The Voice of the Maltese No. 150 by The Voice of the Maltese

The Voice of the Maltese (driven by the voice of its readers )

Issue 150

Fortnightly ora Fortnightly magazine magazine for for the the Diasp Diaspora

March 14, 2017

Sadly, Gozo’s iconic Azure Window has gone forever ...a case of...

Nature Nature make make it it Nature Nature take take it it For full report see page 17

The now vacant space previously occupied by the Azure Window before its collapse An aerial photo of the now defunct Azure Window

The Azure Window wasn’t the only attraction in the vicinity of Dwejra. The Inland Sea,(pictured left)) and the Fungus Rock (known also as Il-©ebla tal-Ìeneral) (on right) are two of them

2 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday March 14, 2017

Tony Burke MP tells The Voice:

No need to change the Racial Discrimination Act R

ecent moves to amend section 18c of the Racial Discrimination Act have caused some uneasiness amongst the migrant communities in Australia. Therefore The Voice of the Maltese in Australia has asked various Members of Parliament for their views on this matter. We have received the views of Hon. Tony Burke MP the Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs and Member for Watson who referred to the findings of the National Inquiry into Racist Violence in Australia – one of a series of inquiries and reports that lead to Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act established 25 years ago. He told us, “After months of debate and community submissions, the committee recommended no changes to our racial hate speech laws.” These are his views: We didn’t need to have another inquiry to figure out that 18C is a necessary law. That fact was established 25 years ago. The overwhelming finding of that National Inquiry into Racist Violence was this: many victims considered the sub-physical forms of racial violence – the insults, intimidation, harassment and aggression – had a more severe impact than actual cases of physical assault. The violence of words could be as debilitating as physical violence Hon Burke said The psychological effect of continual exposure to abusive and insulting language cannot be overlooked. Racial hate speech can result in insecurity and depression, preventing people from participating fully in

Andrew Bolt

speech’, and will point to the Bill Leak case to declare that 18C is broken. But the Bill Leak case proves the exact opposite. That case was withdrawn, but even if the case had progressed to court, it would have failed because section 18C does not function alone. There is section 18D, which defends statements that are in the public interest, in creative works, in debate or if they are genuinely held belief. Even though Bill Leak’s cartoon was tasteless, and offensive to many, 18D covers artistic purpose. What’s not covered by 18D? Let’s take the famous Andrew Bolt case. Bolt lost the case for two of his articles. In one of the articles, titled ‘It’s so hip to be black’, he individually names several fair-skinned AborigiHon.Tony Burke MP nal people saying they only claimed their Aboriginal heritage for persociety. A major hurdle for this early in- sonal benefit. He did not lose this 18C case bequiry into racist violence was that people who had experienced it were cause he questioned issues of Abotoo afraid to come out and talk riginal identity, as he claims. That about it. Some said they feared ret- conversation might have been ribution. Others said that nothing found to be of genuine public intercould be done to make the racial vi- est, and covered by 18D. The court olence – the abuse, insults, and ha- ruled his articles unlawful because rassment – stop, so they’d rather not they contained “erroneous facts, disdraw any attention to themselves. tortions of the truth and inflammaThe inquiry had to create an out- tory and provocative language.” Twenty per cent reach program This law provides assurance of Australians say to assure them they would be to Australians of all back- they have been subject to verbal safe to talk. abuse. Through this grounds that, in the eyes of the racial That figure soars early inquiry law, they are not fair game. to 90 per cent for they also found that verbal violence often precedes Aboriginal Australians. This law prophysical violence. So section 18C vides assurance to Australians of all was born. It functioned well for 25 backgrounds that, in the eyes of the law, they are not fair game. years before being attacked. It says that public acts of racism are In those 25 years, only 1.8% of racial vilification complaints have not tolerated. But this inquiry has ended up in court. Most are with- sent the message that, the right to drawn, rejected or, most often, con- racial hate speech must be protected. There’s a sentiment that running ciliated by the Australian Human through this debate that says racial Rights Commission. The Andrew Bolt (conservative social hate speech is “just words”. Tell that to the woman who comes and political broadcaster), Bill Leak (cartoonist who died last Friday), and home in tears because she was Queensland University of Technology abused on a train. Tell that to the (QUT) cases may have dominated the child who is trembling because news cycle in recent years, but the they’ve just watched their parents latter two cases were withdrawn and be harassed at the shops. Since when did the person spoutdismissed respectively. Opponents of 18C like to stylise ing racist hate speech become the themselves as champions of ‘free victim?

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The Voice of the Maltese 3

Tuesday March 14, 2017

Q. I am 62 years of age and retired. My son needs to borhis is a monthly service offered by The Voice of the Maltese row $100,000 from me and I am willing to help him. in which Marie Louise Muscat from the Fiducian FinanHowever this means that I have to withdraw these funds cial Services helps our readers understand the complexities from my account based pension. He promises to repay associated with financial planning. If you need more advice this loan within two years. Can I then re-invest these send an email to Marie Louise via: maltesevoice@gmail.com. funds in my account based pension? You need to acA. If your son manages to pay you back before you turn 65 years of age, you are able cept some volato re-contribute these funds into superannu- tility in this type ation. However, you cannot add to your ex- of investment because some of isting account based pension. You can invest it in superannuation and ei- the funds would ther start a new account based pension with be invested in these funds and have two account based growth assets pensions, or roll over your existing account such as Austrabased pension and the new super fund into lian and International shares a new account based pension. Be aware that if your son is unable to pay and listed propyou these funds before you turn 65, then you erty trusts. will need to pass the work test to make fur- Q. I am 72 yether contributions into superannuation. ars of age and Q. My father is in an aged care facility. my allocated We have just sold his home and have all pension balance exceeds $1.6 million. I able financially. I would now like to take this money to invest. Interest rates are believe I have to reduce the balance to a trip and wish to sell some of my shares very low so we wish to invest these funds $1.6 million and either cash in or roll over to pay for it as I do not wish to use the cash into something that is earning more than the balance to an accumulation fund. in my bank accounts. I was planning to sell one of my stocks but all I need is $30,000 just bank account interest to provide him What is my best option? with ongoing income as his age pension A. This depends entirely on what other in- and this parcel is worth around $66,000. would be reducing quite dramatically. come you have. The funds in accumulation Can I just sell some of these shares or do I What can you suggest? will pay 15% on any amount earned while need to sell the whole parcel. A. Investing in diversified managed funds is money held in your own name will have the A. This is the beauty of owning direct one option. These funds can provide both in- benefit of $18,200 tax free threshold. There- shares. You can sell as many of the shares come and growth and can be set up to pay a fore if you have no other income I would as you want. You need to contact your bromonthly payment. Depending on the mix of probably cash out some of the funds, on the ker and ask him or her to sell some of these investments, tax may not be an issue, partic- other hand if you have other annual income shares for you. The fact that you are not sellularly if invested in managed funds contain- more than $18,200 then I believe the accu- ing the whole parcel is wise as it could triging Australian shares, because of the franked mulation fund would be your better option. ger a large capital gain. Do not forget to let dividends (tax already paid by the company, Q. My husband passed away two years your accountant know of the sale as he or ago and so far I have been quite comfort- she would need to calculate any gains or which can be claimed back). losses when lodging your tax return.

Q&A

Marie-Louise Muscat is fluent in Maltese and English and can assist you in: * Wealth Creation * Pre Retirement and Retirement Advice * Maximising Centrelink Benefits * Tax effective strategies in retirement e.g. sale of property * Rearranging finances to minimise ongoing fees prior to entering Aged Care facilities Call Marie-Louise for a complimentary consultation on:

(02) 9231 2133

Marie-Louise Muscat is a representative of Fiducian Fiinancial Services Pty Ltd ABN 46 094 765 134 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 231103

Q. I have just received an insurance payout of $250,000. I am only 56 years old and cannot work due to injury. Should I keep this money in a bank account to supplement my living expenses or am I better off investing it in superannuation. I have been told I cannot apply for a disability pension for a while because of the compensation money. A. As you are 56 years of age I would recommend that unless you have made other non-concessional contributions into superannuation in the last three years, you should invest it in superannuation. You should then start an account based pension to supplement your living expenses. This will be treated as taxable income however you will have a tax rebate of 15% and therefore you will pay very little tax if any. Once you turn 60 this will all be treated as tax free income. Because you are 56 years of age and not working, you are able to make lump sum withdrawals from the account based pension if needed and therefore these funds in superannuation will be accessible for you. This document contains factual information only and is not intended to provide any recommendation or opinion in relation to the topic/s discussed. Fiducian recommends that you seek advice from a professional to address any issues that may be raised by this article. Fiducian accepts no liability for any loss suffered by anyone who has acted on any information in this document

4 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday March 14, 2017

At this year’s Australia Day celebrations held at the Holroyd Function Centre in Merrylands way back in January, keynote speaker PAUL SANT, a solicitor, spoke eloquently about his upbringing

and the notion that the country chosen by his parents as their second home, Australia, gives anyone a “fair go” irrespective of their background.

Paul Sant tells his story...

