif dħalna fix-xahar ta’ Novembru, se nisvijja ftit mill-kitbiet tiegħi dwar il-kultura u d- drawwiet tal-Maltin, u minħabba l-imħabba tiegħi lejn il-mużika se niffoka fuq il-qaddisa patruna tal-mużika Hu l-mużiċisti, Santa Ċeċilja li tiġi ċċeebrata fit-22 ta’ No - vembru. Il-festa tagħha tiġi ċċelebrata, kemm mill-Knisja Katto - lika Rumana, mill-Kattoliċi fl-Lvant, u l-Ortodossi, u anke mill-Anglikani. Iżda qatt staqsejtu jew ħsibtu għaliex din il-qaddisa PeterPaul Ciantar verġni u martri, waħda mill-qaddisin Rumani l-aktar meqjuma, hija l-patruna tal-mużika u l-mużiċisti? Jien personalment qatt ma ħsibt dwar din ir-raġuni u naħseb li bħali ħafna minnkom, il-qarrejja. Nimmaġina li wkoll l-opra tiegħu msemmija għal din il-qaddisa. Refice anke ħafna kleriċi jitħassbu l-għaliex. miet fl-1954 f’Rio de Janeiro waqt il-provi ta’ din l-opra Santa Ċeċilja hi waħda mill-ewwel qaddisin. Fil-fatt, tiegħu li semmiha ‘Cecilia’. Dak in-nhar il-parti ewlenija (skont il-Kanonku G. Grech Cremona fil-ktieb tiegħu kienet fdata f’idejn is-soprano magħrufa Renata Tebaldi. dwar il-qaddisin Insemmi wkoll għal kull jum), l- waħda mill-isbaħ ewwel bażilika quddisiet f’dan il- tagħha fit-Trastevere qasam - ‘Messa f’Ruma nbniet l- Solenne di Santa Ce - ewwel darba fis- cilia’ tal-kompożitur seklu V. Ifisser allura Franċiż magħruf li Santa Ċeċilja kienet ħafna għall-opri, fos - tgħix fi żmien meta thom l-opra ‘Faust’, kollox kien primittiv. Gounod. Għalhekk żgur li l- Jekk wieħed jifli mużika kien għad sewwa l-istorja tal- jonqosha ħafna snin qaddisin isib diversi biex tibda tinkiteb. li b’xi mod jew ieħor Fl-istorja jingħad li kellhom għarfien skont l-atti tal-mar - sew tal-mużika, fost - tirju tagħha, din il- dawn hemm Santa qaddisa ma riditx, Hildegard ta’ Bingen, imma kontra qalbha Ġermaniża u badessa ġiet imġiegħla Benedittina (1098 - tiżżewweġ. Waqt it- 1179) li mietet ta’ 81 tieġ tagħha sar ħafna sena. kant sabiħ imma Din il-qaddisa, min - kien kant profan - barra li kienet kit - marbut mad-dinja tieba, fundatriċi Rumana. tal-istorja naturali fil- F’dan il-waqt hi Ġermanja, u brava qagħdet tkanta fil-filosofija, kienet f’qalbha lil Ġesù. Hu ukoll kompożitriċi. minħabba f’hekk, li Fost ix-xogħlijiet xi elf sena wara, il- mużikali tagħha Papa Gregorju Xlll, li hemm ‘Ordo Virtu - kien jgħix bejn l-1502 tum’ (1151), kollez - u l-1585, iddikjaraha zjoni ta’ 69 xogħol patruna tal-mużika mużikali (medjevali) u l-mużiċisti. Pittura mill-isbaħ ta’ Santa Ċeċilja ddoqq l-orgni li għalihom Santa Il-kwadri ta’ pittura Hildegard kitbet tagħha ddoqq il-vjolin, l-orgni jew l-arpa kabbru ħafna l- ukoll il-versi (il-poeżiji). popolarità tagħha: f’kelma waħda, din il-qaddisa ma Din il-qaddisa sawwret ukoll għanjiet liturġiċi, antifoni, kinetx tagħraf id-do mir-re (kif ngħidu aħna l-Maltin) iżda innijiet, responsorji u aktar. L-istil tal-mużika tagħha minkejja kollox, xorta waħda hi magħrufa bħala l-qaddisa huwa mħallat mal-Gregorjan … mużika medjevali … nat - patruna tal-mużika u l-mużiċisti. uralment mużika taż-żminijiet tagħha. Iżda l-għan ewleni Barra dan inkitbu diversi xogħlijiet mużikali f’ġieħ Santa tagħha kien wieħed,dak ta: ‘Tifħir lill-Mulej’. Ċeċilja, fosthom dawk ta’ Alessandro Scarlatti (1660 - Imma llum il-kitba tiegħi hi l-aktar dwar Santa Ċeċilja. 1725) li kkompona ‘Vespri’, ‘Oratorio’ u anke quddiesa Forsi aktar ‘l quddiem ikolli wkoll l-okkażjoni li nikteb għaliha. dwar qaddisin oħrajn li wkoll taw ħafna lill-mużika, l- Il-kompożitur Taljan u qassis Licinio Refice għandu aktar dik tal-Knisja. 12 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday November 5, 2019 Roundup of News About Malta Foreign investors believe Malta attractive but difficult to find enough skilled workers oreign-owned firms in Malta still taxation (86%), stability of social climate and transparency of the political, legal and find Malta attractive to businesses (75%), the telecommunications infrastruc - regulatory environment (46%). EY also EY’s Malta Attractiveness Survey ture (72%) and potential productivity in - urged the need for steps to be taken to re - F(MAS). Executives from foreign-owned crease for companies (63%). store Malta’s image, locally and abroad. companies operating in Malta surveyed for EY noted that Malta’s corporate tax regime About 73% of investors believe Malta is the 15th edition of EY’s Survey say that remains the most attractive factor for foreign keeping the pace with regulatory changes Malta remains attractive, in line with pre - investment. It did however sound a note of in competing jurisdictions. vious years. caution and urged the exploration to dis - Turning to skills, EY noted that investors’ In terms of their future in Malta, 80% of cover what parameters must be strengthened ability to recruit specialised skilled workers those surveyed said that they believe they to safeguard future investment. remains a key issue, with 73% of investors will still be operating in Malta in 10 years The lowest ranked criteria, which EY said saying they have difficulty finding the per - time, which is the most positive response is in line with recent years was the stability sonnel they require over the past five years. The survey however highlights a number of pertinent issues that need to be ad - dressed, including skills issues, and the need to restore Malta’s international image. Of the foreign investors surveyed, 77% believe that Malta is an attractive destina - tion for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). They rated a list of criteria, in terms of their company’s interests in Malta. They said that the top criteria that make Malta at - tractive for their interests were corporate

