No. 139 October-November 2016  President’s Perspective - 2  Consul-on-the-Move programme 9 SBS priorities are different from community expectations  MHA Event October 2016: 10 Sir and the part  MCCV holds its Annual General 3 of that almost was Meeting 2016  Newport considering proposal to 12  SBS Radio Services Review 5 merge committees MCCV launched  Canon Fr Eddie Zammit visits Melbourne  Maltese Cultural Festival 2016: 6  Reskeon Seniors enjoy trip - Maltese in Melbourne celebrate across the bay Malta’s Independence Day - Entertaining Maltese għana and  St Helena Maltese Australian 13 News music evening S.C. holds its AGM  Il-Grupp Letteratura Maltija 7  Reskeon Seniors Group Maltese Community Council of Victoria, Inc. jippreżenta Programm Muziko- conducts its 2016 AGM Lettararju  Pope Francis Speaks Out 14 477 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, AUSTRALIA Another successful Nisġa 8  Ħu Ħsieb Saħħtek: Xi tkun din l- 15 Phone: (03) 9387 8922 | Fax: (03) 9387 8309 Maltese Cook-off  Anemija? Email: [email protected] | Website: www.mccv.org.au  ECCV strongly opposes changes 9 to Section 18C  Postcodes and delivery of mail to 16 Editor: Dr Edwin Borg-Manché | Sub-Editor: Andrew Gatt Malta

uring a hearing of the Senate Environment and Communications Legisla- tion Committee held on 18 DOctober 2016 Labour Senator Sam Dastyari voiced concerns about potential future cuts to language programs on SBS Radio. CEO and Managing Director of SBS Mr Michael Ebeid appeared before the Senate Committee to answer questions about SBS. In one of his questions to Mr Ebeid, Senator Dastyari referred to the story published in The Voice of the Maltese on 11th October 2016, which raised concerns regarding the possibility of Mr Michael Ebeid, SBS Managing Director and CEO and Ms Tureia Sample, Director, SBS “cutting 20 different language Corporate Affairs, SBS programs as part of the funding cuts.” the demographics of Australia, what would constitute what languages we In his reply, Mr Ebeid dismissed the new language groups are growing and keep, what languages we change and article as “mere speculation”. He said what new migrant groups need our what languages we might increase or that “at the moment there are no plans services, so we do review our languages decrease.” to do that but … there is an outstanding that we broadcast every four or five On 14 November 2016 SBS launched problem with our funding that the years. We have a public consultation the public consultation on the language government is looking at later this year. process that we are about to undertake selection criteria for an SBS Radio I think that was mentioned earlier and then we will look at the criteria that Review. The period of consultation today, but there is no plan at the ends on Sunday 11 December (refer to moment.” the SBS Notice on page 5). Earlier during the same Senate At the hearing Senator Dastyari noted Committee hearing, Mr Ebeid had, “a concern of some of these however, reported that SBS has “ended communities … but size does not [its] financial year in a very strong necessarily equate to either need or position.” perhaps a reflection on the reliance on As regards the SBS review process of these services.” He said that he was the broadcasting languages and number “just slightly concerned with the way of programs in each language, Mr that [Mr Ebeid] described it at the start Ebeid said that “what [SBS does] every which was that [SBS] are looking at the four or five years with the Census data demographic size.” is we initiate a review to have a look at Senator Sam Dastyari Continued on Page 4 Page 2 • MCCV News No. 139 October-November 2016 President’s Perspective

he Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) recently the needs of the Maltese community, and particularly those of our launched a public consultation in relation to the draft ageing members, are brought to the attention of the SBS Board. criteria that SBS will apply when reviewing its radio The American Nightmare schedule next year and determining how the broadcast Many people around the world were shocked by the result of Thours will be spread among the various community languages. A the recent American presidential election, making a mockery of all similar review last took place in 2012. the polls taken during the electoral campaign. It seems incredible Following the 2011 Commonwealth Census, SBS savaged the that Donald Trump, who was most unimpressive both during his Maltese language radio broadcast time from 9 hrs to only 2 hrs debates with Hillary Clinton and in speeches he gave at his rallies, per week. Subsequently, as a result of strong representations should be successful in winning support from his apparently made on behalf of the Maltese community, 2 additional one-hour hysterical followers. weekly programs on digital radio were allotted, bringing the total Trump will undoubtedly need to rely on his advisors to temper Maltese language air-time to 4 programs per week. Upon expiry his boastful, self-serving and flamboyant ways. He will be judged of the two-year period, these additional hours were terminated on his performance, having enunciated no policies of substance allegedly on the basis of a lack of funds. during his campaign, alienated more than half of the American According to a report published on 11 October 2016 in The population and offended whole ethnic groups and women. Voice of the Maltese, SBS advised the Shadow Minister for As many commentators have said, everyone will be watching Telecommunications, the Hon. Michelle Rowland, that due to a closely for signs of Trump changing his ways and softening some cut in Federal Government funding, there is a $2 million budget of his outrageous views as he transitions to a statesman-like figure black hole that would impact ethnic broadcasting and this hole of a President unifying the nation. Initial signs have been far from would equate to ending the funding of 20 language programs in encouraging, with the appointment of people with extremist right the future. wing views to key positions in the new administration. It is worth noting that these comments from SBS about the It is also telling that, according to news reports, Trump existence of a $2 million budget black hole contrasts sharply appointed members of his family on the Transition Committee to with a statement that SBS CEO and Managing Director Michael select his cabinet. Such close family involvement in the affairs of Ebeid made on 18 October 2016 to a hearing of the Senate the incoming administration has been questioned both ethically Environment and Communications Legislation Committee that and legally. SBS has “ended [its] financial year in a very strong position.” In a recent radio interview President Obama observed that a If SBS has really had a shortage of funding in recent years, it 43% nationwide turnout vote is not what democracy demands. certainly does not appear to have had any impact on its highly Adopting the Australian concept of compulsory voting to ensure a expensive participation in the Eurovision Song Contest which decent turnout at elections is probably something that the has no relevance to the Australian community, given our remote Americans should seriously consider for future elections. geographic location, well outside Europe and on the other side of the globe. Aged Care Quality Review It would be interesting to know how many hundreds of Council has recently undergone a quality review conducted by thousands of dollars SBS has wasted on its past participation, the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency and I am happy to how many more are being budgeted for its next appearance. report that the interim Quality Review Report was most pleasing. The review assessed the performance of the aged care services Obviously the priorities of SBS are markedly different from provided by the MCCV against the Commonwealth government’s community expectations. Home Care Standards. It confirmed that Council programs are SBS has recently announced its intention to review current heading in the right direction and gives us confidence to consider ethnic broadcasting schedule following publication of the other programs for the benefit of the community. I congratulate relevant data from the 2016 Census expected by June 2017. As our Co-ordinator, staff and aged care workers for their efforts. part of the proposed community consultations, SBS has published draft criteria for comment. Annual General Meeting The AGM of the Maltese Community Council of Victoria was One criterion that directly impacts our community is the very held on 2nd November 2016. I wish to thank the affiliated low weighting allocated to ‘ageing’ at 15%. It is imperative that association members who attended the meeting for their SBS balances the size of various communities taking into confidence in returning me as President of the Council and account the extent of broadcasting by commercial and ethnic congratulate the members of the new Executive Committee on community radio stations. It is understood that the Italian, Greek, their election. Chinese and others are serviced by commercial broadcasting on a 24-hour daily basis. It is worth noting that SBS has set up a 24-hr I wish to take this opportunity to thank all our affiliated station to the Arabic community. members for their efforts and services provided to the Maltese community generally. Council made every effort to ensure that people of Maltese background complete the 2016 Census form correctly to provide accurate data about how many speak Maltese in their homes. Victor Borg The MCCV will again be making representations to SBS to MCCV President ensure that the criteria for the radio schedule review are fair and No. 139 October-November 2016 MCCV News •