Australia: the

land of a “fair go” D

uring the commemoration of Australia Day, Paul Sant (left) reminded us all to cherish where we came from; Paul Sant delivering the “after all, keynote speech at the comwe are all memoration of Australia Day i m m i grants to this land, apart from our indigenous Australians. Our parents or ancestors made sacrifices for the opportunities that we have been provided with and still have available to us today”. Paul Said said that his father was born in M©arr Malta in March 1915 and first came to Australia in his mid-teens having joined the Merchant Navy. He travelled between Australia and Malta a few times and finally returned to Australia in his late teens/the early twenties where he joined his two older brothers in the cane fields of MacKay, North Queensland together with a growing Maltese community that was establishing itself there. Before the commencement of World War Two, Paul’s father moved to Sydney and got a job with the Sydney Woollen Mills at North Parramatta where he stayed until he retired in his late 60’s. Paul’s mother was also born in M©arr. They were married in Malta after WWII. The father then returned to Australia while he sought to bring his wife to join him. In the meantime, he worked hard like all migrants. Paul’s mother finally arrived in about 1953. During that period, his father also encouraged many others to migrate to Australia. Subsequently, Paul’s mother’s three sisters and father also followed and immi-

grated to Australia. Paul Sant continues, “By the time my mother came out my father had saved enough money to purchase a house in what was then called Dundas and now fashionably called Oatlands. “I was born a couple of years later and we continued living in the Dundas property until just before I commenced High School when my family, which then included my younger sister, moved to Wentworthville. I attended Parramatta Marist Junior & The High School at Westmead.” To supplement his income, Paul’s father did gardening and maintained lawns of homes in the surrounding area. By luck, at the end of the road was an area where many of the local medical practitioners and Paul’s parents, Frank and Maria local Solicitors resided. Paul started Theresa (nee Camilleri) Sant in the to help his father mow lawns and ‘50s after arriving in Australia at the doing the gardening. That was family’s first home in Dundas NSW. when he must have been in Year 6 next to fellow student, Paul Morgan and aged about 11. “I can remember this particular day whose father, at about the same very well; I had mowed the lawn for time, had just qualified as a Solicitor a Mr Harold Symonds, a partner having completed his degree while then of H.M. Symonds & Britten So- working as a Clerk of the Court. On the next occasion he went to licitors. He established his practice in Parramatta in 1932 and was an Al- work at Mr Symonds’ home, he rederman for the City of Parramatta peated the question. This time, Paul turned to him and said without hesiand its Mayor in 1947 and 1948. “I recall after a number of times tation, “I want to be a Solicitor.” “Why,” he asked, and I replied “bethat I did his lawn, one day he asked me: “What do you want to do when cause I would like to be able to be in a position to have someone mow my you leave school?” "He said ‘I want you to give me an an- lawns when I am older”. Paul pointed out that he still mows swer the next time you are here’. Paul says that at age 11 at the time, his own lawns today. That was the turning point. From he had not thought about it. “Here I was, the son of a migrant there on he had nothing else in his family, probably with limited oppor- sights, notwithstanding the doubts of tunities and likely to follow in my fa- some teachers and school counsellors ther’s footsteps, working in a factory, and perhaps some apprehension on but by sheer luck, I had the opportu- his father’s part. “It wasn’t unusual at the time that nity to meet and get to know businessmen and professionals who sons went into the same line of work encouraged a young man from an as their fathers. Nicknames came out of the trade that people worked in.” immigrant family.” At the same time, Paul was attend*Continued on page 5 ing Parramatta Marist Junior and sat

The Voice of the Maltese 5

Tuesday March 14, 2017

Paul’s story an example of one of the greatest qualities of life that Australia provides accepted that role and now works in practice consisting mainly of At the same time, he also tended young lawyers where he can assist the lawns of Ralph Coleman, one of in aspects arising from their practhe principals of Coleman & Greig tice as well as attending to his own Solicitors of Parramatta, a practice clients. dating back to the late 1890’s, who He says that one of the reasons also encouraged him to pursue his for accepting this role is that it goal. provided a succession plan for “I was lucky enough to set my goals his existing clients, and gave at a relatively young age.” him an opportunity to encourAfter completing High School, he age and advise young lawyers. attended the University of Sydney “My first involvement with the and completed a Bachelor of Arts Maltese Community was a and Bachelor of Laws. He com- member of the Maltese Welfare menced employment with a Labour Group, an organisation where Law Firm in Sydney, where he met I was elected and remained as his wife, Sylvia. President for some years. For He left that firm because they would some years during the late not commit to opening up an office 1980’s I also held the presiin Parramatta, so with Sylvia’s en- dency of the Maltese Comcouragement, he established a legal munity Council.” practice with a schoolmate at WestIn 1988, the year of the Australian mead that continued for about 28 Bi-Centennial Celebrations, he was years. Parramatta was where he at that time serving as President of wanted to be and in a big part that the Maltese Community Council of was because it was close to the Mal- New South Wales and was a guest at tese Community the Australia Day Celebrations at the He was approached by and re- Opera House. He still remembers turned to his first firm when he that day vividly. In his memory, it joined them as a partner in 2013. was the largest multicultural celebraIn 2016 the principals of another tion embraced by everyone. Law Practice, Longton Legal where It was also at that time that the his youngest son Andrew had com- Maltese Community Council submitmenced employment as a Solicitor, ted plans for and built the Maltese again approached Paul. Last year he Memorial within Civic Park at Pendle Hill. His involvement with the community continues today where he often assists numerous Maltese organisations with legal advice. “I suppose my story is an example of one of the greatest qualities of life that Australia provides and that is that anyone has the opportunity to achieve one’s goals. This country gives you an opA photo of Paul’s parents taken on his portunity to wedding day to Sylvia on July 14, 1984 live your *from page 4

Paul Sant at his graduation dream,” he said. He maintains that in Australia, there is still the opportunity for young Australians from whatever background, whatever circumstances, to be able to achieve their goals. “We have recently witnessed this in a more dramatic story by 2017 New South Wales Australian of the Year winner Deng Thiak Adut. We see in him the opportunity that Australia has presented; he came to Australia as an illiterate penniless teenager, traumatised physically and emotionally by the horror of war in his country of origin. At best in Sudan, he hoped to finish primary school. “Australia opens the doors of its schools and universities for migrants and refugees such as Deng, and he then went on to finish a Law Degree at UWS and then a Masters Degree in Law from the University of Wollongong. “Deng acknowledges how lucky he was to have received an education in a free land and to go on to use it in his daily life. He can be proud of himself, just like we can be proud of all those people who migrate for a better way of life, have the courage to do what it takes to achieve their goals and who call Australia home.” In his closing remarks, Paul said that the country has migrants and refugees from over 170 countries now calling Australia home, and they bring to the island continent their cultures, knowledge and skills, “all of which have been to Australia’s gain and which have made Australia the land of opportunity”.

6 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday March 14, 2017

Malta Tourism Authority awards 2016 tourism industry ‘Stars’

The 12th edition of the annual Special Thanks And Recognition (STAR) Awards presentation ceremony organised by the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) that recognises the exceptional service by people who work in the tourism industry took place recently. During the evening the Hotel Worker of the Year for 2016 was awarded to Ms Doreen Bonnici from the Pergola Hotel & Spa. Along with six other nominees she was also presented with a STAR Award consisting of a specifically designed trophy, a certificate and a monetary gift. The STAR awards is an important initiative as it is the tourists themselves who nominate people they have met during their holiday, and who, in their view, offered outstanding service and helped make their stay a memorable one. In 2016 almost 5,500 tourist nominations for individuals from all sectors of the tourism industry were made to the MTA. When it comes to the Hotel Worker of the Year, the employees are nominated by the hotel where they work and the winner is chosen by the STAR committee that has five members hailing from different tourismrelated organisations, namely FATTA, ITS, MAHE, MHRA and the MTA. Addressing the ceremony, the Minister for Tourism, Dr. Edward Zammit Lewis emphasised the importance of offering high quality service with a product to match. He also cautioned against the risks of complacency, mentioning that one cannot rely on past successes, but needs to continue working hard and

Minister Edward Zammit Lewis (left) and MTA Chairman Gavin Gulia, with Ms Doreeen Bonnici the Hotel Worker of the Year award winner improving one’s product offer in order to remain competitive. The MTA’s CEO Mr. Paul Bugeja referred to the fact that the tourism industry relies heavily on human resources and that these awards aim to recognise those people who are its foundation. He went on to say that hospitality has always been a strong national trait and continues to be one of the characteristics of Malta that are most appreciated by holidaymakers, as confirmed in all surveys conducted by MTA. He also thanked the hotels and tourism operators for supporting this initiative and encouraged others to do the same in forthcoming editions. This year’s ceremony also featured the launch of the new STAR Awards

website www.starawardsmalta.com which will serve as an online platform for the industry to participate in the scheme whereas tourists can submit their nominations and also avail themselves of numerous vouchers and discounts. On this occasion MTA also launched newly designed printed brochures. Besides Hotel worker of the Year Worker winner Ms Doreen Bonnici, the other nominees awarded a STAR Award were: Ms Patricia Flores Martin (tourist guide), Mr Warren Galea (falconer), Ms Natalene Smith (sales representative), Mr Ridha Ben Moussa (front office manager), Mr Mark Dove, (boatman (paradise diving and water sports), and Mr Martin Hall (diving instructor).

The seven ‘Stars’ winners with Minister Edward Zammit Lewis, MTA Chairman Gavin Gulia and MTA CEO Paul Bugeja Andrej Vujicic

The Voice of the Maltese 7

Tuesday March 14, 2017

Quiet Achievers Night of Recognition 2017

Maltese in NSW awarded for their contribution to volunteering

t was another successful presentation, the Quiet Achievers Night of Recognition 2017 at the Annunciation Hall (St. Dominic's Home for the Elderly) Blacktown NSW. Thirteen people were honoured for their outstanding contribution to volunteering in NSW. Others honoured on the night were The Maltese Elderly Thanksgiving Group and John Beale who received a special award for their contribu-

Two get special awards for contribution in the field of caring/respite tion in the field of caring/respite to the Maltese. Julia Finn MP, State member for Granville presented the awards while Hon Alan Cadman concluded the proceedings. Full report and

more photos will be published in the next issue of The Voice. The individuals honoured (pictured above) were: (Standing from left): Tony Mamo, Victor and Rachel Florida, Ivan Cauchi, Eddie Busuttil, George Attard, Charles Attard; Sitting: Emanuel Zammit, Joseph Spiteri, Frank J. Sammut, Michelle Olliffe, Victor Mifsud and Antoine Mangion. Photo by RitaKassas

Maltese-Korean intercultural collaboration

celebration of music and intercultural A collaboration was recently had at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music's Verbrugghen Hall with Our Lady Queen of Peace Maltese Band performing as special guests at the Sydney Korean Orchestra Eighth Anniversary Concert. It showcased a selection of popular orchestral and concert band pieces, as well as music that would have been new to the ear of many in the 300-strong audience. OLQP Maltese Band's invitation to play at this concert was extended by Jinwon Chang, the Sydney Korean Orchestra's musical director who has been teaching students as part of their tuition programme for the Maltese Band for the last three years. The Sydney Korean Orchestra consisting of Korean Australian musicians was established eight years ago as a subsidiary of the peak Korean body, the Korean Society of Sydney. It incorporates two performing groups, a wind Orchestra that includes a range of woodwind and brass instruments, and a typical orchestra also involving string instruments. The Korean Sydney Wind Orchestra

kicked off the concert with pieces including ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ by Otto M. Schwarz, and ‘Concert for Euphonium, Wind and Percussion’, which included euphonium soloist Tae Young Lee who flew in from South Korea. The OLQP Maltese Band, under the direction of Mro Scott Turner, performed the popular Maltese marches ‘Paramount’ (Mro Anthony Farrugia) and ‘Melita’ (Mjr Anthony Aquilina) as well as some well known pieces including Verdi's ‘Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves’ and Lancaster's ‘The Lonely Mill’. The highlight of the night was the joint

performance of the OLQP Maltese Band together with the Korean Sydney Wind Orchestra that together numbered about 60 performing musicians. They played a medley of Maltese folkloric tunes and an orchestral piece, ‘Land of Tomorrow’. The Sydney Korean Orchestra capped off the concert with a series of scores from a number of film and some adaptations of traditional Korean pieces. The joint performance was a great experience for the musicians and the appreciative audience. It offered something previously unheard and unexpected for everybody. AntoineMangion

8 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday March 14, 2017

Have your say/Xi trid tghid? Your letters/ L-ittri tag˙kom ...