€21million project to process heavy waste ithin two years Malta should have a new waste management project at a Wcost of €21 million that while contributing to the environment and the circular econ- omy should reduce tons of waste from the Lufthansa Technik to invest current landfill. Announcing the plan that will form part of the waste management strategy, Envi- €25 million in a new hangar ronment Minister Jose’ Herrera said that ufthansa Technik, the leading provider Lufthansa Technik Malta was licensed by the plant, to be compleed in 2021 is an in- of aircraft maintenance, repair, over - the German Aviation Authority to carry frastructural investment. It will be a huge hLaul and modification services for civil out works on the Airbus A350-900, with building with underground facilities. The aircraft, from commercial to VIP and spe - two out of the six sections in the facilities waste taken at the plant would be processed cial mission aircraft, is to expand its oper - in Malta equipped to carry out work at an and separated and exported for recycling. ations in Malta with an investment of €25 investment of more than €3.2 million. The plant, to be built on an area of seven million that consolidates even further the The agreement paves the way for the acres at Hal Far, co-financed by European future of aviation and create high-quality company to move ahead with its planned funds, is expected to process bulky and jobs. expansion, which will allow it to service a electronic waste, wood, tyres, polystyrene, It has been allocated 21,000sq.m of land wide-bodied aircraft and a narrow-bodied gypsum, mattresses and other material, that adjacent to its existing hangars to build a aircraft together at any one time. currently ends up at the landfill. new hangar and create 90 new jobs. The project focuses on reviewing state- of-the-art technologies for aircraft over - hauls in the near future – from drone-based inspections of the aircraft Malta registers second largest surplus skin to mobile 3D scanners to exoskele - tons. The objective is that everything that in finances among EU member states proves itself in practice will be integrated ast year Malta had the second largest surplus in government finances after Luxem - in the work process and rolled out to all bourg. European Commission figures released by Eurostat revealed that Malta’s sur - other Lufthansa Technik base maintenance pLlus in 2018 was 1.9%, which is as much as Germany’s. locations. At the end of 2018 Malta’s Government announced that for the third year in succession The expansion comes on the back of it registered a surplus in its finances. This time the surplus was €236 million. Malta’s drive to expand the aviation indus - Not only that, but according to Eurostat Malta was among the countries that registered try. Next door to Lufthansa Technik, an - a reduction in debt when compared to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP. Its debt fell to other aviation services company, SRT, is 45.8% of the GDP, which means it has satisfied the Maastricht criteria both in terms of also building new hangars to expand its debt and a surplus in government finances. operations. Tuesday November 5, 2019 The Voice of the Maltese 13 Roundup of News About Malta Malta aiming to become world jurisdiction for aircraft rentals rime Minister Joseph Muscat has announce another initia - “We believe that tive, stating that the Government is aiming to make Malta through this first the third jurisdiction in the world providing a financial serv - agreement, which iPces centre that gives an opportunity to airline companies to rent we will hopefully aircraft from other airline companies instead of purchasing them. reach and can an - The Prime Minister made the announcement during the first edi - nounce in the com - tion of the Malta Aviation Conference and Expo (MACE), organ - ing weeks, we will ised by the Malta Business Aviation Association. He said that the be able to start cre - government is holding talks with a new Malta-based company, ating a market,” Dr Knighthood Capital with the aim of reaching an agreement on Muscat said. aircraft finance and aviation services. Meanwhile, Trans - Dr Muscat explained that the Government is intends to make port Minister Ian Malta the third jurisdiction in the world providing a financial Borg said that Prime Minister Joseph services centre. This new initiative would allow airlines to in - Malta was well on Muscat and Minister Ian crease their carrying capacity without committing to the financial its way to reaching Borg at the conference burden of purchasing aircraft. its goal of having and that by the end of 2019 400 aircraft and 40 The government is holding discussions about this market with operators would regulated by the Maltese Authority on the Mal - Knighthood Capital, which is based and headed by Malta Etihad tese Aviation Register. He added that 350 are already registered. Airways CEO James Hogan. He went on to say that Maltese educational institutions need to Dr Muscat said that this isn’t going to be exclusive to any one make a greater effort to offer training in skills necessary for work - company, and that anyone would be welcome to join in on this ers who are needed by the companies in the aviation sector who new industry. have set up shop in Malta. Protecting businesses from cyber attacks uring a summit dealing with online security, the Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Dthe Digital Economy and Innovation, Silvio Schem - bri, launched B Secure, a scheme aimed at helping the private sector protect itself by investing in greater cyber-security. As such, the Government is investing a quarter-of- a-million euro to strengthen the digital economy’s infrastructure in the private sector. The Government is investing a total of €1 million in cyber-security. The scheme will offer the first stage of the system aimed at companies and will offer free training to employees by specialist international companies to Malta’s President George Vella receiving a special gift from a enable them to be prepared and have sufficient in - Japanese lady with special link to Gozo during his visit to Japan formation to prevent their becoming victims of cyber-attacks President represents Malta at Gozo Channel registers 3.4% Japan emperor’s enthronement increase in passenger-crossings ate October HE the President of Malta George Vella and Mrs Vella rep - he National Statistics Office (NSO) released fig - resented Malta at the enthronement ceremony of Japan’s new Emperor, ures that show that between July and September 59-year old Emperor Naruhito. He was among over 2,000 guests from Tthis year, the amount of passengers that crossed to and 1L90 countries, that included heads of state, members of royal families and rep - from Gozo the channel has shown an increase of 3.4% resentatives of 190 countries that attended the ceremony. over the same quarter of last year. Emperor Naruhito had officially began his reign last May after his father, Ak - During the third quarter of 2019, Gozo Channel’s ihito, abdicated. However, according to tradition, the official enthronement four ships ferried just over 1840,000 passengers be - ceremony is always carried out months later. The latest one took over just over tween the two islands. August proved to be the busiest half an hour and ended with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivering a short month as it carried 650,000 passengers. speech. There was also an increase of 8% in the vehicles TVM reported that a Japanese woman by the name of Makiko Watanane who Gozo Channel carried, translated into almost 539 000 has a special link with Gozo made a special effort to greet President George vehicles. As a result the company made a total of Vella, during his official visit to Tokyo wearing a special kimono that cost her 2,802 trips, an increase of 22% over the same period around $20,000. last year. 14 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday November 5, 2019