n Wednesday 2 November 2016 the Maltese Community Council of Victoria held its Annual O General Meeting for 2016 at the Maltese Centre in Parkville. Representatives from several affiliated associations attended the meeting. In his address, MCCV President Victor Borg outlined the achievements of the Council during the year. He said that it has been a very difficult year for the Council in the sense that there were a number of things that needed attention in terms of updating operational policies and procedures to comply with more stringent Government requirements. On welfare services provided by the MCCV, Mr Borg said that the Council provides important services to the older members of our community who constantly need help, even those who may have MCCV Executive Committee 2016-2018: (from left) Treasurer Paul Borg; Vice relatives living nearby. Sometimes we find President Edwin Borg-Manché; Chaplain Fr Edwin Agius mssp; Secretary Andrew that the sort of attitudes that we had towards Gatt; Vice President Joseph Stafrace; President Victor Borg; Assistant Secretary Anto- our parents in Malta unfortunately do not nia Camilleri; Social Secretary Rita Pullicino; and Welfare Director Rosemary Attard. always prevail here. Many of the old people who receive Council services often think service is fully confidential, provided free Calleja and Mrs Marlene Xerri for their that they are abandoned. Some might expect of charge in both Maltese and English. contribution to the Community. Mr Borg too much but in some cases their complaints He then referred to the Home Visitation said that the presentation of these awards seem to be justified. Scheme set up to have volunteers visit will take place early next year at an Regarding MCCV operations, Mr Borg who want to stay home and appropriate function. said that the work of the Council was often have problems with their own Mr Borg thanked the members of the restructured to meet strict government children and relatives. He said that the Executive Committee for their loyalty and standards. Several committees were set up Council is looking for volunteers, who support during the past twelve months. He each responsible for the management of a from their own heart want to help others by also thanked the staff for their hard work particular operational area. Seven making home visitations. during the year. committees were established to cover the Mr Borg said that the MCCV is grateful MCCV Treasurer Mr Paul Borg areas of: Finance; Community Services & to the State Government and the Victorian delivered the Financial Report for 2015/16, Improvement (Welfare); Corporate Minister for Finance and Multicultural which was approved at the meeting. Governance; Human Resources; Risk Affairs, Hon. Robin Scott, for a grant to Election of Executive Committee 2016-18 Management & Physical Resources; extend its home visitation service to This year’s AGM included the election Library; and Social Affairs. This structure include visits to elderly Maltese persons has generated significant administrative who reside in aged care facilities as well as of a new Executive Committee for the next work to operate and to ensure the paperwork for an annual grant of $5,000 for 4 years two years. Only the position of Secretary was contested. Mr Andrew Gatt and Mrs is all kept up-to-update. for Maltese language teaching at the Mr Borg spoke about the Commonwealth Maltese Centre. Edwina Mallia nominated for that position. funded Home and Community Care Mr Borg then spoke about the Maltese Before a vote was taken, Mrs Mallia decided to withdraw her two nominations, (HACC) Program, under which Council language classes run at the Maltese Centre runs the Aged Planned Activity Group under the leadership of Ms Edwidge Borg. for Secretary and Assistant Treasurer. sessions. These are conducted every week at The MCCV is again appreciative to the No nominations were received for the position of Public Relations Officer. the Maltese community centre in Parkville Hon. Robin Scott, Victorian Minister for on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as at the Finance and Multicultural Affairs, for The new Committee is made up as MCCV Sunshine centre on Mondays, approving . follows: Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Mr Borg announced the recipients of the President: Mr Victor Borg During the past year the MCCV, with the MCCV Community Awards for 2016 as a Vice Presidents: Mr Joseph Stafrace assistance of Carers Victoria, has continued public recognition to those individuals Dr Edwin Borg-Manché to run bi-monthly services for carers who from within our community who have Secretary: Mr Andrew Gatt are responsible for caring for elderly made a substantial contribution to the Asst. Secretary: Mrs Antonia Camilleri relatives or those with special needs. This is Maltese-Australian community. Treasurer: Mr Paul Borg a support group which encourages its In 2016 the MCCV Community Awards Asst. Treasurer: Vacant members to exchange experiences and assist were awarded to: Prof Maurice Cauchi for Welfare Director: Mrs Rosemary Attard each other. his contribution to Education; Mr Alfred Social Secretary: Mrs Rita Pullicino Mr Borg spoke about the MCCV advisory Cachia and Mrs Marlene Scicluna for their Public Rel. Off.: Vacant and referral service which has become the contribution to Culture; Fr Edwin Agius first point of contact for many Maltese mssp for his contribution to Welfare persons seeking Council’s assistance. The Services; Mr Charles Belli, Mr Vincent Page 4 • MCCV News No. 139 October-November 2016

Continued from Page 1 Mr Ebeid clarified that “it is a lot current two hours of Maltese language reviewed at the end of the two years. more than size. It is actually a programs per week. In July 2015 SBS informed the complicated formula that takes into In the correspondence with Ms Maltese Community Councils of consideration a whole range of things Rowland, Mr Ebeid also conceded that Victoria and NSW of its decision to that goes into the methodology that SBS has opted not to allocate funding to discontinue the two hours of Maltese we use. We look at things like aging, the Maltese community for digital radio programs that were added in proficiency in English, for example, content and social media because the April 2013. This was followed by economic circumstances, recent community in Australia is ageing and in strong protests made by both Maltese arrivals and all of those sorts of turn less likely to use these platforms. Community Councils to SBS, a things, together with the size of the In the same article Mr Ebeid was petition they submitted to the SBS community are all balanced and criticised for continuing to mention “the Board supported by over 3,000 weighted, depending on different cuts in funding by the Government to signatures, and a meeting held levels of importance of those things.” SBS yet in the last year it has set up a between Maltese community leaders Mr Ebeid acknowledged that “a new Food [TV] channel and added a and SBS management representatives language group, for example, that has 24/7 digital radio station for the Arab on 22 July 2015. SBS gave its not had any new migration for 30 or community, not to mention the huge funding situation as the reason for the 40 years, that could have been a post- managerial bureaucracy.” The article cuts and explained that its funding no war migrant group, have very concluded that “SBS Radio must revise longer permitted the provision of different needs with an aging its criteria for assessing air-time. More these additional services. population” compared with “recent weight must be given to the The MCCV will again be making new arrivals, although it may be a communities that are less serviced and representations to SBS on behalf of small community, [who] really need to admit that radio is vital to the elderly the Maltese community during the our services to understand Australian than most other methods of public consultation that SBS is values and Australian culture or … a communication.” currently undertaking on the criteria Scandinavian language that has very In November 2012, without any prior to be applied in the 2017 SBS Radio high English proficiency, very low consultation with Maltese community schedule review to be based on the recent arrivals, [who] would probably leaders, SBS published the new radio 2016 Census data. need our services less.” schedule, in which the Maltese The MCCV believes that much The Voice of the Maltese article, programs fared the worst among all more emphasis should be placed on which Senator Dastyari referred to, then existing broadcast languages with the specific needs of particular ethnic reports that the Federal Shadow a savage cut of 7 one-hour programs, communities, regardless of their size. Minister for Telecommunications, down from 9 hours to 2 hours per week. The aging members of the Maltese Michelle Rowland MP, had taken up In April 2013, after three-and-a-half community have significant needs for with SBS the issue of a fair and months of persistent canvassing and information delivered in their native adequate share of air-time for the negotiations led by Maltese community language which are not being met by Maltese community. leaders in Melbourne and Sydney as the current two one-hour weekly In the article it was reported that Ms well as Malta’s High Commissioner in programs on SBS Radio. Rowland had released correspondence Canberra and the Consul-General in The MCCV believes that the about her meeting in Canberra with Melbourne, SBS announced that two criteria that SBS applied for the Mr Ebeid, who had indicated that one-hour Maltese radio programs would review in November 2012 resulted in during 2017 SBS would be conducting be broadcast commencing on 29 April an overgenerous allocation to the a review of language groups following 2013 in addition to the two which were larger ethnic groups, which have the conclusion of the 2016 Census. He originally included under the new many other information sources in also emphasised that the Government schedule, giving a total of 4 one-hour their own language, while several Budget measures and funding cuts programs per week. medium and smaller sized have left the SBS with a $10 million SBS also advised the Maltese communities are left with token radio budget black hole, and $2 million will community leaders that the additional program services. The Maltese need to be taken out of the SBS Radio two hours will be funded from within community needs a quality local news budget. This hole according to the Mr the existing SBS Radio budget. SBS radio service tailored to meet the Ebeid would equate to ending the indicated that funding of the additional specific needs of its aging members funding of 20 language programs. two hours on SBS 3 digital was to be and this can only be provided through Mr Ebeid’s reference to the shortfall guaranteed only for two years (until the additional Maltese language programs of $2 million for SBS Radio raises end of the 2014/15 financial year) and on SBS Radio. serious concerns for the future of the the funding situation was to be No. 139 October-November 2016 MCCV News • Page 5