We the Maltese community should be grateful to Hon. Susan Templeman The Voice of the Maltese b bii--m mo on ntth hllyy m ma ag ga azziin ne e

is is a bi-lingual (in English and Maltese) fortnightly online publication specifically targeting all Maltese living abroad with emphasis on the Australian scene. is online magazine is sent via email by request. But if you require a printed copy we can oblige. Editors: Malta: Joseph Cutajar Australia: Lawrence Dimech: MOM, OAM, JP email address: maltesevoice@gmail.com Letters for publication in The Voice either in Maltese or English should be e-mailed to: maltesevoice@gmail.com.

Now you can also join us on facebook: https://www.facebook. com/groups/thevoiceofthemaltese

Chris Muscat from St George’s, Burnside, SA writes:

hatever one’s political leanings, I believe that the Maltese Community in Australia should be grateful to Ms Susan Templeman MP for the way she stood up in Parliament to comment on the issue relating to the amendment to the Social Services Legislation in favour of our community that is intended to cut migrants’ pensions if they spend more than six weeks overseas,

Memorji u nostal©ija bil-˙ar©a specjali! Paul Zammit minn Harvey, SW jikteb:

irringrazzja lil The Voice of the Maltese tal-˙ar©a speçjali stupenda li pproduçejtu N dwar il-Karnival ta’ Malta u G˙awdex ta’ din is-sena. Tg˙idx kemm ©ibtuli memorji u qajjimtuli nostal©ija. Jien wie˙ed minn dawk li meta kont Ωag˙Ωug˙ f’Malta kont nog˙xa na˙dem u anke ©ieli nilbes kostumi fil-jiem tal-Karnival. G˙al hafna snin meta ©ejt l-Awstralja dan innuqqas kont in˙ossu ˙afna. Imma minkejja li kont nixtieq, kull darba li nΩilt Malta, min˙abba n-natura tax-xog˙ol tieg˙i, qatt ma stajt ninΩel fi Frar biex insegwi l-Karnival. Il-kontenut tal-˙ar©a speçjali ©abli memorji sbie˙ u kwaΩi ©abitni nse` li meta issa ninsab pensjonant u g˙andi l-˙in kollu biex nivja©©a, il-mara u jien determinati li s-sena ddie˙la l-mawra f’Malta nag˙mluha fiΩ-Ωmien tal-Karnival, u nibqg˙u hemm ukoll ingawdu dak li Malta se toffri meta tkun qed tiççelebra t-titlu ta’ Valletta 2018 b˙ala l-kapitali Kulturali ewropeja.

While visiting Malta Stay at: The Diplomat Hotel, 173 Tower Road Sliema

Email: sales@diplomat.com.mt Tel: (00356) 23497000

in our case, Malta. I know of only a handful of Maltese-Australians over pension-age who have worked hard for decades in Australia who have been less than 35 years here and spend less than six weeks in Malta when they visit their country of birth and any remaining relatives. Most of us, particularly those enjoying the fruits our hard work enjoy spending quality time with our relatives when we visit them, that is why we normally spend over six weeks in Malta. Indeed this is hurting migrant families and migrant communities Indeed this is hurting us, and other migrant families of other nationalities, old people who like us, after years away from their country of birth, not in their old age, find they can afford trips to their country. Thank you Ms Templeman. We give you our support in order for you to keep fighting for our rights. Note: If interested to read what Ms Templeman said about the subject turn to page 16.

Fejn i˙abbat il-polz

Anthony Borg minn Penrtih NSW jikteb : ejt l-Awstralja fuq btala daqsxejna twila u kelli l-opportunita li nattendi diversi attivitajiet tal-komunita` Maltija. Bqajt impressjonat dwar kemm huma organizzati. Óassejtni qisni f’Malta. Nifir˙ilkom. Jien Ωort komunitajiet o˙ra b˙all-Kanada u l-Ingilterra iΩda fl-Awstralja rajt attivitajiet ta’ klassi. Dan l-a˙˙ar attendejt g˙al Gensna in Concert fil-kazin tal-League Club f’Wentworthville u wkoll l-avveniment impressjonanti fid-djar tax-xju˙ fi Blacktown. Kieku kien hemm prezenti rapprezentanti mill-Gvern ta’ Malta kienu jindunaw fejn tassew i˙abbat il-polz tal-komunita` u jirrispettaw ftit aktar it-talenti tal-grupp Etnika li dehru fi swali Ωg˙ar donnhom mag˙mulin ‘g˙all-mag˙Ωulin’.

Fejn insibuhom?

John Vella minn Hamilton Hill WA jikteb: Innutajt bl-avvΩi tal-Konslu Onorajru Paul Calleja ta’ WA li qed joffri s-servizzi tieg˙u b˙ala rappreΩentant tal-gvern Malti f’lokalita` addattata kull ©img˙a. Fuq kollox qed jag˙tiha wkoll pubblicita`. Meta se naraw ilkonslijiet onorarji l-o˙ra jg˙idulna fejn jistg˙u’ ji©u kkuntatjati mill-membri tal-komunita`? Forsi wkoll l-istess jag˙mlu l-Konslijiet Ìenerali li ftit jew xejn jg˙idu meta l-uffiçini tag˙hom ikun miftu˙in g˙all-pubbliku, fejn jinsabu, eçç. Almenu jien b˙ala qarrejj ta’ The Voice qatt ma rajt taghrif b˙al dan.

Tuesday March 14, 2017

The Voice of the Maltese 9

Final selection criteria for SBS Radio Services Review now available

pecial Broadcasting Services (SBS) Radio has announced the final selection criteria it will apply to a review of its radio services to ensure SBS Radio continues to reflect the needs of communities in Australia today. SBS received more than 600 submissions, representing 85 languages, during a period of public consultation from 14 November to 11 December 2016 which gave people and organisations the opportunity to provide feedback on the criteria that was being proposed. The submissions received were taken into consideration in finalising the criteria published today. The criteria will now be used, in conjunction with the 2016 Census data, to determine which languages will be provided by SBS Radio services. SBS will determine how the languages will be delivered to AM and FM radio, digital radio and digital television, online and podcast services, taking into account factors including audience listening habits, the need to support audience demands for anytime, anywhere news and information via digital platforms,

and the changing demographics of Australia’s diverse communities. SBS Director of Audio and Language Content, Mandi Wicks said: “We are committed to ensuring the language services we deliver reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of Australia today. We are also committed to ensuring the SBS Radio Services Review is a robust and transparent process. “We have listened to the many people who have provided valuable feedback, and today we have released the clear criteria that will help inform which languages SBS will need to deliver to meet the needs of contemporary multicultural Australia – from the largest communities to high needs and emerging communities – with a revised schedule to be announced later this year.” The last review of SBS Radio was conducted during 2012-2013, and it was the first major review of the radio services SBS provided to communities that had been undertaken in 18 years. At the time, SBS committed to reviewing its schedule in line with the release of each Census. The result from this review will serve audiences from late 2017 until the next Australian Census in 2021 prompts the next review in 2022. Changes that have been made to the criteria after the public consultation include: Reflecting the growing number of high needs communities by allowing SBS flexibility to increase the number of high needs languages to more than 15 if funding permits; Taking into greater consideration the English language proficiency of new arrivals and older migrants; and Reducing the wei-ghting of household income as a secondary indicator in the review process. Editorial comment: The Voice of the Maltese is not at all pleased with the final selection criteria. It does not appear from the draft that there will be any significant changes that might benefit the Maltese community. They have simply ignored all the Maltese community concerns as expressed in the submission by the Maltese Community Councils of NSW and Victoria. Indeed very disappointing!

Did you know that.... *Australia is as wide as the distance between London to Moscow. *The biggest property in Australia is bigger than Belgium. *More than 85% of Australians live within 50km of the coast. *In 1880, Melbourne was the richest city in the world. *Gina Rinehart, Australia’s richest woman, earns $1 million every half hour, or $598 every second.