L-aik lmi seħħ fimċ-ċentrui mgiftuħr ta’a Ħalz- fz’ħabjs. oAttwnal - i -kobba mħabbla Far ftit tal-ġimgħat ilu, meta għadd ment jingħad li ġmielu ta’ immigranti miżmuma l-inċident inqala Df’dan iċ-ċentru rvellaw u għamlu ħafna meta xi ħadd li ħsara, kompla poġġa l-kwestjoni tal-immi - ħareġ mal-ġur - granti mhux biss fuq il-faċċati ta’ quddiem nata rritorna bil- tal-ġurnali u bħala l-aħbar ewlnija fuq l-is - lejl fis-sakra u tazzjonijiet tar-radju u t-televiżjoni, imma skont ir-regola - spiċċa wkoll fuq fomm kulħadd. menti, dawk li Ir-reazzjoni għal dak li ġara kienet tant jieħdu ħsieb iċ- qawwija li l-ġurnali, li dejjem jippruvaw ċentru ma jattiraw il-kummenti tal-qarrejja, saħansitra riedux iħalluh għalqu l-kolonni tagħhom għal dak li bdew jidħol. jiktbu l-qarrejja. Attwalment Dan minħabba l-għadab kbir tal-Maltin li dawk miżmuma fil-kummenti tagħhom kultant marru lil fiċ-ċentru barra hinn minn dak li hu aċċettabbli b’uħud li jingħataw anke jirrikmandaw vjolenza personali u post fejn jo - saħansitra l-mewt għall-immigranti li jer - qogħdu, jingħa- squ lejn Malta. taw allowance kemm għall-ikel, kif ukoll Parti mill-ħsara li wettqu l-immi - Imma jekk il-gazzetti għalqu l-kolonni għat-trasport. Barra hekk jingħataw servizz granti fl-irvell fiċ-ċentru miftuħ, bil- tagħhom, dan ma setax isir mill-midja soċ - tas-saħħa b’xejn u t-tfal tagħhom jattendu pulizija lesti biex jikkontrollaw jali, bħal Facebook, fejn żgur li dak li għat-tagħlim fl-iskejjel tal-Istat mingħajr Malta jkollhom ċerti restrizzjonijiet sakemm jinkiteb ma jurix il-valuri nsara li suppost ebda ħlas. ikunu eżaminati medikament u jsir xi stħar - inħaddnu. Hu ċar li għalkemm hemm min Kemm idumu fiċ-ċentru l-immigranti riġ ieħor dwarhom. Jingħad li kienu propju dak li jikteb jiktbu bil-kalma kollha, ħafna jridu jiffirmaw tliet darbet fil-ġimgħa u dawn l-immigranti li qajjmu r-rewwixta mill-kummenti inkitbu fis-saħna tad- dawk li ma jiffirmawx jitilfu l-allowance. għax insistew li kienu qed jiġu miżmuma demm. Fiċ-ċentru hemm sa kċejjen fejn dawn jist - fiċ-ċentru għal żmien twil għax kienu ġew Dan jirrifletti biċ-ċar kif qed iħossuhom għu jsajjru li jridu. eżaminati żmien twil ilu, u r-riżultati tat- ħafna mill-Maltin, meta jaraw li lil dawk li Immigranti li jkunu għadhom kif waslu testijiet kienu qed idumu żżejjed. tawhom kenn, tawhom għatja u saħansitra qed jipprovdulhom il-ħobża ta’ kuljum pat - tewielhom billi flok grazzi... għamlu ħerba u saħansitra weġgħu lil min qed jieħu ħsiebhom. Isħ-alskemom lħaufnaz mazlajrj jaoqbdnu ui jf ajhjru i tiwffaċċjaa lħ-prodblemaa jedkk itħfallfix iliċl dlaki li Kien hemm min, fosthom xi ġurnali, li kritika lejn dak u l-ieħor, il-kwietjoni jkun jegħreq, speċjalment jekk ikun fl-ibħra ppruvaw bħal iġibu skuża għal dak li seħħ, tGal-immigrazzjoni mhix faċli li tiġi solvuta. taħt il-ġurisdizzjoni tiegħek, jew ittihx l-għa - billi rraġunaw li dak kien riżultat tad-dwe - Hu faċli toqgħod bil-qiegħda quddiem il- jnuna, skont il-liġijiet tal-Ġnus Maqgħquda. jjaq li għandhom dawn n-nies li jinsabu kompjuter u tikteb artiklu, xi editorjali jew Fil-każ tal-Ungerija, fejn l-immigrant jaslu maqfulin f’dan il-lokal li ma tantx hu miż - xi kumment, mimli kritika u ppuntar ta’ bl-art is-sitwazzjoni hi differenti. mum tajjeb, fejn hemm aktar nies milli sup - subgħajn, imma ftit li xejn soluzzjonijiet, Biżżejjed jingħad li filwaqt li kulħadd jil - post u mitt raġuni oħra. jew inkellha soluzzjonijiet estremi. menta mill-għadd ta’ immigranti li qed Ta’ min wieħed jgħid li l-irvell sar minn Mhux għalkemm wieħed jaqbad u jgħid jidħlu Malta, u hemm min jsostni li l-Gvern minoranza ta’ dawk li jgħixu f’dan il-post nagħlaq il-portijiet u ma’ nħalli lill-ebda għandu jagħlaq il-portijiet Maltin, insibu li attwalment ħadu sehem. Il-maġġoranza immigrant jidħol Malta kif għamlu pajjiżi aġenzija tal-Ġnus Magħquda li qed tinves - ma approvatx dak li kien qed isir. bħall-Ungerija. tiga allegazzjoni li Malta ċaħdet li ssalva xi Tajjeb li wieħed jneħħi l-idea li f’dan iċ- L-ewwelnett hemm differenza kbira bejn immigranti u ħalliet dan f’idejn l-Awtorita - ċentru l-immigranti kollha huma miżmuma Malta u l-Ungerija, għax filwaqt li l-immi - jiet Libjani. milli joħorġu u huma maqfula donnhom granti jiġu Malta bil-baħar u allura se jkollok Il-politika tal-Gvern hija li jekk ikun hemm il-ħtieġa ta’ għajnuna fl-ibħra kkon - trollati minn Malta, tingħata l-għajnuna u While visiting Malta Stay at: dawk salvati jitħallew jinżlu l-art. F’każijiet oħra, fejn is-salvataġġ isir barra l-ibħra Maltin, Malta tiċħad li tagħmel dan, The Diplomat Hotel, għalkemm kien hemm diversi każi fejn im - migranti salvati barra l-ibħra Maltin 173 Tower Road Sliema jitħallew jidħlu Malta wara li jsir ftehim li dawn imbagħad jiġu mqassma f’xi pajjiżi Emaiil:: [email protected] membri tal-Unjoni Ewropeja. Biss dan it-tqassim jieħu ċertu żmien, u Tell: ((00356)) 23497000 jidher li kienu propju xi immigranti minn dawk li kellhom jitqassmu f’pajjiżi oħra li qajjmu r-rewwixta. ... u l-politika? (ara paġna 15) Tuesday November 5, 2019 The Voice of the Maltese 15