SBS Radio has launched a public consultation on the language selection criteria it is proposing for an SBS Radio Services Review. SBS is calling on audiences, communities and stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft Language Selection Criteria 2016/17 by Sunday 11 December. The selection criteria will be used, in conjunction with the 2016 Census data, to determine which languages are provided by SBS Radio services. The way in which those services will be delivered will be determined in 2017 by SBS, taking into account changes in audience listening habits, the need to support audience Large Languages Criteria: demands for anytime, anywhere news and  Population of approximately 25,000* or greater. information via digital platforms and the High Needs Languages Criteria: (maximum. of 15 changing demographics of Australia’s languages) diverse communities.  Threshold requirement - population must be greater SBS has committed to regularly than 1,000* reviewing and updating the schedule every five years in conjunction with new  English language proficiency (weight = 40%) Census data to ensure it continues to  Recentness of arrival (weight = 30%) reflect the needs of communities in  Ageing (weight = 15%) Australia today. Regularly updating the schedule enables SBS to better service  Household income (weight = 15%) the largest communities with culturally and SBS may also include a sizeable ethnic community if linguistically diverse backgrounds, and its needs are significant but not adequately captured offer services to emerging and high-needs in the Large Language or High Needs Selection communities. Criteria. Factors which SBS may take into account SBS wants to ensure the process of include: reviewing the SBS Radio Services is  Discrimination/Vilification: where a group is objective, open and transparent. Finalising subject to frequent discrimination or vilification in the selection criteria prior to the release of Australia based on race, colour, descent or national or the Census data allows a framework to be ethnic origin. in place to select languages, independent  Immediate need: a significant increase in the of the actual numbers released in the population of a language group through Australia’s Census information. Humanitarian Program. The language selection criteria are due * Population size based on 2016 Census data – Language to be finalised in March 2017 with the new Spoken at Home (LANP) other than English services to launch before the end of 2017. For more information and to provide Submitting Your Feedback feedback please visit www.sbs.com.au/ ONLINE: Click here to submit your feedback online. consultation during the consultation period Click here for Frequently Asked Questions of 14 November to Sunday 11 December 2016. BY POST to: SBS Radio Services Review S14 Herbert Street Artarmon NSW 2064 Page 6 • MCCV News No. 139 October-November 2016

The Maltese Community Council of Victoria organised the Maltese Cultural Festival 2016 consisting of several events that were held in Melbourne during September. The Festival started with the celebration of the Feast of Maria Bambina on 8th September and concluded on Sunday 25th September with a lunchtime restaurant at the Maltese Community Centre in Parkville.

Maltese in Melbourne celebrate Entertaining Maltese għana and Malta’s Independence Day music evening

n Wednesday 21 September 2016, the MCCV held a Cocktail Party at the Maltese Community Centre to celebrate Malta’s Independence Day. MCCV President O Victor Borg addressed the community on the historical importance of Malta’s Independence Day and the continuing s part of the Maltese Cultural Festival 2016, on progress that Malta has made since gaining its independence from Saturday 17 September 2016 the Klabb Għannejja the United Kingdom in 1964. Maltin together with prominent Maltese poet and Among those present were the Hon. Consul of Malta in Victoria musician Manuel Casha and the Girgenti Group Apresented an evening session of Maltese għana and music at the and MCCV Vice President, Dr Edwin Borg-Manché; MCCV Immediate Past President Professor Maurice Cauchi; the Rector at Maltese Community Centre in Parkville. Parkville Fr Edwin Agius mssp and MCCV Executive Committee The participants pictured below were għannejja (standing): members. The Consul General for the Malta in the State of Jesmond Attard, Ninu Attard, Anglu Buttigieg, Fredu Cachia; Victoria, Mr Victor Grech, was unable to attend as he was in Malta. accompanying guitarists Zach Attard, Victor Gauci, Toni Formal proceedings opened with the singing of the national Camilleri and Joe Grech and Prime guitarist (middle) Joe anthems of Malta and Australia. Cutajar. In his address, MCCV President Victor Borg spoke briefly about Klabb Għannejja Maltin Inc was established for the sole key milestones in the history of Malta leading to the historic grant purpose of providing an environment and a meeting place for of Independence by Great Britain on 21 September 1964, when for the Maltese għannejja (għana singers) and kitarristi (guitarists) the first time in its history, Malta and the Maltese were not living in Melbourne to meet and express themselves in the dependent on a foreign power to govern themselves. traditional form of Maltese folklore music, thereby keeping it Mr Borg said that the Maltese in Australia are “proud of the alive in Australia. country that we belong to, its culture and history, grateful for the It is the only club of its kind in Australia. Through the sacrifice of our parents who brought us here and proud that we efforts and leadership of its President, George Aquilina, the club form part of the Australian community as well as the Maltese purchased vacant land and constructed the club’s premises in community.” Gooding Street, St Albans. MCCV Chaplain Fr Edwin Agius mssp then made a brief The club enjoys considerable support from the Maltese address about the role that the Catholic religion has played in the Community members and their friends who flock to the club history of Malta and the importance of St Paul’s shipwreck in premises on a regular basis to enjoy listening to the Maltese Malta, marking its arrival in the Maltese islands. The Catholic għana and accompanying traditional guitar music. religion is part and parcel of the Maltese culture. It contributed The club also boasts of a Women’s and Youth group as part significantly to Maltese history throughout the centuries. Maltese of their club activities. The club provides an excellent service 'to missionaries are doing great work all over the world, including the Community in the preservation of Maltese culture and Australia. folklore music. Traditional Maltese dishes are served to club After the formal part of the evening, refreshments were provided members and their visitors. to those present. No. 139 October-November 2016 MCCV News • Page 7