10 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday March 14, 2017

Perspettiva Relazzjonijiet personali fil-˙ajja moderna A version of this series in English may be found in the author's blog at: https://ivancauchi. blogspot.com

kitba ta’

IVAN CAUCHI

Ûejtun

an l-a˙˙ar g˙al xi ra©uni qg˙adt na˙seb dwar l-esperjenza ta' relazzjonijiet personSan Lawrenz G˙arb ali li kelli matul ˙ajti, kif dawn inbidlu maΩ-Ωmien u kemm kienu affettwati mill-kultura tal-post. L-ewwel esperjenzi tieg˙i ©ew minn Ra˙al Ìdid G˙awdex, fl-G˙arb u San Lawrenz minn fejn g˙exu g˙al ˙afna snin il©enituri tieg˙i. L-ir˙ula hemmhekk huma Ωg˙ar ˙afna, u n-nies ikunu jafu sew ir-razza u r-radika kollha, mhux biss tan-nies tat-triq tag˙hom, imma tar-ra˙al kollu u lil hinn minnu. Hemmhekk il-familji jitrabbew, jg˙ixu u jikbru flimkien, u s-sens ta' Sydney komunità kont in˙ossha (forsi g˙adha) qawwija ˙afna. L-interess ewlieni, talinqas fil-passat, fil- tinftiehem, anke jekk kul˙add huwa stran©ier u g˙andu l-˙ajja qaddis/a tar-ra˙al u l-festa titulari kienu jrawwmu din il-komu- tieg˙u, u jg˙ixu sparpaljati, jiltaqg˙u ©eneralment f'xi klabb jew nità. g˙al xi attività. U f’postijiet fejn ikun hemm Ωew© qaddisin, ikun hemm Ωew© Imbag˙ad ftit snin ilu, g˙amilna ©ita twila madwar l-Awstralja, komunitajiet, imma msomma! fejn konna anke ©img˙at 'il bog˙od miç-çentri urbani, fid-diΩabiDik il-qrubija kollha g˙andha l-iΩvanta©©i tag˙ha wkoll, g˙ax tat toqtol u tidfen, u ©rat xi ˙a©a li ma konniex qed nistennew. iz-zekzik tan-nies dwar dak u dwar l-o˙ra ma kien jaqta' xejn, u Inkunu qed insuqu fit-triq, u l-ftit sewwieqa li tiltaqa’ mag˙hom fejn ma nafux inΩewqu xi ftit, u dlonk ir-reputazzjonijiet isiru tri- isellmulna. Inkunu weqfin mat-triq, u jieqfu vetturi wa˙diena li etaq! jkunu g˙addejjin biex jistaqsuna jekk g˙andniex bΩonn xi ˙a©a. Meta kbirt ftit, bdejt nirrealizza li l-esperjenza fejn konna U jekk verament ikollna bΩonn xi ˙a©a, jibqg˙u hemmhekk biex noqog˙du f'Malta, f'Ra˙al Ìdid li huwa daqsxejn ikbar mill- jag˙tuk daqqa t'id. ir˙ula t’G˙awdex, kienet differenti. Konna nafu l-familji li Indunajna li iktar ma tkun fid-diΩabitat, iktar il-ftit nies li jibqg˙u joqog˙du madwarna u xi o˙rajn ftit iktar imbieg˙din, imma jindunaw li g˙andhom bΩonn lil xulxin, u iktar i˙ossu li wie˙ed daqshekk. g˙andu jg˙in lill-ie˙or, iktar i˙oss li jista’ jaqsam l-istorja tieg˙u, Kont in˙oss li m'a˙niex daqshekk qrib ta' xulxin, anke jekk konna u l-mezzi tieg˙u, ma' ˙addie˙or, anke jekk ma jafux minn Adam. nattendu g˙al xi attivajiet formali, b˙al g˙eluq snin ta' xi ˙bieb. L- U l-˙in jing˙ata b'©eneroΩità, u mhux bit-tqançiç. a˙barijiet dwar in-nies tal-post kienu inqas fuq fomm kul˙add, Nista' ng˙id li meta ©ejt bΩonn, sibt g˙ajnuna siewja f'waqtha, mhux l-inqas probabbilment g˙ax fil-fatt ma konniex tal-post. g˙ajnuna li g˙aliha wie˙ed jg˙id 'imn'Alla', f'sitwazzjonijiet li Meta ΩΩewwi©t u morna noqog˙du fiΩ-Ûejtun, l-esperjenza dak il-˙in dehru diffiçli. Dawn in-nies mhux Maltin kienu, imma tieg˙i kienet pjuttost simili g˙al dik ta' Ra˙al Ìdid. Awstraljani ©ejjin minn madwar il-kontinent. Meta ©ejna l-Awstralja, l-esperjenza kienet kompletament difDarb'o˙ra g˙amilna xi jiem f'Adelaide. Issa din hija belt, mhux ferenti. Hawnhekk, f'Sydney li fiha ˙ames miljun ru˙, ma konna ra˙al Ωg˙ir, b'iktar minn miljun ru˙. Hawnhekk, wie˙ed jistenna nafu kwaΩi lil ˙add u domna hekk g˙al snin. In-nies ta' fejn l-istess attitudni impersonali li ssib fil-bliet il-kbar. Madankollu, noqog˙du ma tantx jimxu fit-triq mid-dar tag˙hom jew jiltaqg˙u bqajna sorpriΩi li kultant inkunu weqfin fuq xi bankina qeg˙din g˙al attivitajiet komuni, g˙alhekk l-opportunità li ssir taf lil xi niddeçiedu minn fejn se ng˙addu jew fejn se mmorru, u javviçi˙add mit-triq tieg˙ek hija limitata. nawna nies li ma nafuhomx u jistaqsuna jekk g˙andniex bΩonn Fuq ix-xog˙ol tag˙mel xi ˙bieb, imma tinduna wkoll li hawn xi ˙a©a. Nista’ ng˙id li fi ˙dax-il sena f’Sydney, din il-˙a©a qatt ˙afna kulturi differenti, u huwa façli li tinftiehem ˙aΩin, jew li ma ©ratilna. tifhem lil ˙addie˙or ˙aΩin. G˙al min hu immigrant, dan huwa osG˙alhekk, jien nikkonkludi li s-sens soçjali u çiviku tal-bniedem taklu li wie˙ed forsi ma jistennix meta ji©i, speçjalment meta ma jiddependix minn jekk hux Malti, Awstraljan jew Russu, jew wie˙ed ja˙seb li bl-edukazzjoni u bit-tag˙rif tal-lingwa IngliΩa jekk hux Nisrani, Buddist jew ateu. Jiddependi mill-g˙arfien li g˙andek tkampa. a˙na lkoll qieg˙din naqdfu fl-istess oçean f'dg˙ajjes Ωg˙ar bejn G˙adni n˙ossni stramb ˙afna nimxi fit-triq, ma naf lil ˙add u wie˙ed u ie˙or indaqs, li llum il-wa˙da u l-g˙ada l-o˙ra se jkollha ma jafni ˙add, t˙abbat wiççek ma tant nies imma kul˙add l-˙sara, li hu tajjeb g˙al kul˙add li kul˙add jikkoopera flimkien. ‘b’˙arsa indifferenti, bil-qalb mag˙luqa u bil-pass img˙a©©el', Mill-banda l-o˙ra, meta jkun hemm viΩibilju ta' dg˙ajjes, li b˙al talba li kont ng˙id waqt il-quddies f'Santa Luçija ta' Malta ˙afna minnhom huma mag˙mula b'teknolo©ija avvanzata li tag˙ti tant snin ilu. sens ta 'garanzija' ta' si©urtà lis-sidien sinjuri tag˙hom, dawn Ng˙id g˙alija, er©ajt bdejt in˙ossni ftit komdu kif ersaqt lejn il- g˙andhom mnejn i˙ossu li m'g˙andhom bΩonn lil xejn u lil ˙add, komunità Maltija ta' Sydney. Mhux biss li tista' titkellem bil- allura dan is-sens soçjali u çiviku jikkrolla g˙al kollox, jg˙ib qisu Malti (ma' min ma qalibx g˙all-IngliΩ) imma dik il-˙a©a li hemm borra ˙afifa fix-xemx. g˙erq komuni, anke memorji komuni, t˙oss li huwa iktar façli Jien nistaqsi, fejn tassew tinsab l-g˙ana li tg˙odd?

The Voice of the Maltese 11

Tuesday March 14, 2017

Ir-residenza tas-sajf tal-ewwel Isqof Malti, Baldassare Cagliares

BΩonn ta’ azzjoni immedjata

ttra li kont ktibt xi sitt snin ilu f’©urnal ta’ kuljum f’Malta dwar ir-residenza tas-sajf tal-ewwel Isqof Malti Don Baldassare Cagliares kienet qajjmet interess kbir tant li ftit wara ©ejt avviçinat min-nies mill-©urnal biex nurihom il-post u anke nitkellem dwar din ir-residenza li tinsab fi stat ta’ abbandun. Ìejt ukoll ikkuntattjat minn uffiçjal mid-Dipartiment tal-Artijiet ˙alli wkoll ng˙idlu fejn kien il-post biex seta’ jiççekkja ta˙t liema konfini taqa’ r-residenza. Biex ma ntawwalx, g˙arrafthom li d-dar tinsab fil-konfini tas-Si©©iewi. Kien hemm o˙rajn li xtaquni ntihom aktar tag˙rif dwar din id-dar g˙ax b˙alma qalu, din ir-residenza tas-sajf tal-Isqof Cagliares hija wirt u patrimonju Malti u dnub li kienet tinsab fi stat qawwi ta’ telqa u abbandun. Minkejja dak l-interess qawwi, u wara ˙afna xhur, baqa’ ma sar xejn. Óadd ma talabni biex na˙dmu flimkien biex insalvaw dak li fadal minn din ir-residenza ta’ bniedem li wara li ta sa˙˙tu g˙ad-djoçesi ta’ Malta, kellu r-residenza tieg˙u abbandunata. Biex nag˙ti aktar tag˙rif ng˙id li din ir-residenza qieg˙da bejn il-Palazz ta’ Verdala (limiti tal-Buskett) u Wied lIsqof li jag˙ti g˙ax-xaqliba ta’ Tal-Virtù, ir-Rabat. Kont iltqajt ma’ xi nies li rieduni ne˙odhom jarawha u jkunu jistg˙u japprezzaw il-binja u wkoll innatura li ddawwar dan il-©miel naturali li t˙addan din in-na˙a ta’ Malta. Meta wasalna fuq il-post gabillott li jg˙ix fil-qrib uriena t-triq biex naslu g˙aliha u kif wasalna bqajna ççassati n˙arsu lejn xulxin blabbandun u t-telqa tal-post li kien ing˙aΩel g˙all-Isqof Malti Don Baldassare Cagliares li kien je˙tieġlu mistrie˙ strett. Dan l-isqof li twieled fil kapitali Maltija l-belt Valletta fl-4 ta’ Awwissu tal-1575 serva f’din il-kariga g˙al 18-il sena, bejn it-18 ta’ Mejju tal-1615 u l-1633 fis-sena li miet fl-eta` ta’ 58. Óadem bis-s˙i˙ g˙ad-Djoçesi Maltija u g˙al dan ġarrab oppoΩizzjoni qawwija mill-Kavallieri tal-Ordni ta’ San Ìwann, mill-InkwiΩitur u mill-Kurja Maltija ta’ Ωmienu. Missier l-isqof Baldassere kien ta’ dixxendenza Spanjola, filDak li baqa’ mir-residenza tal-Isqof Baldassare Cagliares