Uħud fil-PN isostnu li ma nistgħux ma ngħinux lill-immigranti li jkunu fil-bżonn, għalkemm wieħed irid juża’ ċertu kontrolli, fil - waqt li hemm min irid li jimxi wara l-politika tal-eks-deputat mexxej Taljan Matteo Salvini, li għalaq il-portijiet Taljani għall- ...ua j istlax -jonpqos loi l-kwlesitjotni tial-kimmiagraz?zjon?i tħ?alli ef - immigranti. fett qawwi wkoll fuq il-politika, li attwalment mhix qed Hawn imbagħad tidħol il-kwestjoni tal-politika populista fejn il- taffettwa biss il-Gżejjer Maltin, iżda wkoll l-pajjiżi mem - politiku jikseb il-popolarità’ billi jimxi mal-għajta ta’ dawk, u dawn Mbri tal-Unjoni Ewropeja, l-aktar pajjiżi bħall-Italja li wkoll qed mhumiex ftit, li huma tal-fehma li l-immigranti m’għandhomx jispiċċaw b’għadd ta’ immigranti jfittxu l-kenn tal-portijiet tagħha. jitħallew jidħlu fl-Ewropa. Fost dawn hemm nies li jħaddnu d-di - Minn dak li jintqal u li naraw jiġri jidher li l-politika tal-Gvern versi partiti politiċi Maltin. hija li ma jagħlaqx għal kollox il-portijiet ta’ Malta għal l-immi - Sfortunatament, din l-għajta, barra pajjiżna, qed tgħin sewwa lil granti, iżda li jimxi mal-liġijiet internazzjonali u kif għedt aktar dawk li jħaddnuha. Biżżejjed ngħidu li fl-Italja, dan Salvini u l- jagħti l-għajnuna lil dawk li jkunu fil-periklu fl-ibħra Maltin. Partit tiegħu tal-Lega Nord, li ħarġu bl-għajta tal-għeluq tal-porti - Min-naħa l-oħra l-politika tal-Oppożizzjoni mhix daqshekk ċara, jiet Taljani għall-immigranti, minkejja ħafna kritika li hemm xi ħaġa li jgħiduha ħafna fosthom xi ġurnali billi sfortunament kontrihom, xorta kulma jmur qed iżidu fl-appoġġ. Wieħed ma jis - donnu ‘l qasma li bħalissa hemm f’dan il-Partit qed tkun ukoll ri - tax jeskludi li jekk fl-Italja ssir elezzjoni dan Salvini jiġi f’sitwaz - flessa f’din il-kwestjoni. zjoni li jmexxi l-Gvern. Kontra dawk li jiżirgħu l-mibegħda IImmmmaa nnggħħaadddduu afna pesonalitajiet ikkummentaw biex jgħinu li jittaffew ċerti kum - menti ta’ mibgħeda fuq il-midja soċjali b’rabta mal-irvellijiet. ĦFost dawn kien hemm il-President Emeritu, Marie Louise Coleiro mmiiħnnalkeggmmħħ l-għaaaddjj tarr’ imhhmiogoranmmti ille?g? ali li jinsabu Preca. Din qalet li s-soċjetà Maltija għandha tagħmel dak kollu possib - f’Malta huwa persentaġġ żgħir ta’ dawk il-barranin bli biex toħnoq id-diskors ta’ mibegħda. li bħalissa qed jgħixu f’Malta, ikun hemm min jin - Il-President Emeritu żiedet tgħid, li filwaqt li l-libertà tal-espressjoni Gqeda bl-immigranti biex jilmenta mill-għadd kbir ta’ bar - hija sagrosanta, meta wieħed jiżra’ l-mibegħda jkun qed jabbuża minn ranin li jgħixu u jaħdmu f’Malta. Hemm min irid jinsa li dan id-dritt, kif ukoll jirfes fuq id-drittijiet ta’ ħaddieħor. l-parti l-kbir tal-barranin ġejjin minn pajjiżi msieħba fl-Un - joni Ewropeja, u li għandhim id-dritt li jgħixu f’liema pajjiż imsieħeb fl-UE iridu. Have you been conned lately? Il-kritika tiffoka l-aktar fuq problemi li jinħolqu mill-għadd ta’ barranin fosthom fejn tidħol il-kera. L-għadd dejjem jikber Scams on our phones and social ta’ barranin wassal biex ħafna minn dawk li għandhom djar u media are robbing us blind appartamenti għall-kiri għollew il-kirjiet b’mod esaġerat. Dan qed joħloq diffikulta lil xi Maltin biex isibu fejn jgħixu, How many times did you receive għax filwaqt li l-ħaddiema barranin jingħaqdu fi gruppi u hekk ikunu jifilħu jikru appatament jew dar, mhux l-istess il-koppji bogus telephone calls, messages or emails? Maltin li jkunu jridu jħallsu l-kera bejn tnejn. We need to fight the scammers NOW Hemm xi problemi oħra bħal tat-traffiku, tat-tagħlim fl-iske - jjel, fejn il-klassijiet kulma jmur qed jiżdiedu u qed tinħoloq You want to know how? problema ta’ spazju u għalliema, fl-isptarijiet, eċċ. eċċ. Min-naħa tiegħu l-Partit Nazzjonalista jakkuża lil-Gvern li Detective Senior Constable Shawn Schussler qed jibni l-ekonomija ta’ pajjiżna fuq l-influs tal-barranin, kif ukoll li għadd ta’ ħaddiema barranin qed ikunu abbużati Financial Crimes Squad, State Crime Command fuq ix-xogħol minħabba l-pagi baxxi u l-kundizzjonijiet li Will be the main speaker at the: jingħataw. Biss il-mistoqsija kbira hi: Tista’ Malta tgħaddi mingħajr Information Session il-ħaddiema barranin? Wednesday, 27th November at 7.30 pm. It-tweġiba jagħtiha s-Segretarju Permanenti fi ħdan il-Min - isteru għall-Familja, Drittijiet tat-Tfal u Solidarjetà Soċjali Organised by Mark Musù. F’intervista ma iNewsmalta , qal li wieħed ma jridx jinsa li ħafna mix-xogħol li qed jagħmlu l-barranin hu Maltese Welfare (NSW) Inc. importanti ħafna u xogħol li l-Maltin m’għandhomx it-ten - to be held at the St George Preca Community Hall, denza li jidħlu għalih. OLQP Church, 198 Old Prospect Rd Greystanes. Musù qal, “qegħdin nitkellmu fuq carers, cleaners, uffiċjali tas-sigurtà, sewwieqa tal-karozzi tal-linja, wejters u xogħoli - jiet oħra fl-industrija tal-catering u turiżmu. Free entrance, English/Maltese spoken. “Meta toqgħod taħseb tara li m’għandniex infermiera All welcome. Light refreshments Maltin biżżejjed għad-domanda. Jekk id-domanda hija For more details call: 9631 9295 or 0412 204 470 kbira, immaġina kieku l-barranin ma jidħlux f’dawn ix- xogħlijiet bħal carers, min se jieħu ħsieb lill-anzjani li Sponsored by qegħdin fil-homes? Dik hija r-realtà.” Imsomma mhux għalkemm taqbad u tgħid irrid neħles mill- ħaddiema barranin bil-periklu li, kif qal Musu, diversi setturi importanti u vitali jistaġnaw..!!!! Fatt ieħor li hemm min irid jinsa hu, li l-ħaddiema barranin mhux il-gvern jimpurtahom imma ażjendi privati biex (02) 9231 2133 jaħdmu bihom għax ma jsibux Maltin lil min iħaddmu. 16 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday November 5, 2019

Family law inquiry is already tainted enator Pauline Hanson should be should not feel they are addressing a axed as deputy chair of a national forum amid feelings of “unconscious family law inquiry after claiming bias”. We have a leading politician who wSomen lie about domestic violence, cam - has openly stated that women lie and ex - paigner Rosie Batty (pictured left) says. aggerate in custody issues. The reform advocate launched a five-step “I would find that incredibly challenging plan to make the system safer and said an to enter into an inquiry, where the person upcoming federal inquiry into the sector who sat opposite me, listening to my story shouldn't be biased. About one woman a and my experience, fundamentally doesn't week dies at the hands of her male partner believe me.” or ex-partner in Australia. Ms Batty said that the inquiry was “al - Asked if Senator Hanson should be re - ready tainted”. placed as deputy chairperson, she replied: Senator Hanson was appointed deputy “I would say that would be a very positive chair of the inquiry when it was an - gesture.” More broadly, Ms Batty said nounced by the federal government in women giving evidence to an inquiry, September. Migrants needed for regional centres ederal Immigration Minister David sified as “major cities” to assist the areas Coleman said 6,000 visas were ap - to attract more skilled migrants and inter - proved under the regional migration national students. Fprogramme in the first three months of this The new definition will come into effect financial year, compared with fewer than on November 16. As part of the new am - 3,000 in the final quarter of 2018/19 and bitious plan, the government will deploy prior to the initiative getting underway. “regional outreach officers” to Perth, the Under the programme announced earlier Gold Coast and other regional areas, in - this year, 23,000 places would be reserved cluding Newcastle, Hobart and Wollon - for migrants who commit to living and gong. working in regional Australia. If they com - mit to living and work in the regions for at All smoke and mirrors least three years, they will eligible for per - According to a report on the New Daily manent residency. all the Morrison government’s tough-on- The definition of regional Australia for asylum-seekers rhetoric, protection visa migration purposes will also change: applications have blown out to record migration purposes will also change: Perth numbers. and the Gold Coast will no longer be clas - In the past four years since the federal Minister David Coleman government “stopped the boats”, 64,362 protection visa applications have been made by unvetted individuals who have arrived by plane while Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton were the relevant ministers. Only 44,581-protection visa applications for boat people arrivals were issued over the previous five years. The people smugglers are doing more business than ever. The difference is that their clients are arriving by plane rather than boats and are less likely to be genuine refugees. The Home Affairs Department website shows 27,931 protection visa applications were made in the latest financial year by plane arrivals. The previous record num - ber of asylum seekers was 26,845 in the 2012-13 financial year when 18,365 pro - tection visa applications were made for boat arrivals and 8480 for those who came by plane. Tuesday November 5, 2019 The Voice of the Maltese 17