Minn Paul Vella, GLM PRO l-Grupp Letteratura Maltija tal-Victoria organizza Programm Mużiko-Letterarju nhar il-Ħadd, 18 ta’ Settembru, 2016, fiċ-Ċentru Malti ta' Parkville, fis-2 Ipm. Madwar 80 membru tal-Komunità Maltija attendew. Fost dawk preżenti kien hemm il-President tal-Kunsill Malti tal- Victoria, Victor Borg u l-Viċi- President, Joe Stafrace. Il-programm beda bil-kant tal-Innu Malti u l-Innu Awstraljan. Marie-Louise Anastasi, Viċi-President tal-Grupp tat merħba lil dawk preżenti u ntroduċiet lill-President, Dr Victor Sammut, fejn dan ta l-Messaġġ tiegħu. Imbagħad beda l-programm tal-qari u Dr Victor Sammut qara l-kitba tiegħu, "Jew tikber jew tiċkien, skont kif tuża l-ilsien" u "Ikrah l-uġigħ". Manwel Cassar qara x- xogħol tiegħu: erba’ Epigrammi u ħames Ritratti: Paul Vella Limerikki. Is-Segretarja, Rosemary Attard qrat poeżija tal-mibki u qatt minsi membru tagħna, Manwel Nicholas Borg, "Lil Gżira Ġawhra". Dan wassalna għall-ewwel intervent mużikali mill- grupp "Girgenti" magħmul minn Alfred Xuereb (synthesiser), Joe Camilleri (perkussjoni), u Joe Gauci u Manuel Casha. Dawn tawna ħafna mużika Maltija li ntlaqgħet tajjeb minn dawk preżenti. Dr Clemente Zammit ma setax ikun magħna u l-kitbiet tiegħu, "Xrar ta’ Mħabba" u "Ħsiebi Jterraq ’l Hinn" inqara minn Manwel Cassar. Ġużi Camilleri qralna żewġ prożi tiegħu, "Aħbarijiet minn Malta" u "Katarina ż-Żur- riqija" u wara dan il-qari kellna intervent mużikali ieħor. John Muscat qara żewġ poeżiji tiegħu, "Fil-Park" u "Il-Merill". Manuel Casha wkoll qralna tliet poeżiji tiegħu, "Art Wara smajna lil Rose Lofaro taqra' żewġ Xiħ" u "Ħabi". L-aħħar qari tal-programm il-Ħolm", "L-Għarix" u "Magna taż-Żmien". poeżiji tal- membru tagħna, Nazzarene sar minn Ray Anastasi, fejn qralna l-kitba Dak inhar stess Manuel Casha tkellem dwar Żerafa li joqgħod Queensland, "Għana ta’ tiegħu, "Sibtu". il-ktieb ġdid tiegħu, "Maltese Traditional Kanarin" u "Timxi Waħedha l-Pinna". Il-programm spiċċa b'intervent mużikali Music of Għana and Prejjem". Fredu Nazzarene, avolja joqgħod fi Queensland, ieħor li tassew ferraħ lil dawk preżenti. Wara Cachia wkoll tkellem ftit dwar dan xorta hu membru attiv tal-Grupp tagħna u kien hemm bibita fejn kulħadd reġa’ ħa il-ktieb u wara qralna poeżiji li kiteb huwa dejjem jieħu interess f'dak li jkun qed jiġri kikkra te jew kafè u xi ħaġa tal-ikel bħal stess. U hawn kellna intervall ta' 20 minuta mill-Grupp f'Melbourne u qatt ma jonqos pastizzi tal-irkotta u piżelli, pies u sausage fejn dawk preżenti ħadu kikkra te jew kafe` jibgħat xogħol tiegħu għall-Programmi rolls, kejks u gallettini u xorb ħafif li ġie u kejks u gallettini li ġew ipprovduti b'xejn Mużiko- Letterarju. pprovdut bla ħlas mill-Grupp. mill-Grupp. Marie-Louise Anastasi tatna żewġ poeżiji Grazzi lil dawk li attendew, lil dawk li It-tieni parti tal-programm bdiet billi tagħha, "Fil- Ħolm Inżurek" u "Lil Din l-Art l ħadmu biex dan il-programm ikun wieħed l-mistieden tagħna, il-poeta minn Malta, -Oħra". Hawn kien imiss lil Michael Xuereb ta' suċċess, lil dawk li ppreparaw il-ktejjeb Antoine Cassar, tkellem ftit dwaru u qal li b'żewġ poeżiji li kiteb hu stess, "Tifel bix-xogħol kollu li nqara u speċjal- ment lill twieled l-Ingilterra minn ġenituri Maltin u Waħdu" u "Għanja ta’ Raħħal Ċkejken". -mużiċisti li ferrħuna bil-mużika tagħhom kien niżel Malta u mar joqgħod għand in- Ware intervall mużikali ieħor, Paul Vella u lil dawk li taw l-għajnuna tagħhom fil nanniet fil-Qrendi fejn kien tħarreġ sewwa fl qralna l-proża tiegħu, "L- Amorin -kċina biex jippreparaw l-ikel: Salvina -Ilsien Malti. Minn hemm beda jikteb bil- Jitkellem" u l-poeżija "Sħab". Imbagħad Vella, Doris Sammut u Sunta Sultana. Malti. Huwa qralna parti mill-poeżija tiegħu, kien imiss lil Josephine Cassar li tatna Agħfas fuq dan il-link biex taqra l-programm: "Passaport". epigrammi u limerikki "Żewġ Nisa", "Ix- http://online.fliphtml5.com/bxaj/avtj/ Page 8 • MCCV News No. 139 October-November 2016

menu consisting of a beef casserole with Maltese potato bake for the main course and Maltese bread pudding with Aorange blossom ice cream for dessert won the 6th edition of the Maltese Cook Off. The event was organized by community group nisġa and held on Sunday 23 October 2016 at the Angliss Restaurant in Melbourne. The Maltese Cook Off has been a vehicle for celebrating and raising awareness of Maltese culture and food in Australia. Combining family and traditional Maltese cuisine the Cook Off is a competition between Maltese descendants, often incorporating several [Photo: Radio 3ZZZ] generations in a single team of three, the initiative attempts to share the rich The Participants cultural heritage of Maltese immigrants in Australia and pass down treasured family recipes from parent to child to grandchild. Hamrun Knights, a team made up of Melanie Cricco, Rebecca Schmidt and Shandelle Melios also tied in the category for Malteseness and for Most Organized Team in the kitchen. This annual event brought together 8 teams made up of 3 people, in some cases 3 generations from one family, cooking Maltese traditional food. This year’s judging panel consisted of the Maltese Consul General in Victoria Victor Grech, former MasterChef Australia contestant Tregan Spiteri, The Winners former MKR contestant Carla Mangion and Doris Delia. The 250 guests were entertained by renowned musician Nicky Bomba and members of Bustamento while Nicol Caruana belted out a few Maltese favourites. People’s Choice Award went to The Awesome Altairs with a menu consisting of baked rice and imqaret (date slices) with orange blossom syrup and vanilla ice cream who also tied for 3rd/2nd places with Conservative Kunservas, who had a menu consisting of rabbit and Maltese sausage lasagna and a Kinnie and chocolate cake. For more photos go to www.facebook.com/nisga.org For more information about nisġa visit www.nisga.org The Diners No. 139 October-November 2016 MCCV News • Page 9

he Ethnic Communities’ “Those people who attempt to argue Council of Victoria (ECCV) is that having the words ‘offend’ or ‘insult’ strongly opposed to attempts to in Section 18C, is an attack on freedom change the wording of Section of expression, seem to be intentionally T18C of the Racial Discrimi-nation Act. ignoring the provisions of Section 18D ECCV Chairperson, Eddie Micallef, which provides a powerful and detailed said that recent media reports about protection of freedom of speech. South Australian Senator Cory Bernardi “Section 18D sets out a series of lobbing to remove the words “offend” exemptions where conduct will not be and “insult” from Section 18C, and that deemed to be unlawful if it is done fact that he has enlisted 20 senators to ‘reasonably’ and in ‘good faith’, such as Mr Eddie Micallef, ECCV Chair support this move, is something that in artistic, scientific or academic must be “strenuously rejected”. “This is not about the words in purposes that are of genuine public “The ECCV supports the principles of themselves, but the context in which they interest. free speech. This is something that all are used. To put forward an argument “It is of concern that recent media democratic societies are based on. But that we should amend the Act and take reports have indicated former Prime arguments about taking the words out the words ‘insult’ and ‘offend’, does Minister John Howard has urged Prime ‘insult’ and ‘offend’ out of the Act, need not take into account how this might be Minister Malcolm Turnbull to support to be seen in context. done in a racist way. the proposed changes to the Racial “Section 18C of the Act clearly states “ECCV supports the Federation of Discrimination Act. that it is illegal to offend, insult, Ethnic Communities’ Councils of “ECCV is strongly opposed to humiliate or intimidate on the basis of Australia opposition to the proposed proposals to amend the Racial Discrimi- race, colour or national or ethnic origin. changes and how they threaten the nation Act because of the real potential “Those who have argued in the past strength of the Racial Discrimination Act to have a highly negative impact on that it is not necessary to have the words for multicultural Australia. people from culturally and linguistically ‘offend’ and ‘insult’ in the Act because it “Section 18C of the Act provides diverse communities, and the conse- sets the bar too low, and that it would important protection against hate speech quences for the promotion of social allow people to take legal action based and racially motivated attacks against cohesion within our society.” on ‘hurt feelings’, miss the point entirely. people from Australia’s culturally and [Source: http://eccv.org.au/] linguistically diverse communities.