PeterPaulCiantar L-Isqof Baldassare Cagliares

waqt li ommu kienet G˙awdxija, imwielda fil-belt Victoria. Huwa ©ie mla˙˙aq isqof ta’ Malta fl-eta` ta’ 40 sena mill-Papa Pawlu V fl-1615. L-Isqof Malti kien mag˙ruf li j˙obb ˙afna l-arti u g˙ex fi Ωmien meta lKnisja u l-istat kienu jikkompetu ma’ xulxin g˙al min minnhom ja˙dem laktar biex ikollu l-isba˙ opri tal-arti. Kien ukoll l-Isqof li ©ie mag˙Ωul imexxi d-djoçesi ta’ Malta fi Ωmien l-Ordni ta’ Sa Ìwann. Baldassere kien ukoll strumentali biex minbarra din ir-residenza, jinbnew g˙add ta’ vilel o˙ra f’g˙add ta’ lokalitajiet madwar Malta, fosthom fiΩ-Ûejtun, iç-Çittadella t’G˙awdex, u l-Buskett. Fi Ωmienu wkoll ©ew imwaqqfa g˙add ta’ parroççi madwar il-gΩira. Sirt naf li g˙al xi Ωmien, din ir-residenza kienet anke tintuΩa b˙ala kamra tan-nar, u fil-fatt, fil-bit˙a tad-dar wie˙ed seta’ jara skrataç u ta˙lit talporvli mxarrba bin-nida tal-lejl. Ma©enb din ir-residenza mibnija fuq stil tradizzjonali Malti, b’dik il-bit˙a mdaqqsa fin-nofs u mdawra bi kmamar arjuΩi u bit-twieqi g˙al barra, hemm fl-istess post kmamar o˙ra li na˙seb li kienu jintuΩaw g˙al dawk li kienu jakkumpanjaw lill-Isqof. Kollox kien f’kundizzjoni miΩerabbli u tal-biki. Fin-nofs ta’ dan il-qasam importanti, sa˙ansitra fl-istorja ekkleΩjastika ta’ pajjiΩna, hemm ukoll il-famuΩ ‘bir’ (illum mimli ġebel u terrapien) li tant huwa marbut mal-istorja talIsqof Cagliares. Il-post fejn tinsab din l-eks residenza tinsab f’panorama mill-isba˙ u li tassew timlielek il-pulmun b’nifs li diffiçli li ssibu f’xi rokna o˙ra ta’ pajjiΩna. Tara wkoll xenarju mill-isba˙ ta’ Wied l-Isqof (nimmaġina msemmi g˙alih), b’dik il-˙dura ta’ kampanja mill-isba˙ u kwiet taqtg˙u b’sikkina, miksur biss bil-g˙ana talg˙asafar u l-˙oss tal-ilma ġieri jçarçar u jserrep minn bejn il-blat ta’ dawk lin˙awi. Tibqa’ bla kliem quddiem din l-esperjenza u tistag˙©eb kif ˙add g˙adu ma ˙aseb biex jie˙u ˙sieb din il-binja storika Tlaqna minn fuq il-post g˙ax kien sarilna l-˙in. Tajna l-a˙˙ar titwila lil din id-dar ta’ dan l-isqof Malti u lkoll konna fehma wa˙da, dwar il-˙tie©a ta’ azzjoni immedjata biex ti©i salvata.

12 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday March 14, 2017

Roundup of News About Malta

Malta's life expectancy highest across the EU

report by the Health Minister E u r o p e a n Chris Fearne Observatory’s Health Systems in Transition and presented to Minister for Health Chris Fearne, shows that Maltese people live on average 90 per cent of their life in good health, better than any other European country, and life expectancy was longer than any other EU country. Pointing out that Malta has made “exceptional progress” in the health of its people since its last report in 2014, it says that Maltese men live on average until the age of 79.8 years - more than a year longer than the EU average, while Women, lived to the average age of 84.3, again, a year longer than the EU average. The increases in longevity were largely due to declining death rates from all causes. According to the report, Malta had the lowest rate of preventable mortality in the EU, but points out that obesity is the principal public health problem with 25 per

cent of adults obese as well as 27 per cent of children (aged 11-15). The report further highlights that when it comes to preventable death, Malta’s was the lowest in the EU. The report also gives an overall clean bill of health for the island’s health sector. It refers to the increase in hospital beds and nurses, and points out that the number of doctors per capita is well above the European average. Despite all the health facilities provided by the state, the report pointed out that low-income households in Malta generally spend a larger proportion of their income on health, than their higher income counterparts. The Minister said this was mainly related to the fees paid to see private GPs adding that the €20 average cost of seeing a GP in Malta was more of an expense for lower income families than those who were better off financially.

Sharp increase in airport passenger traffic ear 2017 is proving to be a record year Y for the Malta International Airport (MIA) with figures released indicating that

the airport’s traffic in first two months of the year (January and February) with the numbers even exceeded expectations. In January MIA recorded 301,289 passengers, the first time it surpassed the 300,000 passenger mark. It means it welcomed 64,699 passengers more than January last year. In February – that was a day shorter this year - there was a 25.2% increase on the same month last year, which translates into of 59,602 additional passengers, bringing the total for the month to 296,250. This makes February the fourth, consecutive winter month to register double-digit growth, in line with the airport’s strategy to attract more traffic in the shoulder months. Enhanced connectivity to Germany, Spain,

Malta International Fireworks Festival

he Malta Tourism Authority has T anounced that the 16th edition of the Malta International Fireworks Festival,

that this year will be part of the cultural programme of the European Presidency, will take place in April in Marsaxlokk, Gozo and the Grand Harbour.

and Italy were contributing factors to the growth. The United Kingdom, Italy and Germany were the top three contributors of traffic.

Joseph Muscat (left) congratulating Donald Tusk

PM Muscat presides over Donald Tusk’s re-election

n the past few days, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat presided a meeting for European leaders at the Spring Summit in Brussels where a difference in the migration issue that was agreed between the leaders in Malta last month is already emerging. But the first issue he had to deal with and conclude at the summit was the reelection of the European Council President Donald Tusk who expressed his gratitude to Muscat for presiding the meeting during his re-election. In talks in Brussels with the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Council President Donald Tusk and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, the Maltese PM also discussed the future of the European Union and the EU Rome Declaration. Meanwhile, commenting on statistic issued by the National Statistics Office that the economic growth in Malta last year was 5%, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said in the coming weeks he hoped to be announcing a new large investment in Malta that would create more jobs similar to what will happen with the Crane investment.

Valletta 2018 launches programme of events alta’s Valletta 2018 Foundation has g r a m m e ’ s M launched a very attractive Valletta n a r r a t i v e . 2018 Cultural Programme that is made up of Festi rely

a collection of artistic and cultural projects and events that would kick start the year when the capital would be celebrating its title as the European Capital of Culture. The planned activities open on January 20 with an official ceremony. As part of the opening festivities, various dynamic shows will be using Valletta’s open spaces, namely the Triton Fountain, Castille Square, St. John’s Square and St. George’s Square, as the backdrop for their performance. Announcing the programme, Jason Micallef, the Valletta 2018 Chairman said, “The European Capital of Culture festivities will take on the spirit of an island-wide festa, an event where people and families meet to celebrate and talk and which serves to infuse localities with warmth, life and colour, while bringing the community together.” The Foundation has also implemented the concept of the Maltese festa in its pro-

heavily on active participation of different people and likewise, the success of Valletta 2018 requires the collaboration of people from all walks of life, who contribute to the Valletta 2018 Cultural Programme. The programme is filled with innovative participatory cultural events, performances and projects, the likes of which have never been seen in Malta before. Several public spaces in the city would be used to host spectacles for the opening weekend, and a number of attractions would be taking place including the participation of international acrobatics company La Fura Dels Baus, performances by ÛfinMalta dancers and digital projections around the city.

The Voice of the Maltese 13

Tuesday March 14, 2017

Roundup of News About Malta

Malta's iconic Azure Window collapses “It was an unavoidable natural event”

alta and Gozo were not exactly in mourning last Wednesday morning, but everybody was saddened with the news that the iconic Azure Window at Id-Dwejra at St Lawrence in Gozo collapsed after heavy storms and Force 8 to 9 winds in the area. What nature had given us nature has taken away from us. The world heritage site, part of the Natura 2000 site is no longer standing. No wonder Prime Minister Joseph Muscat tweeted that it was “heartbreaking”. The collapse of the world-renowned Azure Window wasn’t unexpected but nobody thought it would be so imminent. Experts, including those from UNESCO had warned that the window that has been immortalised in several movies, documentaries and TV shows, had been disintegrating for the past 50 years and nothing could be done to protect it. Last year the window’s strength and particularly the pillar holding the arch weakened and the condition was declared to be very dangerous after a large chunk of rock dislocated. After that warning signs and barriers were placed along the cliffs and made walking across the bridge an offence punishable by a fine of €1,500. In order to avoid danger, even boats were banned from sailing under the arch. All Malta agreed with the Environment and Resources Authority that said that the arch's collapse, was a loss to Malta's natural heritage but said it did not reduce the importance of the Natura 2000 site, the Geopark. This runs between San Dimitri and Xlendi Bay. In its statement, the Authority said that several studies carried out by the commissioned experts, (including Profs. Vincent May from UNESCO) had all indicated that the collapse of the Azzure Window was an unavoidable natural event. The collapse is most probably the compounded result of the process of natural erosion coupled with the strong winds hitting the islands and the related sea currents." The Azure Window was one of the most