Aged care system in The bells of Australia inadequate St Patrick’s he royal commission's interim report on Australia’s aged care system found that the system fails to meet the needs of in Parramatta older, and often very vulnerable, people. Aged he single bell in St Patrick’s Cathedral, T Parramatta, will soon be joined by eight care services are underfunded, mostly poorly managed and all too often unsafe and seemingly bells to form a peal that has been 165 uncaring. Tyears in the making. Ranging in weight from They want urgent action to provide more sup - 150 to 450 kilograms, the new bells will be in - port to allow older Australians to remain in their stalled in a “ring” in the tower of the historic homes, address the over-use of chemical re - cathedral. straints in aged care and stop younger people Six of the bells are over 100 years old and with disabilities being stuck in aged care. were sourced from St Paul’s Anglican Church The commissioners said the system does not in Widnes, a suburb of Liverpool in England. deliver uniformly safe and quality care for older An additional two bells, including the tenor people, and is unkind and uncaring towards bell, were newly cast at John Taylor Bell Foundry in Leicestershire, Eng - them. The commission plans to recommend a land. fundamental overhaul of the aged care system in Together, the eight bells were tuned into an octave in the key of A Major its final report. at Matthew Higby & Co. in Bath, England. Stakeholders have repeatedly called for signif - The blessing and subsequent installation of the bells will be a crowning icant increases in government funding to address moment in the reconstructed life of St Patrick’s Cathedral after a devastat - the problems in the sector, without waiting for ing fire in 1996 saw it destroyed and then rebuilt in a striking modern de - sign by architect Romaldo Giurgola. The new cathedral, incorporating part the final report in November 2020. of the old sandstone church, was dedicated in 2003. The commissioners said short-term solutions at Talk of raising a set of bells in St Patrick’s dates to 1853, when the second best temporarily stave off the worst problems St Patrick’s church was remodelled to accommodate 600 parishioners, and, at worst, produce another set of unintended twice as many as the first church. But this enlarged church would never outcomes requiring further inquiries and reviews realise its peal of bells. and further injections of public funds, without The bell remained in place for 92 years until the fire of 1996 destroyed addressing the underlying causal factors. the cathedral. Stranded in the charred ruins of the tower, the bell was re - “These limited interventions are not enough to moved for storage, cleaning and conservation. deliver an aged care system that meets the needs After the completion of the new cathedral in 2003, the large bell was once of older people.” again hung in the spire. At noon each day “Patrick” calls the faithful to However, it said there was no reason to delay prayer when it rings out with The Angelus. action in reducing the waiting list for home care The daily bell toll out of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, alerts the packages, responding to the over-reliance on faithful to prayer and Mass, and for others, it signals the beginning of chemical restraints and stopping the flow of lunchtime. younger people with disability going into aged The bell’s solitary toll will now be joined by the eight “singing” bells in care. early to mid-2020. No more climbing ULURU t's the most iconic natural passing. landform in Australia, sa - “It’s about time the rock had a cIred to the Anangu people and rest, rather than [the] tapping admired by tourists from of shoes all the time,” former around the world, but after a Uluru-Kata Tjuta National highly-charged debate, Uluru Park Board Chair, “That is a was closed to climbers from sensitive area and we need to Saturday October 26. close it.” Donald Fraser said. Hundreds of thousands of October marked 34 years people flock to the Uluru-Kata since the hand back, a pivotal Tjuta National Park every year moment in the land rights to take in the grandeur of a struggle that saw the Anangu world heritage-listed icon. And handed back the deeds to their while many admire the rock at homelands in 1985. Uluru has its centre from the ground up, played host to colourful, and at respecting the wishes of tradi - times disrespectful, guests tional owners, others choose to after tourists began visiting the climb it. area in the 1930s. At least 35 For the Anangu people Uluru people are known to have lost is a sacred place. They have their lives trying to scale long fought to stop people tres - Uluru. 18 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday November 5, 2019

Tagħrif dwar il-kitba Maltija u dawk li matul

L-giħsażl-a tsageħnka blħaila wħieħaed dmilml-kittiueba lgi taħw kaontlrilbu-t lill-żvmeiqjlusu bħpalap po eta amilli -xi ikittilesb ipreolinfiku . MDan akienl Ptawi lu ilsien Malti b’kitbietu llum waqgħet fuq persunaġġ li l-aktar li Aquilina mis-Siġġiewi li ħafna jgħidu dwaru li kien iħobb ħafna baqa’ magħruf kien għall-poeżiji tiegħu, u allura hu aktar l-leġġendi, u l-qaddis patrun tar-raħal twelidu, San Nikola. Kittieb magħruf l-aktar għall-poezija li kellu għal qalbu l-leġġendi ta’ Patri Delia awlu Aquilina twieled fit-28 ta’ Awwissu tal-1929 fis-Siġġiewi u miet fl-eta` sabiħa ta’ 80 sena fid-29 ta’ Jannar 2009. Dawk li kienu jafuh mill-qrib jgħidu li kien bniedem “baħbuħ” u “tal-knisja”. PL-għeruq tiegħu rabbihom meta kien jistudja fis-Sem - inarju, dak iż-żmien magħruf bħala tal-Arċisqof, fil-Fur - jana, u wara fil-Kulleġġ tat-taħriġ tal-għalliema ta’ St Michael’s f’Ta’ Giorni minn fejn iggradwa biex isir għal - liem. L-ewwel xogħol tiegħu allura kien ta’ għalliem, u għamel l-ewwel snin tal-karriera jgħallem fl-iskejjel Pri - marji tal-Gvern. Fl-1957, bħal għadd ta’ għalliema oħra li kellhom għal qalbhom il-kitba nħatar scriptwriter mad-Dipartiment tal-Informazzjoni fit-Taqsima tax-Xandir Edukattiv u kiteb għadd ta’progeamm għat-tfal. Sentejn wara sar għalliem tal-Malti fil-Liċeo l-Ħamrun u wara 21 sena għalliem, fl-1978 ġie maħtur bħala assis - tent surmast. Disa’ snin wara, fl-1986, fl-eta`ta’ 57 sena laħaq surmast, kariga li baqa’ jokkupa sakemm irtira erba’ snin wara, fl-1990. Minkejja li kiteb ħafna komponimenti u programmi għax-xandir, Pawlu kellu mħabba speċjali għall-poeżija u xogħlijiet minn tiegħu ġew ippubblikati f’ Mill-Beraħ tal-Għelieqi (1992), L-Għanja Tiegħi lil Ħal Xluq (2002), Erġa’ Semmagħli l-Għanja (2006) u L-Għanja Tiegħi lil Ħal Kbir (2008). Xogħlijiet oħra tiegħu huma, Hawn Twieldet u Tibqa’ Tħabbat Qalbi (2004) u Is-Siġġiewi u t-Toroq Tiegħu għall- Kunsill Lokali tas-Siġġiewi. Fuq talba tal-Ġizwita Guże` Delia kien ittraduċa għall- Malti l-verżjoni Ingliża tad-dramm storiku-reliġjuż El Divno Impaciente tal-kittieb Spanjol Jose` Maria Peman li bl-Ingliż kellu t-titlu ta’ A Saint in a Hurry. Traduzzjonijiet oħra tiegħu kienu jinkludu, St Vincent de Paule’s Residence for the Elderly – The medico-social record (1994) ta’ Dr Paul Cassar; Il-ħobż Malti – Is-Sengħa tal-Furnar (1994) tal-Monsinjur Hubert Chiron u A Guide In memoriam: to the Passion – 100 Questions About the Passion of The Christ (2004). Mary Agius Tul ħajtu Pawlu Aquilina ħadem bis-sħiħ biex jara l- ary Agius passed away peace - Malti jimxi ‘l quddiem u minbarra dawk li semmejna, fully on October 20 to be re - ittraduċa wkoll xogħlijiet oħra ta’ kittieba popolari uMnited with her husband Donald. A oħra, filwaqt li bejn l-1991-1993, kien ko-editur flimkien loved mum, nanna, and great grand - ma’ Ġuże` Diacono tal-ħames volumi tal-edizjoni reve - mother. She was born in Floriana. duta tad-dizzjunarju Ingliż-Malti ta’ Dun Karm Psaila. After her marriage to Donald in Fl-istess żmien kien anke ppubblika u bihom rebaħ 1960 they immediately emigrated to għadd ta’ unuri fil-letteratura Maltija, għażla mill- Sydney. poeżiji tiegħu f’volum wieħed, Mill-Beraħ tal-Għelieqi . Donald was instrumental in the Kellu ħafna għal qalbu l-leġġendi u għalhekk ma setax building of Melita Stadium. He died jonqos li ma jissaħħarx wara dawk tal-kompatrijott 30 years ago. The covered stand at tiegħu, bħalu mis-Siġġiewi, Patri Ġużè Delia. Kien ukoll Melita Stadium is named after him. kittieb regolari fir-rivisti tal-festa ta’ San Nikola u ta’ Mary’s funeral was held at Pinegrove West Chapel on the Oc - devot li kien, ħafna drabi l-poeżiji għar-rivista kienu tober 24 in the presence of her family, relatives and many jkunu dwar il-Qaddis Tawmaturgu. friends. Huwa miet fl-isptar Mater Dei fid-29 ta’ Jannar tal- 2009. Tuesday November 5, 2019 The Voice of the Maltese 19