he Consul-on-the-Move plans to provide this service to all applicants Melbourne. It is a pilot project over a five programme was launched on 5 who are eligible in all Australian States where year period. May 2016 and provides certain there is inadequate access for the issuing of So Maltese migrants or their descendants consular services normally passports, as long as there is sufficient interest who live far from certain Maltese Embassies Tavailable at Malta’s Embassies and Consular and demand that justify such travel. or Consulates in Australia and other parts of posts, in different locations. Such services Meanwhile, the Minister for Foreign the world, no can take an interest and plan to include the collection of biometric passport Affairs is proceeding with this project not just make use of the Consul-on-the-Move applications. This programme conforms to in Australia, but also in Canada (Vancouver u service. the Government’s vision to have government Edmonton and St Johns), the USA (San This service is available by appointment services closer to the citizen. Francisco, California, Detroit, Houston, and only. In Australia, the service may be After the successful introduction of the Los Angeles), the United Kingdom (Cardiff accessed by contacting the Malta High Consul-on-the-Move in South Australia, in Wales and Edinburgh in Scotland), as well Commission in Canberra and seeking further Tasmania, New Zealand and Queensland, as in two cities in Italy (Milan and Catania in information about this programme as well as this service will now be introduced in Sicily). guidelines on the documentation required. Western Australia on Friday and Saturday 20 Hence the Consul-on-the-Move is a -21 January 2017. worldwide programme with the participation For further information and appointments, In Perth the venue will be at the Maltese of five Maltese consulates in those countries: please contact your respective location focal Association of Western Australia club at 1 Toronto, Washington, London, Rome and point as indicated in the table below: May Holman Drive, Bassendean, The Consul-General for Melbourne will be Location Email Telephone facilitating the collection of passport Australia [email protected] +61 (02) 6290 1724 applications from those Maltese residing in Perth in addition to gathering of biometric Canada [email protected] +1 (416) 207 0922/0989 data necessary for the issuing of the passports. USA [email protected] +1 (202) 4623611/2 Western Australia will become the third UK [email protected] +44 (0) 207 292 4800 Australian State in which the Consul-on-the- Move service will be introduced. There are Italy [email protected] +39 06 687 9990 Page 10 • MCCV News No. 139 October-November 2016 Maltese Historical Association—October 2016 Lecture

By Robert Blythe Food in the fortress city was running low. The French forced most of the civilian n Tuesday 18th October 2016, population out of the city but during the Robert Blythe delivered a summer of 1800 the French rations ran out lecture to the MHA about Sir and a hundred men were dying a day. On O Alexander Ball and the part of the 5th of September 1800, General Vaubois Malta that almost was. Ball was a British surrendered to the British General Pigot. Navy Admiral who played a key role Ball and the Maltese, however, were against the French in Malta and also at the excluded from negotiations. Battle of the Nile. Popular with the The British decided to make the island a Maltese, he helped bring Malta under de facto protectorate. Ball was placed in British rule. He also tried to annex the charge of civil administration but ultimate Island of Lampedusa to British Malta, authority lay with General Pigot. Ball sent a which could have altered the course of number of documents to London, suggesting Maltese history. that Malta could act as a Mediterranean trade Sir Alexander Ball was born in 1757 in centre for the British, with the Grand Gloucestershire, England. He joined the Harbour providing a secure naval base. In British Navy and was promoted to 1801, Ball was transferred back to active lieutenant in 1778. In 1782 he joined the duty with the Royal Navy. Control of Malta British fleet under Admiral Sir George was passed to Charles Cameron and Major Rodney. They saved Jamaica and its Rear-Admiral Alexander General , whose tyrannical John Ball (1757-1809) valuable British sugar plantations by administration angered the Maltese to the destroying the French fleet at the famous point of rebellion had Ball not intervened. Battle of the Saintes. This restored British auction of church property in , tensions finally hit breaking point. The The Treaty of Amiens of 1802 placed prestige, which was in tatters after their Malta again under the rule of the Knights of defeat the previous year at the Siege of Maltese attacked the French soldiers, who fell back to , which was then sieged St. John, despite a Maltese request that they Yorktown during the American Revolu- remain attached to Britain. In June, the tion. Two days later, Ball received his by approximately 10,000 Maltese militiamen, led by , recently knighted Sir Alexander Ball commander's commission and the next returned to Malta to help arrange the year he became a captain. and Canon Francesco Saverio Caruana. handover to the Order. However, the Treaty In 1796, Captain Alexander Ball was broke down and orders came from London appointed to the HMS Alexander and Nelson and Ball joined the blockade with a to stop preparing for departure. Ball was joined Sir Horatio Nelson in the number of ships and Nelson put Ball in once more given charge of civil Mediterranean. Nelson initially disliked charge. The Militia leaders were administration. This pleased many of the Ball’s “intellectualism" but when Nelson’s immediately attracted by Alexander’s Maltese, as he was a supporter of the flagship was demasted in a violent gale, charisma and the sympathy he showed for Maltese cause and a strong advocate for Ball towed the stricken vessel to port, and the plight of the Maltese people. Despite Malta to remain attached to Britain. a lifelong friendship ensued. their success, the Maltese leaders had found However, Ball supported ambitions that it difficult to co-operate. Alexander In 1798, they learned that had would see a greater Malta with the smoothed over many of the troubles and incorporation of the island of Lampedusa. taken Malta and was headed towards quickly earned the respect and admiration of Egypt. The fleet set sail and engaged the the men. He was recognized as Civil Lampedusa lies to the south west of Malta French in the famous Battle of the Nile on Commissioner and secured food supplies for and has an area of 21 square km, less than a 1st August. The Alexander blew up the Malta. He organised a Congress of 25 French flag-ship L'Orient. France suffered representatives from the major towns, with a heavy losses and the British gained control bishop and judges. He retained the power to of the Mediterranean. approve decisions but rarely needed to veto Meanwhile in Malta, Napoleon had left a them. The Congress became an invaluable garrison of 4,000 men under the command aid to government. of General Vaubois. The new regime Several unsuccessful assaults were made quickly set about dismantling the on the walls of Valletta. Ball’s pleas for a institutions of the church and of the force adequate to breach the walls of the city Knights of St. John. The local nobility was were rejected due to ongoing wars in the abolished. The French refused to meet the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, the French in debts of the Order and suppliers were left Valletta gained knowledge of a plot by the unpaid for goods. Churches were looted, Maltese inhabitants to open the gates after and Church property was confiscated to dark. In January 1799, forty or so conspira- finance Napoleon’s wars. This angered the tors, including Father Michele Xerri and deeply religious Maltese. Guglielmo Lorenzi, were shot in the square On 2nd September 1798, during an outside the former Grandmaster’s Palace. Continued on page 13 No. 139 October-November 2016 MCCV News • Page 11