Probably one of the last photos of the Azure Window shot on March 7, a day before it collapsed. Photo on Martha M G/Facebook

recognisable locations not only in the Maltese archipelago, but in Europe, having featured in the television series Games of Thrones and been notorious as a cliff-jumping location Anybody who has ever trodden foot on Malta’s sister island must not only have visited it but also recorded his presence by shooting photos of it. Some must even have dared to walk on top of the arch. The Prime Minister later also tweeted, “Reports commissioned over the years indicated that this landmark would be hard hit by unavoidable natural corrosion. That sad day arrived.” In another tweet the opposition leader Simon Busuttil said, “This is a sad day for Malta. We have just lost an icon of our country’s natural beauty”. The area’s surrounding waters are very popular for swimming, scuba diving, and boating and it was also an impeccable dive site. In a report commissioned by the Environment Ministry in 2013, geologist Dr Peter Gatt reported that around 90% of the horizontal part of the arch had collapsed during the past 30 years, and that parts of the bottom of the arch were prone to failure. Parts of the sides of the arch were also fractured and prone to collapse. All the experts had concluded that although the erosion was inevitable, the structure was not in imminent danger of collapsing. Environment Minister Jose Herrera said

Flower carpet in Gozo Street

n the past few days, to make up Iextent somewhat for the loss - to a far lesser - of the Azure Window, visitors to Gozo had the chance to admire a new attraction, a fresh flower carpet made up of 10 designs that specialist artists from Gozo, Malta, Belgium, Italy, Mexico and Spain assembled in up the hill from ItTokk leading to the Cittadella. The initiative was organised on the occasion of the Conference of the so-called Pe-

ripheral Maritime Regions of Europe currently held in Malta in collaboration with the Gozo Ministry, the G˙arb Local Council and the Gestora de Entidades de Alfombristas de Arte Efimero Commission.

several studies had shown that no anman-made intervention could have prevented the collapse, while Gozo Minister Anton ReA new atfalo likened the traction?The event to “losing a image of an part of oneself”. He ugly face, was keen to stress the remains that Gozo had more of the Azure to offer than the Window Azure Window. Tourism Minister Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said the Malta has lost an important marketing asset. At the same time he expressed his confidence that Gozitan tourism would weather the blow. In a statement the Gozo Tourism Association said that the inevitable had happened and the island lost one of its iconic beauties and the flagship of the Gozitan touristic sites has sunk in its same birth place from where for thousands of years, it stood high and proud heralding one of the natural beauties Gozo is endowed with. It added that the Azure window’s demise should serve as an eye-opener to all to look after, maintain and protect where possible, the touristic sites the Island has to offer. Our correspondent in Gozo told The Voice that the Dwejra as soon as the news hit the headlines, hundreds of the island’s residents flocked to the area to see for themselves what many described as “a tragedy for Gozo”. He added that most probably on Wednesday morning the area had never seen so many Gozitans on the site at the same time. A local fisherman said that they weren’t that surprised with the collapse. After each storm they used to look at the Window still standing and say: “It managed to survive it (the storm)”. This time it failed. Hundreds of people took to social media to remember the arch. The international media, including Australian TV stations, also gave wide coverage to the collapse of the Window.

14 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday March 14, 2017

Ma˙luq kjass s˙i˙ fil-politika D

ejjem nwieg˙ed lili nnifsi li kemm Partit Laburista, imma minn xi esponenti talFost dawk li ˙ar©u jg˙ajjtu g˙at-tne˙˙ija ta’ jista’ jkun ma nikummentax dwar ix- Partit Nazzjonalista. Dan wara li nstab li DeMarco mill-PN kien hemm kandidati talxena politika lokali, iΩda mbag˙ad b˙ala parti mit-tim legali tad-db Group De- PN, Salvu Mallia, u l-artikolista Nazzjonaljinqalg˙u çirkostanzi li n˙ossni li nkun qed Marco, kellu x’jaqsam mal-ftehim li sar bejn ista Daphne Caruana li qalet li s-sehem ta’ nonqos lill-qarrejja tal-kummenti tieg˙i jekk il-Gvern u db Group biex kiseb art fejn De Marco fid-diskussjonijiet dwar l-art talma nikiteb xejn dwarhom. b˙alissa hemm l-Istitut tal-Istudji Turistiçi ITS ma kienx aççettabbli. Tenniet li l-viçiPropju f’dawn l-a˙˙ar ©img˙at, u aktar u (ITS) biex jinbena kumpless turistiku u lu- kap kellu jew jitlaq jew jirtira. aktar fl-a˙˙ar jiem, tant ˙ar©u a˙barijiet u bat- kandi, pro©ett b’invetitibekki politiçi li n˙oss li g˙addejjin min kjass ment ta’ €300 miljun, Il-pro©ett ta’ €300 s˙i˙ politiku, fejn minflok il-partiti u l-midja liema pro©ett qed ji©i miljun li dwaru l-PN qed jiddiskutu l-ekonomija, l-edukazzjoni, l- kkritikat bl-a˙rax mill- qed iqajjem kjass impjiegi, is-sa˙˙a, eçç qed jikkonçentraw Partit Nazzjonalista. aktar fuq akkuΩi kontra akkuΩi lejn xulxin. G˙alkemm sar tentatFilwaqt li s’issa kien il-Gvern u l-Partit tiv biex dak li kien Laburista fil-mira ta’ dawk li jakkuΩawh bil- meqjus b˙ala l-kaΩ ta’ koruzzjoni u l-abbuΩi, issa ©ew imdeffsa fin- konflitt ta’ interess jitnofs ukoll membri tal-OppoΩizzjoni u l-Partit witta billi DeMarco rtira mit-tim legali tadNazzjonalista. Sa ftit ilu kellna lill-Partit Nazzjonalista, u db, xorta kien hemm parti mill-istampa, jixlu lill-Prim Ministru li min sostna li dan sar ma keççiex lill-Ministru Konrad Mizzi wara li l-ftehim kien di©a` sar u allura issa min˙abba l-kont li feta˙ fil-Panama. Kienet ukoll intalbet ir-riΩenja tal-Ministru kien tard wisq. Evarist Bartolo, min˙abba allegazzjonijiet ta’ abbuΩi finanzjarji minn canvasser u persuna ta’ fiduçja tieg˙u. Dan minbarra talbiet ta’ riΩenja ta’ o˙rajn. Kellna lilll-kobba ssoktat ti˙abbel meta l-kap tal-PN ma ng˙atat speçifikament fuq talba tal-PN Partit Nazzjonalista jg˙id li l-KummisSimon Busuttil, fis-solitu diskors ta’ nhar biex jit˙allsu l-pagi, u li l-Media Link ma tat sarju tal-Pulizija kien pupazz tal-Gvern u li mmedjatment malli jinbidel il-Gvern ta’ Óadd, tkellem dwar l-involviment pro- l-ebda servizz lill-grupp. Aktar tard One TV svela li kien il-mexxej kien se jkeççieh. Insomma sensiela s˙i˙a fessjonali tal-viçi-kap Mario DeMarco, li ilu ta’ allegazzjonijiet dwar korruzzjoni u snin twal ja˙dem b˙ala l-avukat tal-kumpan- Nazzjonalista nnifsu li personalment talab lil nija li ˙adet il-konçessjoni tal-art (tal-ITS). db j˙allasu l-pagi. nuqqas ta’ governanza tajba. Il-matterja spiççat ukoll fil-portl influwenti Issa l-istorja dahret fuq il-Partit Nazzjon- Busuttil ˙abbar li mill-ewwel iltaqa’ ma’ Dealista bil-Gvern u l-Partit Laburista jitolbu Marco u talbu jag˙Ωel bejn li jirrinunzja g˙all- fl-EU, “Politico” li sikwit ji©i kkwotat millg˙at-tkeççija ta’ deputati Nazzjonalisti, fos- kariga professjonali tieg˙u inkella l-partit g˙ax midja tal-PN min˙abba l-kritika tieg˙u lillthom tal-Perit Toni Bezzina, li skont rap- kien f’kunflitt ta’ interess. Aktar tard DeMarco Gvern Malti. Bit-titlu: Opposition Leader porti fl-istampa applika f’isem martu biex stqarr mal-midja li mhux veru kien mitlub embroiled in scandal’ in-news portal spjega jibni villa bil-pool f’art ODZ (barra Ω-Ωona mill-kap tal-partit jirrinunzja r-relazzjoni tie- kif il-Kap tal-PN, Busuttil, talab lill-db j˙allsu l-pagi ta’l-uffiçjali tieg˙u. Qal li l-unika reazta’ Ωvilupp), meta dan kien fit-tim tal-PN li g˙u mad-db, imma g˙amel dan minn jeddu. Busuttil stqarr ukoll li “Il-Partit Nazzjonal- zjoni ta’ Busuttil g˙al dan kien li wiret is-sitsawwar ir-rapport dwar l-Ambjent li fih ilista mhux lest jinxtara, mhux g˙all-bejg˙ u wazzjoni minn ta’ qablu, dikjarazzjoni li wkoll PN wieg˙ed li ma jsirx bini f’art ODZ. F’dan il-kaΩ mal-Partit Laburista ing˙aq- mhu fil-but ta’ ˙add.” G˙alhekk kellu jressaq ©iet imgiddba minn db Group. Sintendi l-Partit Laburista rikeb fuq is-sitwazdu wkoll The Times u l-Independent li il-kwestjoni tal-g˙oti tal-art lid-Db Group zjoni. Sostna li dan kien ksur tal-li©i tal-finanzΩgur ma jappo©©jawx lill-Partit Labursita. quddiem l-Awditur (kif fil-fatt g˙amel). F’reazzjoni immedjata l-kumpanija db qalet jament tal-Partiti. Imma l-akbar akkuΩa kienet Ssostnew li l-PN ma kellux i˙alli lil Bezzina jikkontesta l-elezzjoni li ©ejja f’ismu. li tilqa’ l-investigazzjoni mill-Awditur Ìen- li l-partit li dawn l-a˙˙ar kien kontinwament IΩΩeffen ukoll fin-nofs Deputat mexxej erali g˙ax m’g˙andiex x’ta˙bi. Ftit wara Bu- g˙ajjar lill-Gvern dwar nuqqas ta’ governanza tal-PN, Beppe Fenech Adami li ©ie inves- suttil ˙abbar li rçieva e.mail ming˙and id-db tajba u trasparenti, wera li fil-fatt hu stess jimxi tigat dwar is-sehem tieg˙u fil-kumpanija biex il-PN rodd lura l-flus li kien ta lill-partit. b’nuqqas ta’ governanza u trasparenza. M’hemmx dubju li l-appo©© li kien qed jikCapital One li allegament kellha x’taqsam Busuttil fisser dan b˙ala “rikatt” u li l-PN ma seb il-PN minn u˙ud li warrbuh fl-a˙˙ar elezkienx lest içedi g˙al dan “ir-rikatt”. ma ˙asil ta’ flus. F’aktar reazzjoni d-db Group sostna li l-PN zjoni, attribwit g˙all-g˙ajta ta’ governanza F’dan il-kaΩ ir-riΩultat tal-inkjesta ng˙ata nterpretazzjoni differenti mill-partiti poli- kien talbu j˙allaslu l-pagi tas-Segretarja Ìen- tajba, xi ˙a©a li qalitu anke l-midja b’simpatija tiçi. Il-PL qal li dak li ˙are© mill-inkjesta erali u CEO tal-partit. Biex 18-il sieg˙a wara mal-PN, dan il-kaΩ hu daqqa ta’ ˙arta kbira jitfa’ dell ikrah fuq Fenech Adami u kellu l-a˙bar il-PN ça˙ad dan u qal li matul l-2016 g˙all-istrate©ija tal-PN. Quddiem dawn il-kontroversji kollha, l-atjirriΩenja. Min-na˙a tieg˙u l-PN sostna li il-db kien ta’ biss donazzjoni ta’ €3,500 lilll-inkjesta’ wriet biç-çar li tliet eks- partit. Pront wie©bu tal-db li sostnew li attwal- takki ta’ partit fuq l-ie˙or, u quddiem l-akkuΩi im˙allfin li mexxew l-inkjesta ma sabu ment kienu taw ukoll aktar minn €70,000 ta’ skandli kontra skandli, nuqqas ta’ traspag˙all-pagi taΩ-Ωew© uffiçjali tal-PN u li anke renza mill-Gvern u, issa, mill-OppoΩizzjoni, xejn ˙aΩin kontra Beppe. ma nafx hux se tirriΩulta f’telf ta’ fiduçja fiΩkellhom l-irçevuti biex jippruvaw dawn. Kien hemm aktar ... Il-battbekk issokta bil-PN jinsisti li l-pagi Ωew© partiti politiçi u nispiççaw b˙al pajjiΩi ien hemm imbag˙ad il-kaΩ kurjuΩ tad- kien ˙allashom il-PN, u li s-€70,000 li sem- o˙ra Ewropej fejn l-g˙add ta’ dawk li ma jivdeputat mexxej l-ie˙or tal-Partit Naz- mew kienu parti minn ftehim kummerçjali vutawx fl-elezzjonijiet huwa sinifikanti. ...u dan kollu qed ji©ri meta r-rankatura g˙allzjonalista, MarioDeMarco. Did-darba bejn il-Media Link (il-ferg˙a tal-PN) u l-db l-g˙ajta g˙at-tne˙˙ija tieg˙u ma ©ietx mill- Group, b’tal-a˙˙ar jibqg˙u jsostnu li s-som- elezzjoni g˙adha lanqas biss bdiet.