B’memorja ta’ Sam Mifsud (1944 -2019) Kantant, promuter, kitarrista, DJ, u xandar am (Salvinu) Mifsud kien ferm fi Croydon Park fejn bdew jigu iktar min hekk. L-aħbar li l- rrekordjati l-ewwel kanzunetti marda qerrieda li kienet ħakmi - Maltin. L-ewwel fost dawn kienet eStu fl-aħħar ħaditu fil-ħajja l-oħra Għeziz Ġenituri u bejn 1978 u kienet aħbar krudili dwar din il-per - 1993 laħqu rrekordjaw 42 sonalita’ magħrufa u maħbuba fil-ko - kanzunetta u l-ewwel album. L- nunita Maltija fl-Awstralja. aqwa minnom jinsabu kollha fuq Sam twieled 74 sena ilu fiż-Żejtun. CD. “The best of the Mifsud Kien jgħozz ferm il-memorji ta’ Brothers” Huma kkumpanjaw tfulitu fid-Domus. Ommu Rose u ukoll lil kwazi kull kantant/a missieru Jim kellhom sebat itfal. magħruf/a minn Malta li żaru l- Qabel ma emigra lejn Sydney fl- Awstralja. 1964 flimkien ma’ ħuh Laurie Sam Fl-1978 kienu organizzaw ukoll kienu diġa popolari bit-Texas Skiffle il-Maltese Concert Organisers u Group. Hemm min jgħid li kienu ġabu minn Malta huma stess Laurie u Sam li ġabu f’Malta l- artisti Maltin bħal Enzo Gusma, ewwel kitarra elettrika. Fr David, Tony Gauci, The Sam Mifsud kien ukoll pittur Greenfields u oħrajn. Huma magħruf. Fir-risturant ferm popolari, magħrufa fost dawk li ġabru l-Eagles Nest li kien hemm fil- ħafna flus għall-bini taċ-Ċentru Melita Stadium fi Granville fi NSW Malti ta’ Parkville f’Victoria. kienet tilqgħek pittura kbira minn tiegħu mal-ħajt ewlieni Sam kien wieħed minn ta’ l-ewwel li għaraf jagħmel użu mill- tiegħu tal-Port il-Kbira ta’ Malta. Aktar xogħlijiet ta’ Sam Internet u fetaħ kollegamenti diretti ma’ Super One Radio f’ - wieħed jista’ jsibhom ukoll fid-djar tal-ħbieb tiegħu. Malta biex iwassal tislijiet tal-Milied u anke aħbarijiet diretti Bħala xogħol, Sam kien accountant u għen diversi għaqdiet mill-Awstralja. Wasal biex anke waqqaf stazzjon għalih biex ji - Maltin. trasmetti madwar id-dinja bil-l ink Uncle Sam DJ . Flimkien ma’ ħuh Laurie, Sam kien mhux biss il-pijunier F’Lulju ta’ dis-sena organizza t-30 sena anniversarju tal-Mif - izda l-ewwel f’ħafna oqsma tal-mużka Maltija fl-Awstralja. sud Bros fic-Centru la Valette bħala tislima tal-familja Mif - Mal-wasla tagħhom f’Sydney għaqqdu banda bl-isem ta’ sud fil-qasam li tant ferraħ u nissel tislima fost il-Maltin. Shertons. Maż-żmien dawn saru l-Mifsud Brothers fejn ferħu Spiċċa wkoll bħala organizzatur soċjali ta’ La Valette Social lill-Maltin mhux biss f’Sydney iżda wkoll f’Melbourne, Bris - Centre għal dawn l-aħħar sentejn u organizza mill-ġdid is- bane, Adelaide u Perth. sound system l-antika taċ-Ċentru. L-aħwa daqqew ukoll darbtejn fis-Sydney Opera House, u Bejn id-daqq u d-divertiment Sam sab ukoll l-imħabba ma’ kantaw Waltzing Matilda bil-Malti fl-anniversarju tal-mitt Joyce (illum mejta wkoll) bint is-surmast Carmelo Baldac- sena tal-emigrazzjoni organizzatta minn Malta għal Awstralja. chino li sal- 1958 kien jidderieġi l-banda Beland taz-Zejtun. Flimkien ma’ Vince Simiana fetħu r-recording studios BMS Kellhom tlett itfal bniet.

In Memoriam Nick published two books, namely: The Maltese Levantine Nicholas D. Chircop (1926-2019) Experience, 1994 , and A tran - e are sad to announce the passing away of our friend sient Colony in the Valley of the Nicholas Chircop (right) . Nick, as he was known, had been Nile , 2015. aW member of the Maltese Historical Association (MHA) since its He also published other articles inception. In fact, he was the first local speaker to deliver a lec - in local gazettes and newspapers ture to our Association on the 23rd March 1987. His subject was His contribution to the MHA ‘Maltese Settlement in Egypt between 1840 and 1960’. has been constant. As stated ear - Nick was born in Alexandria in Egypt in 1926. During the war lier he has been a member since he was attached to the British Army as an accounts clerk. He its inception. He presented the was also very active within the Maltese Community especially following lectures to members of with the Maltese Union Club and the Boy Scouts our Association: Nick and his family migrated to Australia following the Suez 23rd March 1987 : Maltese set - Crisis and settled in Melbourne. He quickly became involved tlement in Egypt 1840 – 1960 with the Melita Social Club where he held the position of Sec - 22nd March 1994: Maltese Migration to the Eastern Mediter - retary and later as President of that association. He also became ranean region in the 19th Century involved with the Maltese Community Council of Victoria 19th June 2001: Life in a Muslim country as seen through the where he was the PRO. Maltese eyes For some time he was also the President of the Maltese Ex- 19th July 2006: The life and works of Karmen Mikallef-Buha - Services Association of Victoria. It was during this period that giar the Memorial outside the Maltese Centre in Parkville was 21st October 2008: Forum – The Maltese in Egypt in the 1940’s erected and 1950’s Nick received various awards for his community work. These On behalf of the MHA we extend our sympathies to Claire included the Manoel de Vilhena Award and the Order of Aus - and his family. tralia Medal for services rendered to the community. Joseph J. Borg BE (Mech), SMOM 20 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday November 5, 2019 Maltese duo (Destiny Band Oz) win

‘19 National Artist oefstin y tBahnd Oez h usYbande anda wirfe d uao, Mwaltese aThormad s and Tessa Libreri (left) from Gippsland, Victoria, won the National Artist of the Year 2019 award at the Tasmanian Independent DCountry Music Association Awards held recently in New Norfolk, Tas - mania. It follows the couples’ National Band of the Year 2018 award. Destiny Band Oz, a singer songwriter artists who were among the per - formers on the night of the awards along with Alan Caswell, Aly Cooke and Emma Jene to name just a few, were thrilled to once again be in the limelight at the TICMA event. It was a highlight for the couple that have just completed a three-week music tour of Tasmanian venues. To date, the Maltese duo have 11 x number one songs and two top ten songs on the Official Tasmanian Chart from 13 single releases and have been on a roll since releasing their original music to radio in only 2017, with Tasmania taking Destiny Band Oz to their hearts and awarding them Overall #1 Song for 2017 on the Official Tasmanian Country Chart. Destiny Band Oz's widening appeal has seen three x number one songs and eight top ten songs on the Country Songs Top 40 Australian Airplay Chart within the last 12 months too and International number ones and four top tens on the International Mainstream Country Top 40 Chart. Thomas and Tessa feel blessed at the response to their music and have won other notable awards including the Gold Medallion Media Award for Band or Duo of the Year 2018 (presented at Tamworth Country Music Festival 2019), International Band of the Year at the International Singer- Songwriters Association Awards in Atlanta USA in August 2019 as well as International Music Awards for two of their songs. Last week they were in Sydney for the Aus - tralian Songwriters Association Awards where they have 12 of their original songs in the Top 30 of 8 categories. They have so far recorded three albums and 2 EPs and are working on their next album of original songs for release some time next year when they will be performing at venues all over Australia. They have just released a new single called 'Live Your Dream' which is what they are Free Entry doing right now! A must see documentary about one of the most Photo by: Mike Parry of Fresh Photo Image significant events in Malta’s history. This is the true story of Obscene earnings by some Aussie CEOs “Sette Giugno” . ustralia’s top-earning CEO pocketed a staggering $23,876,351 last year Discover the facts and events that led to the uprising of 1919. wAhile everyday Aussies battle stagnating Why did Maltese citizens rampage and riot against the British? wage growth and the skyrocketing cost of living pressures. Who were the innocent victims and how did these events change According to a new analysis of CEO pay the course of Malta’s future? released by the Australian Council of Super - This documentary, courtesy of PBS Malta, annuation Investors (ACSI), Qantas boss (in Maltese with English Sub-Titles) is presented by: Alan Joyce took out the number one spot. The Irish-born chief executive’s realised pay – in other words, the money he truly The Maltese Cultural received during the fiscal year – was just Association of NSW shy of $24 million, which is more than 270 times the national average. When: Sunday, 24th November Time: 2pm Where: La Valette Social Centre Did you know that...? 175 Walters Road, Blacktown l The first human settlers of Malta, ar - For more details please contact Mr Charles Mifsud: 0421 662 298 rived in 5,000 BC. They mostly settled at Għal Dalam Tuesday November 5, 2019 The Voice of the Maltese 21