Maltese Historical Association—October 2016 Lecture LINKS:  Lecture Recording and Powerpoint  Discovery of the wreck of the Orient Continued from page 12 third than that of . It belonged to the the heavy expense which would naturally King of the Two Sicilies. Being so close to attend the occupation of the island”. North Africa, it was prone to raids by Problems for Fernandez accumulated pirates and therefore remained largely rapidly. In May 1813, there was an outbreak uninhabited. The island was well known to of plague in Malta. The crew of HMS Maltese sailors. The harbour of Lampedusa Partridge went down with yellow fever. served as a shelter from bad weather and The ship was directed to spend a period of from the Barbary corsairs and Ottoman quarantine in Lampedusa. The local vessels. The Order of St John even kept a inhabitants panicked and over 120 fled the small establishment consisting of a priest island on two small boats, leaving behind a and six Maltese men on the island. small number of farmhands. In the late 18th century, the Prince of In early 1813, the King of Naples Lampedusa sub-let the island to Salvatore informed the British government of his Gatt, a Maltese entrepreneur. Gatt and a intention to let Lampedusa stay under few Maltese workers worked the land and British protection “at least during the war”. collected firewood to trade with Malta. Indeed, the British flag was hoisted and a They were occasionally visited by Algerian small detachment was posted there but or Moroccan corsairs – fortunately however British interest in linking the two islands only to buy food and fill up with water for was waning. which they would pay cash. Following the appointment of Sir Thomas Monument to Sir Alexander John Ball at Initially the British considered the Lower Barrakka Gardens in Valletta Maitland as the new Governor of Malta, the Lampedusa as an alternative marine- matter came to a head. Fernandez was military base to Malta, in case they would investigated, as it was deemed not proper growing of barley, and abundant olive trees have to vacate Malta, as stipulated in the for an officer in HM Government service to and firewood were reported. However, the Treaty of Amiens. The idea was soon become the sole proprietor of an island and British government, in spite of all the dropped, as surveys of the island confirmed his pay was suspended. In 1814 Maitland reports and pressure from Malta, did not that Lampedusa was not remotely closed the Malta-Lampedusa question by commit itself and preferred the waiting comparable to Malta on many counts, telling London that “Lampedusa never can game. There were political as well as especially as it lacked a safe and deep sea be of any real use or service to us; the financial implications to be considered. harbour. sooner we withdraw the better”. In 1809, the most influential supporter of With the British firmly established in Fernandez was still the leaseholder up to the incorporation of Lampedusa into Malta, Malta, the role of Lampedusa as an adjunct 1818. On March 1, he petitioned London for Sir Alexander Ball, died in San Anton to Malta took an entirely different compensation amounting to £44,000, a huge Palace and was buried in Fort Saint Elmo. dimension. Correspondence between Malta sum at the time, to cover losses incurred in and London shows Ball pleading with In 1810 Salvatore Gatt transferred the the Lampedusa project, which he considered London to consider taking over Lampedusa. lease of Lampedusa to Alexander Fernandez as “a tale of official encouragement, official If Bonaparte took Sicily, Malta would lose for 3,000 scudi per annum. Fernandez letdowns and eventually of sheer bad luck”. its main source of essential foodstuffs. wanted to carry out his project of building a The petition was turned down. The final Lampedusa, once in British hands, could be large farm for the breeding and fattening of straw for Fernandez came when he lost the developed as a base for the provision of cattle, to grow corn and other vegetables for lease of Lampedusa by a decree of the food for Malta. Ball argued that taking over the Maltese market. A development on this Sicilian courts, at the insistence of Salvatore Lampedusa should pose no problems, as the scale, however, required a measure of Gatt, on the grounds that he failed to pay the stakeholders, Salvatore Gatt, The Prince of security. He requested military protection 3,000 scudi per annum he had contracted in Lampedusa, and the King of Sicily, were all against hostile incursions which only the 1810 for the lease. Gatt returned to live in expected to co-operate. British government could provide. Lampedusa with his family and was still Fernandez was planning to build a fort on In May 1800, Ball had instructed residing there up to 1824. the island and for it be occupied by a Alexander Fernandez, a British citizen and Had Sir Alexander Ball lived a few more detachment of British troops. The Treasury an employee with the Army Commissariat years, perhaps the incorporation of found the whole situation disconcerting. in the Mediterranean, stationed in Malta, to Lampedusa would have taken place. He report on the feasibility of Lampedusa In 1811, the Secretary of State, Lord was possibly the British leader most loved forming part of the Maltese Islands. Liverpool, instructed Governor Oakes to by the Maltese population. His affectionate Fernandez reported favourably that the materially support the Fernandez project but care of the Maltese was considered by many island could stock more than enough cattle insisted no families were to be allowed to of the English settlers and place-seekers to and sheep for Malta’s needs. Only a small settle on the island. In 1812 a Royal be impolitic and unjust, but he maintained number of Maltese farm hands would be Commission was appointed to report on throughout that Britain had won the island required and running expenses would be “Lampedusa, Pantelleria and Linosa as largely with the aid of the Maltese and that retrieved from the financial returns. possible sources of supply of food for the it was held by their free-will, as fellow- Maltese Islands”. The resulting report was By 1803, a number of Maltese farmers subjects and fellow-citizens. The year after a blow to Fernandez. The commission had returned to Lampedusa, engaged by the Ball’s death, the Maltese built a monument considered his project purely as a business Commissariat, presumably on a trial basis. in the Lower Barrakka Gardens dedicated to venture and wholly speculative. They could Wild cattle and sheep, the successful his memory, and it is still there today. not recommend the government to “incur Page 12 • MCCV News No. 139 October-November 2016

ewport Maltese Association Inc. held its Annual General Meeting at the Maltese Community Centre Nin Parkville on Sunday 2nd October 2016. 178 members attended the meeting. The Association’s President Mr George Saliba OAM thanked those present for their attendance. Mr Saliba reported that the Association had another successful year and credit is due, firstly, to the hard- working committee and, secondly, the never-ending support of the members. As the Association runs a Senior’s group committee, the President put forward a proposition to the members that the time has come for the two committees to amalgamate into one in order to facilitate a more unified and cohesive membership and better serve the members of both groups. No decision was taken on this proposal at the meeting. Discussions are still ongoing. Lunch was provided at the meeting.

L to R: Paul Vella, Canon Fr Eddie Zammit, Canon Fr Manny Bonello anon Fr Eddie Zammit, Rector of the Good Shepherd n Thursday 10th November 2016, a group of 57 Church at Taċ-Ċawla, Rabat, Gozo, recently was on a Reskeon Seniors enjoyed a trip around Port Phillip visit to Melbourne for a fortnight. This was his 12th Bay. The 48-seat coach had to be upgraded to a 57- C visit. This time the main reason for his visit was to O seater as the demand was great with even members celebrate the wedding mass for his niece Katherine Zammit and being on the waiting list. Charlie Marmara at St. Paul’s Parish in Kealba. The journey started through Mornington Peninsula Freeway, While in Melbourne, Canon Zammit was the guest of Canon Fr arriving in Sorrento around 10.30 am. The group boarded the Manny Bonello, Parish Priest of the Parish of St. Joseph the Peninsula Sea Road Ferry around 11 am for the boat trip across Worker in North Reservoir. He also helped with Masses and Port Phillip Bay to Queenscliff. funerals. Disembarking the ferry at Queenscliff, the group headed to Canon Zammit was also interviewed on the Maltese language Corio to the Gateway Hotel where a free buffet lunch was served. radio program on community Radio 3ZZZ 92.3 FM, each Friday Around 3 pm the group boarded the coach for the return ride to at 5 pm. He told his interviewer Paul Vella how he enjoys seeing Reservoir. the Maltese community here still treasures the Maltese language Along the way Coach Captain, Alan Mahar, gave an interesting and heritage and keep alive the religious values. commentary on sites that the coach was passing through.

No. 139 October-November 2016 MCCV News • Page 13

t Helena Maltese Australian Social Club’s Annual General Meeting for 2016 S was held on Sunday 6th November at the Maltese Cultural Centre in Albion. Following the reading of the last meeting, the Club President Mr Victor Bartolo thanked Mr Paul Borg for accepting to chair the meeting. Mr Bartolo also thanked everyone in attendance as well as the committee members and all volunteers. The election of a new committee for followed. As only one nomination for each position on the committee wee submitted, the nominees were elected unopposed as follows: President: Victor Bartolo Vice-President: Joe Busuttil Secretary: Kylie Dimech Asst.Secretary: Desmond Calleja Treasurer: Joe Borg Asst. Treasurer: Joe Abdilla Public Rel. Officer: Mary Bartolo Function Organiser: Mary Abdilla Church Organiser: Joe Grima