.... u l-kobba tkompli tit˙abbel

The Voice of the Maltese 15

Tuesday March 14, 2017

It-Tieqa tad-Dwejra Striptease fil-Qorti Is-Separazzjoni aktar popolari il-faççata ta’ din il-pubblikazzjoni hemm ffiçjalment f’Malta fl-Awla, inkluΩ l-Ma©iss-separazzjoni baF g˙add ta’ ritratti, filwaqt li f’pa©na 17 hemm Um ’ g ˙ a n d n i e x trat, b’˙alqhom miftu˙ Iqg˙et l-aktar popoukoll rapport intensiv dwar kif it-Tieqa tad-Dwe- striptease clubs. Imma meta niΩΩel il-qalziet ta’ lari ma dawk li g˙al xi

jra sparixxiet wara l-maltemp qawwi li ˙akem lillgΩejjer Maltin. Pubblikazzjonijiet o˙ra kemm f’Malta u wkoll madwar id-dinja kollha wkoll ©abu ritratti ta’ din l-ikona u kitbu dwarha, imma ftit jafu b’din listampa, tat-Tieqa me˙ud fi tmiem is-seklu dsatax. Dakinhar ftit li xejn kien hemm min jammira s-sbu˙ija tag˙ha. Kellna nammettu li n-Natura sawwritha, u n-natura ˙aditha.

dan l-a˙˙ar kellna striptease fl-aktar post fejn ma tistennihx... fil-Qorti meta fi tmiem l-ewwel seduta li fiha ©ie mixli li ˙ebb u hedded lil sie˙bu, u wara li ma ng˙atax il-˙elsien mill-arrest, Somalu ta’ 21 sena, ˙alla lil dawk kollha

Fil-bΩonn tasal g˙al kollox imma trid tg˙in ru˙ek biex Alla jg˙inek

-IngliΩi jg˙idu li “necessity is the L mother of invention”, iΩda kultant il˙tie©a twassal ukoll li wie˙ed jag˙mel ˙wejje© li qatt ma jo˙lom. Hekk ©rala mara li kellha lil bintha marida serjament u ˙te©ilha te˙odha l-Ingilterra g˙all-kura. Meta ttellg˙et il-Qorti qalet li ma kelliex flus biex t˙allas g˙all-kura, u ddisprata biex tg˙in lil bintha, serqet ktieb taç-çekkijiet u sarfet çekk f’Pompa talPetrol u ie˙or f’Banka tal-Lottu. B’kolloxiç-çekkijiet li sarfet kienu jammontaw g˙al madwar €4000. Is-sidien tal-istabbilmenti sabu li ma setg˙ux isarrfu ç-çekkijiet g˙ax kienu misruqa ˙adu l-kaΩ il-Qorti. B’xi mod din il-mara ©iet identifikata u ttellg˙et il-Qorti fejn mill-ewwel ammetiet u spjegat li ir-ra©uni g˙al dak li g˙amlet. Il-Qorti ˙adet f’kunsiderazzjoni l-istorja tal-mara, u po©©ietha fuq probation g˙al tliet snin. Kienet wkoll ordnata t˙allas lura l-flus li ffrodat bir-

fuq u ta’ ta˙t u baqa’ kif g˙amlitu n-natura. Dan se˙˙ meta s-Somalu, li kien wa˙˙al f’rasu li sie˙bu ˙adlu l-mowbajl u Ω-Ωarbun beda jipprotesta kif sar jaf li kien se jispiçça arrestat fil-˙abs. Sintendi r-reazzjoni ma kinetx g˙al dak li raw imma bli se˙˙. Minkejja l-ordni talMa©istrat is-Somalu rrifjuta li jilbes il-qalziet u kellhom ikunu l-pulizija li libsuluhulu mill-©did. Wara ˙aduh fiç-çipp jipprotesta li jekk fil-˙abs se joqtol lilu nnifsu.

ra©uni wara Ω-Ωwie© jaslu biex ifittxu jinfirdu mir-ra©el jew ilmara tag˙hom. Fil-fatt bejn Ottubru tal-2011 u Diçembru tas-sena l-o˙ra kien hemm 6,430 kaΩ ta’ divorzju u separazzjoni. JirriΩulta li minn hom kien hemm 1,864 kaΩ ta’ divorzju f’Malta u 72 f’G˙awdex, filwaqt li fl-istess perijodu fejn g˙andha x’taqsam is-separazzjoni kien hemm 4,174 kaΩ f’Malta u 320 f’G˙awdex.

rata ta’ €150 fix-xahar. Imma l-Ma©istrat ma waqafx hemm. Qalilha li jekk il-flus li jipprovidilha listat ma kienux biΩΩejjed setg˙et tirrikorri g˙and il-Malta Community Chest Fund u Puttinu Cares li Ωgur kienu jg˙inuha u mhux tag˙mel dak li g˙amlet. Ìiet ukoll im˙e©©a mill-Ma©istrat biex ssib impjieg u mhux tistrie˙ fuq is-Servizzi Soçjali g˙ax fi kliemu trid tg˙in Guaranteed cheapest rates ru˙ek biex Alla jg˙inek. All vehicles in NRMA road Service “U mhux tippretendi li l-Istat jid˙ol garanti Low holding Deposit g˙aliha meta g˙andha 31 Discount for weekly rentals sena, b’sa˙˙itha u tista’ ta˙dem. B’hekk tkun Shuttle service to the Airport tista tg˙in biex hi u Phone: 9622 2208 Mob: 0418 405 271 bintha jg˙ixu f’livell ta’ ˙ajja aktar dinjituΩ,” qal 102 Kildare Rd Blacktown NSW 2148 il-Ma©istrat.

Leo’s Vehicle Rentals

16 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday March 14, 2017

A quick glimpse at Australia

Cutting penalty rates will not create jobs

Dr John Falzon

r John Falzon, the CEO of St Vincent de Paul said that cuts to weekend penalty rates by the Fair Work Commission would mean more people would need to seek assistance from charities A statement by the society said that it was deeply saddened by the decision to reduce Sunday and Public Holiday penalty rates. “Cutting penalty rates will not create jobs, but it will build inequality,” Dr Falzon said in the Vinnies statement. “This is an attack on people who already struggle to survive, and for whom penalty

rates make an important difference from week to week. “This cut will disproportionately affect women, young people and people who already carry the burden of inequality. “The rights of workers should take priority over the maximisation of profits,” Dr Falzon added. “There's nothing innovative about increasing the numbers of the working poor in prosperous Australia. And this is happening in the context of the government's systematic assault on the social security safety net. “The answer, however, is not charity. It is justice. We cannot build a strong and fair economy on the misguided premise that people election as “stunning”. New WA Premier Mark McGowan has crushed should need to turn to charthe two-term Barnett Liberal government, claiming ity to top up their inadeas many as 41 MPs in the 59-seat Legislative As- quate incomes. sembly “Landslide is sometimes a term a bit over“Today is a sad day in our used in Australian elections, but this is genuinely a nation's history. We stand landslide,” Mr Butler told ABC TV. with the people who have Labor will now govern in all states of Australia ex- been affected," Dr John cept NSW. Falzon concluded.