Marisa with Archbishop A courtesy call was made by Maltese Australians on the Spea- Charles J. Scicluna ker, Dr Anglu Farrugia (centre) at Parliament House in Valletta Leaving the door open for a workable solution to the Maltese Community of Western Sydney uring the recent meeting of the Council of the Maltese Living Abroad (CMLA) that was held in VDaletta on October 9-10 last, the NSW representatives, Emanuel Camilleri and Marisa Previtera took the opportunity to table the welfare concerns for the Maltese community of the western suburbs of Syd - ney that is based at the La Vallette Social Centre at Blacktown. Last February this Centre lost its Maltese Chaplaincy of the MSSP that had been of - fering its services for over 30 years, with no replacement being offered or forthcom - ing from them. Following on from the CMLA’s formal two-day meeting chaired by Carmelo Abe- la, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion, the NSW representatives took the opportunity to also meet informally with a few key people both in Government and the Curia regarding this particular issue that is causing so much concern, es - pecially for our ageing community. The loss of Maltese priests is also being felt in the regional areas of the Illawarra, Central Coast and more recently interstate in South Australia after the recent retire - ment of Fr. Gabriel Micallef, who belongs to the Franciscan order. These informal meetings proved benefi - cial and gave the CMLA representatives hope that a solution would be found in order to once again have the services of a Maltese priest to serve in the Maltese com - munity. Emanuel and Marisa are now working with the La Vallette Centre and the wider Maltese community, and with the assis - tance of Mons Alfred Vella, the Dar tal- Emigrant director in Valletta, they hope to deliver a workable proposal to present to the Archbishop of Malta, Charles J Sicluna For more information please contact Tickets: Adults $45, ChildrenUnder 12: &15 who promised that he would be “leaving President: Emmanuel Vella 0405 677 064 Kids Under 5 Free. No door Sales the door open” to find a workable solution Public Relations Officer: Jacqui 0433 320 944 Tickets Non-refundable for all concerned. Marisa Previtera 22 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday November 5, 2019 CCoommmmuunniittyy NNeewwss

SONGS IN MALTESE, TURKISH * Do you speak Maltese fluently? & ENGLISH * Are you in high school and want An Audio/Visual Presentation to study Maltese for your HSC? * Are you an adult learner looking for an opportunity to challenge your Maltese language skills and cultural knowledge? Then consider enrolling in the VOCALS, SOPRANO AND ALTO SAX, WHISTLES AND PERCUSSION Higher School Certificate HSC/VCE Maltese community language schools across Australia are engaging in a recruitment drive to ensure that Maltese remains to be rightfully of - BOUZOUKI, GITERN, BAGLAMA (TURKISH LUTE) AND GUITAR fered as a subject for generations to come. The Maltese HSC, VCE and SACE are at risk of suspension due to their very small candidature. VOICE AND CELLO You will be invited to an information meeting about course requirements and enrolment pro - cedures. A commitment to commence studies must be made by November 2019. OUD, GUITAR AND TAMBURA To register your interest contact: NSW: The Maltese Language School of NSW - [email protected] Akkademja Maltija ta NSW - skolamaltijasydney @yahoo.com.au - Jane Borg 0411 478 233 Saturday School of Community Languages - [email protected] - Charles Galea 0400 48 5239 Dwejret il-Malti – Blacktown - [email protected] VIC: Maltese Community Council Maltese Language Classes - [email protected] – (03) 9387 8922 Victorian School of Languages - https://www.vsl.vic.edu.au (03) 9474 0500

Please Note: Anybody interested in advertising Saturday November 16th at 7.00 p.m. on The Voice of the Maltese maga- Venue: 477 Royal Parade Parkville. zine in order to reach the widest au- Food and drinks available dience possible, partcularly among Cost: $25, $20 Concession the Maltese diaspora is requested Tickets: MCCV 03 9387 8922 (online): Eventbrite. to write for details to: Info: Maltese Community Council of Victoria 03 9387 8922 [email protected] AUSTRALIAN HC on facebook & twitter La Valette Social Centre he Australian High Commission’s in Malta has its own Facebook page, while the High Forthcoming activities CTommissioner has a Twitter account. La Valette Social Centre Inc. 175 Walters Road, Blacktown Tel. 96225847 Both can be accessed by the readers. The High Commission’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusHCMalta/ Tuesday Nov. 5: MELBOURNE CUP morning Tea & Lunch with The Commissioner’s Twitter handle: Charlie Camilleri. Members $30; non-members $35 https://twitter.com/AusHCMalta (that includes morning tea and two-course lunch). You can follow the race on Big screen L-aħbarijiet tal-PBS (Malta) Tuesday Nov. 10: CHERRY PICKING to ORANGE Members $50; Non members $55 Il-PBS ta’ Malta tforni lill-SBS fl-Awstralja bis-servizz tagħha, imma l-qarrejja xorta For more information contact the centre mħeġġa biex jidħlu fil- website tal-istaz - ______zjon Malti: www.tvm.com.mt . għall- MASS TIMES: Saturday : St Francis Chapel: 5.30 p.m. aħbarijiet kemm bil-Malti u bl-Ingliż Sunday: St Dominic’s Chapel: 9.00 a.m. Il- website hi aġġornata tul il-jum kollu. Tuesday November 5, 2019 The Voice of the Maltese 23 CCoommmmuunniittyy NNeewwss