By Paul Vella

eskeon Maltese Association Seniors Group held their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 5th October R2016 at Merrilands Community Centre in Reservoir. 90 members attended . In delivering her report, the Group’s President Salvina Vella thanked the committee members for their work during the year, especially Victor Pulis for taking care of the finances. She also thanked all members for their participation during the year. She also thanked her husband, Paul, for the work he does behind the scenes. Addressing the meeting, from left to right: Treasurer, Victor Pulis; President, Salvina The President’s special thanks went Vella; Secretary, Paul Vella. to the ladies in the kitchen, Madeleine Vella, Melita Magro and Sylvia Dakin, The election of a new committee for Committee members: Alfred Cachia, to Therese Cachia at the coffee table 2016-2018 followed. As only one Theresa Cachia, Melita Magro, Sarah and also to Fred Cachia who is learning nomination for each position on the Catania, Sylvia Dakin. the ropes at the bingo table and to those committee wee submitted, the nominees After the meeting was closed, there were who help with Bingo calling. She also were elected unopposed as follows: two Bingo sessions and all members were thanked all those non committee President: Salvina Vella served a free lunch of roast chicken and members who helped organise the hall. Vice-President: Madeleine Vella roast potato, soft drinks, tea, coffee, cakes The Treasurer, Victor Pulis, read out Secretary: Paul Vella and biscuits, being the AGM and Seniors the Treasurer’s Report which was Treasurer: Victor Pulis Week. approved by all present. Asst. Treasurer: Miriam Mizzi Page 14 • MCCV News No. 139 October-November 2016

News from the Vatican

Compiled by Rev. Charles Borg-Manché from Vatican Radio sources

Solidarity: only solution same man who initially didn’t want the essential part of the Christian community refugee to board his taxi because he was and of society: in particular they represent to migration crisis ‘smelly’, refused to accept payment for the roots and the memory of a people. his service from the woman because he You are an important presence, because 26 Oct. Speaking to the crowd gathered said: “It is I who should pay you your experience is a precious treasure, in St. Peter’s Square for the weekly because thanks to you I have listened to which is essential if we would look to the General Audience, the Pope reflected on a story that has changed my heart”. future with hope and responsibility. Your two particular corporal works of mercy - The Pope continued saying that the maturity and wisdom, accumulated over welcoming the stranger and clothing the woman was well aware of the pain of a the years, can help younger people in naked – and said that the growing migrant because she had Armenian search of their own way, supporting them numbers of refugees fleeing war, famine blood and knew the suffering of her on the path of growth and openness to the and dire poverty calls us to welcome and people. future. The elderly, in fact, show that, care for these brothers and sisters. “When we do something like that even in the most difficult trials, we must Pope Francis reflected on the many initially there is some discomfort – ‘a never lose confidence in God and in a stories of migration that are to be found in smell’ – but at the end, a story like this better future. They are like trees that the Bible and on how, through the brings fragrance to our soul, and continue to bear fruit: even under the centuries, so many committed Christians changes us. Think about this story and weight of years, they can give their have found generous ways of meeting the think what you can do for refugees” he original contribution for a society rich in needs of people fleeing violence and said. values and for the affirmation of the injustice. So too, ‘clothing the naked’ he said, culture of life.” “Today – he said – the current economic increasingly means caring for those The Pope thanked grandfathers and crisis unfortunately fosters attitudes of whose dignity has been stripped from grandmothers for their example of love, closure instead of welcome”. them, and working to ensure that it is dedication and wisdom. “Continue with “In some parts of the world walls and upheld and safeguarded. courage to bear witness to these values! barriers are being built. It appears that the And this, he explained, means literally Let not your smiles and the beautiful silent work of men and women who, in giving clothes to those who have none, brightness of your eyes be lacking in different ways, do what they can to help but it also means thinking of women society! I accompany you with my prayers and assist refugees and migrants, is being whose bodies are exploited by human – and do not you forget to pray for me as drowned out by the noise made by those traffickers and of the many other ways well. And now, upon you and your who give voice to an instinctive egoism” people – even minors – are used as a intentions and good works, I invoke the he said. form of merchandise. Lord's blessing.” Closure is never a solution, the Pope “Having no job, no home, no just said, it actually ends up favouring criminal salary is also a form of nakedness, as is Archbishop Hart on trafficking. The only solution, he said, is suffering discrimination because of race welcoming the stranger solidarity: “Solidarity with the migrant, or faith. These are all forms of solidarity with the foreigner…” ‘nakedness’ that we Christians are 5 Nov. One of the things Pope Francis “Dioceses, parishes, religious institutes, called to act upon” he said. has stressed over the course of this Jubilee organisations and individual Christians: of Mercy has been welcoming the As followers of Christ, Pope Francis we are all called to welcome our brothers stranger, especially at a time when concluded, may we never close our and sisters who are fleeing war, hunger, migrants are fleeing areas of conflict in hearts to those in need. By being open to violence and cruel conditions of life” he the world and looking to make a better life others, our lives are enriched, our said. in Europe and in countries, such as societies can enjoy peace and all people Australia Setting aside his text, Pope Francis told can live in a way befitting their dignity. the story of a lady who was approached by On the issue of migrants, the President of a refugee asking directions for the Holy the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Door. The man, the Pope said, was dirty The elderly bear witness and Archbishop of Melbourne Denis Hart and barefoot but wanted to go to St. to enduring truths commented: “We have had vigorous Peter’s Basilica to cross the holy interactions with the government about threshold. The woman took stock of his people who have come by boats and have 15 Oct. Pope Francis received the bare feet and called a taxi, but the taxi been placed in the islands off Australia who participants in a gathering of senior driver initially didn’t want him on board are not allowed to come here while their citizens and their caregivers on because he was ‘smelly’. The taxi driver criteria are examined and this has been Saturday, in the context of Italy’s ended up boarding the woman and the something in which we’ve been saying to national Grandparents’ Day man who, during the drive, told his story the government, ‘well we’re a big country, celebrations. of pain, war, hunger and migration. we have a small population, we have a high Pope Francis said: “The Church level of prosperity; it’s our duty to welcome On reaching the destination, Pope regards the elderly with affection, migrants, it’s our duty to welcome those Francis recounted, the taxi driver, the gratitude, and high esteem. They are an who really struggle’”. Image: http://www.rd.com/health/conditions/anemia-symptoms/ - -

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demm, demm, - test, u - ċelluli fid - kanċer. - demm: demm: anemija. Xi anemija. - aktartest - - livell ta' l livell ta' demm. demm. ġisem jaħdem jaħdem ġisem - Page - tabib jgħidlek - -

• riżultat ta' dan it riżultat ta' demm jistgħudemm isiru - numru taċ numru - - fwied, jew f'organi f'organi jew fwied, -

demm ġisem. Fih ħafna sustanzi ġisem. demm huwa mera ta' kif huwata' mera demm - - - liema skop dawn it qedliema isiru - każ ta' anemija, l każ ta' - min jgħidlek: test tad min "għamilt test u għalfejn sar dan dan it għalfejntest sar u ’ -

demm. Id demm. MCCV News News MCCV - fil jew kliewi, - Fi kliem ieħor, t Fi kliem meta Xi ħaġa dwar testijiet tad dwar Xi ħaġa testijiet ħafna kwalitajiet ta' Hemm Testijiet oħra tad

testijiet, u interessa testijiet,taf u interessa ruħek li tkun demm qed jonqos, jew jikber, jewdemm dijabete, jew kolesterol, u anki xi drabi anki kolesterol, u jewdijabete, neskludu l biexjsirutestijiet tad bżonn testijiet isiru hemm li staqsi għal - xi dwar ħaġa titgħallem x'qed jiġri, billi dan x'ifisser. Testijiet tadTestijiet Tisma jkollhomx idea imma x'kien ma demm" dan it ir wisq x'kien inqas test. tad il qed jaħdem il huma biexlimeħtieġa sew. Fil ilhuwa liimportanti jqis tkunbaxxa, emoglobina. Jekk din bl qed li tbati allura jfisser drabijeħtieġ din tkun tant baxxa li jkun litrasfużjoni tad jagħtuk biex in jekknaraw - jekkmard hemmx biex naraw testijiet fil hemmx naraw biexinkellaoħra, jew għad infezzjonijiet. Testijiet ta' sinjali