On Demand: Ethnic Maltese Council 11am) Il-Ħadd 11.00 am: l-aħħar aħbarijiet minn Malta, mużika, tagħrif, kultura, TTuunnee iinn ttoo avviżi u suġġetti ta’ interess. Radio and UNCLE SAM DJ (Maltese Radio) Radio and tune in to link: www.unclesamdj.com Television SBS Radio 2 on Channel 38 . Television Programmes can be accessed on - MELBOURNE: on 3ZZZ 92.3FM or line (live or catch up) at: on www.3zzz.com.au. Mondays 5-6 sbs.com.au/maltese and via mobile pm, Fridays 5-6 pm and Saturdays To tune into digital radio you need a phone, using the SBS Radio app. 10-11am. receiver or device with a DAB+ chip. Tuning in is by station name not fre- For television news from Malta - MELBOURNE: on 98.9 North West quency. Digital radio can also be SBS2 TV 32 ( (Viceland) on Thurs - FM, every Friday 6.00 - 7.00p.m. heard via digital TV. days and Sundays at 8am. and Mondays 7.00 to 8.00pm. Pre - VIVA MALTA senter: Emmanuel Brincat. SBS MALTESE NEWS: L-Aħbarijiet on COAST FM 96.3 on SBSTV twice a week nationwide; Community Radio in Gosford Cen - MELBOURNE: STEREO 974 Sunday 8.00 am on SBS2 (Chan. 32) tral Coast NSW. Aired on Thursdays (93180930): 97.4FM Wed (Maltese Thursdays at 8.00 am on SBSTV32. every fortnight from 6 pm -7 pm. Magazine) & Thursday (Merħba): Presenter: Nathalie Gatt. 6.00pm to 8.00 pm Co-ordinator – SYDNEY: listen to the MCC radio Web streaming: Ray Anastasi programmes on 2GLF FM 89.3. www.coastfm.org.au Isma’ l-programm tar-radju bil-Malti On SBS Radio mill-Kunsill Malti ta’ NSW minn fuq l- BRISBANE listen to the Maltese Day Time Analogue and Digital istazzjon 2GLF 89.3FM. Programme on 4EB on Tuesdays Tuesdays and Fridays: 12:00-13:00 (Jista’ wkoll jinstema’ On Demand minn 6.00 -8.15am; Sundays 4.15pm to 97.7fm SBS 2. fuq l-Internet: www.893fm.com.au ) 5.15pm

Maltese Seniors Social Welfare Day Groups Fairfield Active Maltese Seniors month at the Llandilo Community Hall, Meets on the last Tuesday of the Month. Seventh Avenue, from 11am to 1 pm. Group meets in Parish Hall, cnr of Stella Street & The Boulevard, Fairfield Heights at Maltese of Bankstown MCA NSW Memorial Mass 10 am. Group meets 3rd Wednesday of month The Maltese Cultural Association in the Bankstown CBD area. of NSW invites all members of the Maltese Seniors Central Coast Every other 3rd Thursday an outing. community to attend its Annual Me - Have to contact our Welfare Officer for Enquiries call: Sam 9534 2357 morial Mass for its deceased mem - an appointment. For all information and bers to be held at Our Lady Queen referral matters call Censina Cefai: 02 Greystanes Maltese Seniors of Peace Greystanes, 439 000 12 or 0414 267 652 Meets on the second Monday of each on November 8 at 7pm. month at the George Preca Centre of You may bring friends, who wish Daceyville Maltese Seniors OLQP Church, 198 Old Prospect Road, to commemorate their loved ones. Meets the last Wednesday of the mon- Greystanes from 10 am to 12 noon A fterwards refreshments will be th in the Meeting Room One, No. 3 Gen - served at St George Preca Centre. eral Bridges Crescent, Daceyville. The Sutherland & St George For more infoormation: Note : The Groups also arrange regular Bus Trips Maltese Group phone: Charles N Mifsud 9501 5525. Join us and make new friends. Meets every First Wednesday of the Month from 10:00am-1:00pm. Merrylands Social Maltese Seniors Meetings/Get Togethers are interest - Saint Nicholas Meets every second Friday of the ing, informative & entertaining, so month: Miller Room, Memorial Av - come Join us and make new Friends Festa Committee enue Merrylands from 10.30am to For more information contact our Co - 12.30 am ordinator: Remaining main events for 2019 Llandilo Maltese Seniors Charles Mifsud J.P.Phone (02) 9501 Meets on the first Wednesday of each 5525 – mobile 0421 662 298 . Saturday Nov. 9: Dinner Dance *(All Groups are co-ordinated by The Maltese Community Council of NSW) with a Sunday December 1: Feast sponsorship from Multicultural NSW. Please contact the MCC Welfare Officer: Marisa Events are held at the Good Shepherd Previtera JP on 0414 863 123. The MCC offices are at 59b Franklin Street (corner parish hall, 130-136 Hyatts Road, with Young St) Parramatta West NSW (next to West Parramatta Primary School). Plumpton NSW 24 The Voice of the Maltese Tuesday November 5, 2019 SSppoorrttss MFA, Government as one in efforts

toh e pdisaprpoinotingd resuluts byc Maelta’s better Maltese players National Football team, particularly the loss against Faroe Islands in a re - Tcent EURO 2020 Group F qualifying match has prompted the Malta Football As - sociation to act, with Bjorn Vassallo, its HIBS v new president since July announcing plans that hopefully could lead the team and Mal - tese players to raise their game both in the Sliema short and long term. He explained that plans had already been outlined in the Vision 2027 strategy, but it seems that the results remained poor and results left a lot to be desired Changes are to be made to the project, kicking off with the immediate appoint - ment of a new Technical Director, to suc - ceed Robert Gatt, the introduction of new development programmes and the creation of a new foundation to oversee football de - velopment at grassroots level. Another plan that has also found the go- ahead from Prime Minister Joseph Muscat Minister too shared the disappointment and of a long-term plan aimed at producing bet - consists of Malta entering a club in the Ital - said so in Parliament. As such, he has ter Maltese players as well as some quick ian Lega Pro championship in order to en - promised the government’s help, including measures. able Maltese players to train and play at a financial, for the MFA’s plan to succeed. “The crux of everything is having a pro - professional level. Bjorn Vassallo said that nobody could fessional approach. We are competing at As a Malta football supporter, the Prime guarantee anything bar the implementation the highest level but we are lagging behind. This makes it imperative for us to imple - ment the planned projects – we will not stand still,” he said. Parramatta FC appoint new head coach Against the Faroe Islands Malta had only he NSW team Parramatta FC. Closely position at Rydalmere Lions FC, before two professional footballers compared to associated with Melita Eagles who being appointed the Under 20's coach at the opposition’s nine. Twould be playing in the NSW NPL4 next Parramatta FC for the 2019 season, where He pointed out that the project needs to be season, have appointed Gert Disha as their his side progressed to the Finals Series. a collective effort and said that the MFA 1st Grade Coach for the 2020 season. Gert said he was very proud for the op - has already had fruitful discussions with Gert has extensive experience both as a portunity given him by Parramatta and has the relevant authorities, presumably among player and a coach. He represented the Al - promised to do that he possibly could for them the government, that are willing to banian National team at youth level, and the Club and team. support it in implementing these projects. later played at semi professional level in Italy where he also began his coaching ca - reer, mentoring the youths for 14 years, Could this be Floriana’s year after 27 seasons? whilst juggling his semi professional career. He later emigrated and resided in Aus - hat is most surprising this far in the 2019/20 Premier Malta’s Premier League tralia where he took up a youth coaching League campaign in Malta is the failure by at three RESULTS - Day 9 clubs that despite their investment in new players at Floriana v Mosta the start of the season have failed to make an impact. In partic - 3-1 Below: Gert Disha (right) with the W Gzira Utd v Tarxien 5-0 Granville Association's Osman Jebara ular we are referring to Birkirkara, Balzan and Sliema Wander - Ħamrun S v Sta Lucia ers. They are all currently in the bottom half of the standing. 1-1 Valletta v Sirens 0-0 This season getting very interesting when it comes to the chal - Hibernians v Sliema lengers for the league title. Defending Champions Valletta and 1-0 Balzan v Senglea 2-2 last season’s runners up Hibernians have yet to find their feet. Gudja U v Birkirkara (Mon) In the past few seasons Floriana rarely looked serious con - tenders for the title. This year is different. Along with runners Day 8 up Gzira they are still unbeaten and enjoy a four-point over Floriana v Senglea 5-0 their nearest challengers Gzira. Could this be Floriana’s year? Gżira U v Gudja U 6-1 They have been waiting 27 years to win the title again. The Sirens v Balzan 4-2 last time was in season 1992/93. Ħamrun v Birkirkara 0-2 Valletta might still offer a challenge though they currently Hibernians v Sta Lucia 2-0 need to improve their points' tally and make up the eight-point Mosta v Sliema W. 1-0 gap with the leaders. Hibernians are not much better Valletta v Tarxien R 3-1 Gzira have never won the title but since their return to the Premier have been investing heavily and like Floriana are well equipped to win.