- - - . . -

- 50 sena 50 sena mod il mod ġewwa. - - - -

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MCCV News anemija, ħalli anemija, ħalli - nies. Qed ngħid - kwantità kwantità tal - - suġġett. Għalhekk suġġett. Għalhekk - gwaj jidħol il gwaj jidħol musrana li ħafna drabi ħafna li musrana - -

problema. artikli fl - - sintomi tal sintomi -

tkunil ’ kanċer tal

aħħarnett, jeħtieġ li jkollna eżami eżami jkollna li jeħtieġ aħħarnett, tieni, jeħtieġ li nkunu nafu nkunu nafu li tieni, jeħtieġ ewwelnett jeħtieġ li nkunu nafu xi ewwelnettnafu jeħtieġ li nkunu - tabib biex ikunjista anemija, speċjalment meta iż itul meta speċjalment anemija, - - - - - l il tikber żmien jew emorraġija. November 2016 It Fl L Għal dawk li għandhom Għaldawkgħandhom mal li kawża. anemija, allura dawn ikunu jistgħu dawn ikunu allura anemija, x'inhi jagħraf biex testijiet meħtieġa - - - - l ħaġa dwar dan is ħaġadan dwar l niktbu dawn hu għal Jekksuġġett min nafu inkunu l x'qedaktar jifhmu jiġri. s x'inhuma nkunu nagħrfu aktar malajr nistgħu x'tista mit t kundizzjonijiet li semmejna irridu li semmejna kundizzjonijiet oħra li problemi naħsbuukoll fi per aktar serji. jistgħu Nieħdu jkunu hija komuni li kundizzjoni eżempju in mhux ħażin f'dawn għal libil tibda tirriżulta f'anemija, issir u ebda sintomi, mod, mingħajr il aktar serja kif nevitaw il Kif nistgħu dawn problemi 'l fuq, il dawn 'l minbarra minn

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(emorraġija): arja fil jkun hemm jkun hemm

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- demm anemija emoglobina, u dan iġib u dan iġib emoglobina, mara tqila teħtieġ dieta dieta mara tqila teħtieġ - - - -

tfal jikbru malajr u allura u tfal malajr jikbru (speċjalment jekk sintomi ta' din ta' il sintomi li tolqot ħafna nies. Tista li ħafna tolqot fit tiżviluppa żagħżagħ, fix jiġifieri tista in ħija ħaġa komuni ħafna ħafna inħija komuni ħaġa

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kliewi, eċċetra. kliewi, ossiġenu mill : it - -

tfal ewwelnett, biex niftehmu, fid ewwelnett, biex niftehmu, - - istonku, tbati bil jew inkella

jikkawża l jikkawża jew titlef ħafna demm mill ħafna jewdemm titlef qed oħra, allura raġuni jew xi għal l titlef ukoll min jitlef id xi barxajkollok fl meta per eżempju, - Għalhekk il u ħadid,lil tipprovdi, meħtieġa. nisa tqal jew tewmin ikollhom tikber qedhawn ukoll liniftakru l teħtieġ tarbijali jkun hemm biżżejjed minn biżżejjeddawn, minn jkunhemm xi jista drabi imma l nuqqas,tiżviluppa u allura ġisem jipprovdi dan, jeħtieġ li jipprovdi dan,fid jeħtieġ ġisem biżżejjedħadid u jkunhemm dieta għandu normali vitamini. F'dieta it Biexemoglobina. il jeħtieġu aktar Minn fejn tiġi dintiġiMinn l fejn Fejn tkun taf li għandek anemija? Fejntkuntafgħandek anemija? li L ’ anemija. Per eżempju: anemija. ġisem kolluil jibda jbati, ġisem

- -   l  X dintiżviluppa ħafna għaliex raġunijiet jkollokx ossiġenu biżżejjed, allura jkollokx biżżejjed, ossiġenu l moħħ, il tħoss xejn, imma aktar jekktkun tħoss imma xejn, ras, uġieħ tibda ta' tħoss severa, allura Meta ma għejja, xi drabi konfużjoni. X'inhuma s X'inhuma Ħafna drabi, jekk l ġeneralment allura qawwija ma wisq, ifisser li qed tbati bl tbati ifisser li qed Sintomi tiġbor l jixteredbiex mal dan jkollokx emoglobina, biżżejjed ma demm insibu (' demm sustanza biex hija essenzjali li jew emoglobina) D kull età. kulħadd ta' u Page 16 • MCCV News No. 139 October-November 2016

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The MCCV advises that the MCCV etters and other mail Government through the Malta Children's Christmas Party 2016 that items sent to Malta by Communications Authority (MCA) was scheduled to take place on post might face longer recently conducted a public consul- delays in delivery if they tation regarding its proposal to Sunday 27 November 2016 has Ldo not have the correct postcode update the current regulations to regrettably been cancelled due to clearly shown in the address. include postcodes as an integral insufficient numbers. Postcodes to be used in part of a postal address rather than conjunction with addresses were leave it as optional. first introduced by MaltaPost in A number of conditions have 1991 so as to facilitate the sorting been identified for the implementa- and distribution of postal articles. tion of the proposal including the The original 5-character postcode provision of a simple and easy to format comprised of 3 letters and 2 use postcode finder to be accessible digits. In 2007 a new alpha- from MaltaPost’s website home- numeric postcode format was page, including an interface that introduced to accommodate caters specifically for smartphone demands with a new 7-character based users. An extensive informa- format comprising of 3 letters and 4 tion programme would also need to digits (e.g. FRN1913), which is still be undertaken by MaltaPost to currently applicable. inform the general public of this When a postcode is included in change. a postal address, postal sorting and The MaltaPost website contains delivery operations are greatly a postcode search page where one facilitated, increasing efficiency of can select the town, street and the postal operator and reducing the house name or number to search for potential of mis-deliveries and the correct postcode. It is located at other errors from taking place in http://postcodes.maltapost.com/ the process. PostCodeEnquiry.asp From a number of reports on Those who do not use the mail studies it transpired that the internet would be wise to ask their majority of postal users do not friends and family members with include postcodes in their mail whom they communicate by post to items negatively impacting mail provide them their local postcode to sorting and distribution processes. avoid unnecessary delays in mail Between 21 October 2016 and deliveries to Malta. 11 November 2016 the Maltese

Community Events Calendar MALTESE COMMUNITY CENTRE For up-to-date and more detailed information, visit our website at www.mccv.org.au/community-events 477 Royal Parade, Parkville

December 2016 OUR CANTEEN SERVES MALTESE FOOD Sun 4 December Newport Assn. Christmas Break-up - @ 6.00 pm Dinner - Newport Maltese Assn EVERY FRIDAY— BINGO NIGHT Wed 7 December MCCV Council Meeting Maltese Community WE OPEN AT 5.00 PM TO SERVE FOOD @ 7.00 pm Centre, Parkville BINGO HEADS DOWN AT 7.00 PM Wed 14 December Newport Seniors. Christmas Break-up - EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT @ 6.00 pm Dinner - Newport Maltese Seniors Għandek aptit ta’ ravjulata? Thu 15 December Pizza Night – Maltese Assoc. - @ 6.00 pm Northern Suburbs, Inc. Come along and enjoy our friendly atmosphere Fri 16 December Dinner Dance – Maltese Assoc. Hadfield Hall We would love to see you @ 6.00 pm Northern Suburbs, Inc. and bring your friends along with you! Sat 24 December @ Christmas Midnight Mass preceded St Paul’s Chapel 11.30 pm by Carols singing Parkville Sat 31 December New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance – Emerald Reception Centre MCCV Ladies Auxiliary @ 6.00 pm Newport Maltese Assn, Bingo Sessions at the Maltese Community Centre in Parkville MCCV News every Tuesday between 11.00am and 2.30pm. The MCCV News is published by the Maltese Community Council of Victoria every two months to inform the Maltese community about A small group of women enjoy spending time together play- activities, news and information that would be of interest. ing bingo, having lunch and also celebrating special events. Contributions should be forwarded to the Editor either by email at In 2017 The first bingo session will be held on Tuesday 7th February. [email protected] or alternatively by post to: Everyone is welcome. The Editor—MCCV News, Maltese Community Council of Victoria, 477 Royal Parade, For more information please ring the Maltese Centre on 9387 8922. PARKVILLE VIC 3052