Landslide win for Labor in WA election n what appears likely to Iagainst be the biggest swing a sitting government

in West Australian history, the Liberals have lost a staggering 16 per cent of their primary vote as Labor managed to get a landslide victory with Mark McGowan (on left) becoming an overnight Labor hero. This is being considered as a historic result for Labor. It reflects a disciplined campaign focused on opposing the sale of Western Power (with the help of the financial muscle of the unions) and spruiking local jobs in WA’s weak economy. Like the Liberals, after threatening in recent weeks to win lower house seats, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation had a shocker polling only a tiny 4.5 per cent of the state-wide primary vote. One Nation supporters appeared to desert the party over the preference deal with the Liberals. Hanson’s wacky public comments on childhood vaccinations and her admiration for Vladimir Putin wouldn’t have helped either. Federal opposition frontbencher Mark Butler has described Labor’s win in the Western Australian

If you are travelling overseas I

n her speech in Parliament on February 27 on the Social Services Legislation Amendment (Omnibus Savings and Child Care reform) amongst other issues Susan Templeman, the Federal member for Macquarie NSW mentioned the Maltese living in her electorate. Ms Templeman MP said: “An issue that will effect people in my electorate is to cut to migrants’ pensions for migrants who spend more than six weeks overseas after working a lifetime here and then taking a well-earned rest in their mother country. “In my electorate, there is a Maltese community, and they have raised Susan Templeman MP with me that it is not unusual for people to spend an extended time with family in Malta having spent decades in Australia. “Finally, when they retire and go onto a pension, they might just have the time away from work to be able to do it. They do not necessarily have a lot of money, but they can stay with family. “These cuts mean that after just six weeks overseas pensioners who have lived in Australia for less than 35 years are going to have that rate of the pension cut. That is hurting migrant families and migrant communities. To my community, they are painful cuts”, Ms Templeman said.

The Voice of the Maltese 17

Tuesday March 14, 2017

A quick glimpse at Australia

Customers diversity ignored at high cost

he Australian Human Rights Commission and Deloitte, together with SBS, Qantas, QBE and the Westpac Group launch a new report, Missing Out: The business case for customer diversity, exploring how organisations can increase customer-centricity, mitigate risks and magnify opportunities through the lens of diversity. While acknowledging the current work that is already being implemented in this space, the report identifies a critical need to further recognise consumer diversity to maximise revenue generation and business success. The findings reveal that surveyed customers from nonAnglo-Celtic backgrounds, with a disability or identifying as LGBT were significantly more likely to say that they had experienced discrimination by one or more of the organisations they interacted within the past 12 months. SBS Managing Director, Michael Ebeid said that with 28 per cent of Australians born overseas and 32 per cent of those from a non-Anglo-Celtic background, organisations have the best incentive to understand and represent this diversity if they are to resonate with and be relevant to all Australians. Migration will continue to account for more than half of our population growth each year with one new migrant arriving in Australia every two minutes and 12 seconds and households where languages other than English (LOTE) are spoken now control almost 20 percent of all household spending in Australia – totalling approximately $96 billion.

Further research shows LOTE audiences are 25 percent more likely than the population average to have a diploma or degree. 18 percent more likely to use credit to buy the things they want, 20 percent more likely to say they enjoy grocery shopping and 23 percent more likely to go out of their way in search of a bargain. With a significant amount of those surveyed in Missing Out reporting that organisations do not provide the products and services they need, it is evident that more work needs to be done in this area to create and build positive customer experiences for all Australians. Michael Ebeid said that as Australia's multicultural broadcaster, SBS is a purpose-led organisation, guided by our unique charter, where values drive everything we do. “Our focus on increasing understanding of difference, facilitating acceptance of a diverse society and promoting social cohesion underpins our internal and external activities across the business”. To move forward as a progressive and successful society – both socially and economically, organisations need to acknowledge and cater for Australia's diverse groups. From strategy and governance to the creation of relevant products and services and training front-line employees, processes must be put in place to ensure that the needs of all Australians are considered, regardless of their gender, cultural background, faith, sexual orientation disability or age.

Sydney’s economy is booming S

ydney's economy grew by 4.5 per cent last financial year, the fastest rate in 15 years. That would rate Sydney among the region's ten largest economies and in the world's top 40 if it were a city-state like Singapore or an autonomous territory like Hong Kong. NSW's gross state product reached $US400 billion in 2015-16 making it the seventh biggest economy in Asia and the 27th largest economy in the world. If NSW were a separate nation, its economy would rank between Iran ($US412 billion) and Thailand ($US390 billion) on the international league table of economies. But consider this – NSW has only 3.8 million workers compared to Thailand's 38 million. It's a testament to the high productivity of Australian workers. The Australian economy ranked 13th in the world in 2016 when measured in US dollars, according to International Monetary Fund estimates. If Sydney were a country it would rank among Asia's economic heavyweights. The output of Australia's biggest city topped $US300 billion last financial year, comparable to economic activity of Hong Kong or Malaysia when measured in US dollars. Terry Rawnsley, a regional economist at consultancy SGS Economics and Planning, quoted in the SMH said the relative size and success of Australia's regional economies is underappreciated. The Australian economy ranked 13th in the world in 2016 when measured in US dollars, according to International Monetary

Fund estimates. “That doesn't get talked about much, apart from when there's a G20 “ said Rawnsley. “If we were the 13th-ranked soccer-playing nation in the world it would [be] a matter of national pride and acknowledgement. But being the 13th biggest economy just doesn't get the same sort of attention.” National economies are also ranked according to purchasing power parity, which takes into account the relative cost of goods and local purchasing power. On

that measure, the Australian economy rates 19th in the world – still far higher than our global population ranking of 53rd.

18 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday March 14, 2017

Malta participates in the EU Village National Multicultural Festival 2017 M

alta’s High Commission joined other EU member missions in Canberra, led by a European Union delegation, participated in the 21st edition of the annual National Multicultural Festival (NMF) in the city. Twenty-six EU member states’ information booths, collectively called the EU Village, showcased the best that their respective countries have to offer. At the EU Delegation booth, replica EU Passports were handed out to visitors for them to present to the other EU country booths for their stamp. A completely stamped EU passport was then presented to the EU Delegation in exchange for a gift for completing a tour of the whole EU Village. Minister for Multicultural Affairs for the ACT in Canberra, Ms. Rachel Stephen-Smith visited the EU Village and posed for a family photo with the EU Heads of Missions that included Malta’s High Commissioner to Australia, H.E. Mr. Charles Muscat.

Malta’s booth welcomed hundreds of visitors who wanted to learn more about Malta, and also those who have been and wanted to share their experiences of Malta. Tourism information brochures and promotional items were handed out. They were readily accepted and appreciated by everyone. The attendees took part in

Mrs. Victoria Muscat (right) joins volunteers from the Maltese Australian Association, Ms. Connie Grant (left) and Ms. Rose Harn on the Malta stand the festivity and enjoyed the diverse cultural performances, cuisine, and products. An estimated 280,000 visitors from Canberra and interstate attended.

NSCM weekly get-together at the Parkville Centre

Imut Charlie Ellul fl-eta` ta’ 94 sena

˙abbret il-mewt ta’ Charlie (Carmelo) Ellul, imwieled Tas-Sliema fl1923, li miet fil-4 ta’ Marzu 2017 fl-eta` ta’ 94 sena fin-Napean Hospital. Charlie kien missier ta’ tmint itfal. Il-familja Ellul g˙andha konnessjoni twila u strorika mal-Melita Eagles Football Club u l-Melita Stadium. It-tfal ta’ Charlie g˙adhom sal-lum is-sisien ta’ Parramatta FC. Dawk mid˙la ta’ dan ilklabb jiftakru sewwa lil Charlie g˙ax kien wie˙ed mill-partitarji akkaniti.

n Ash Wednesday, the members O of the Newport Seniors Club of Melbourne (NSCM) that meets reg-

ularly at the Parkville Maltese Centre every Wednesday, was once again hosted for Holy Mass by the Fathers of the MSSP, at St Paul’s Chapel, (part of their complex of their Mother House). The NSCM led by its president, George Saliba, his wife Lina, and other committee members was welcomed by the MSSP Superior General Fr. Mark Grima, who celebrated Mass assisted by Fr. Lonnie Borg, who also read the Gospel. Fr Grima then delivered the homily about the season of Lent, and what the seniors can do to fulfil their obligations.

When Holy Mass was over, the members participated in the usual past times and chats at the Centru Malti. It was indeed a very enjoyable weekly get-together.

Article, photosprovided by EmmanuelBrincat (Melbourne).

The Voice of the Maltese 19

Tuesday March 14, 2017

Viva Malta reaches 100 editions T he Maltese living on the Central Coast numbering in their thousands are lucky to be able to tune in to a community radio programme stationed in Gosford NSW - CoastFM96.3 and aired every second Thursday from 6 to 7 pm, aptly named VIVA MALTA. Produced and presented by Nathalie Gatt, VIVA MALTA is also streamed on the web on: www.coastfm.org.au. The programme has just celebrated its 100 editions in nearly four years of transmission. Asked by The Voice of the Maltese to explain its content, Nathalie said the programme is very varied. It transmits traditional and contemporary music from Malta produced by the great talented artists the island has produced.

VIVA MALTA also showcases music by Australians with Maltese background, community news - events happening on the Central Coast and important events in Sydney. It also does its best to promote Maltese Culture, history, traditions and indeed Maltese recipes. It features interviews with singers, prominent people with a Maltese background, including those in sports who make a difference in the community on the

Ritratt: Patrick Bartolo

Il-Maltin ta’ NSW juru l-apprezzament g˙al Ìensna in Concert

-G˙aqda Kulturali Maltija ta’ NSW ippreΩentat avveniment innovattiv fejn flimkien mas-solita dehra talkumpannija teatrali Çittadini wriet filmat ta’ madwar sieg˙a u tliet kwarti tal-produzzjoni u kapolavur Malti, Ìensna in Concert. Deher biç-çar li dawk li attendew, udjenza ta’ madwar 350 fis-sala kbira talWenworthville Leagues Club (fuq) apprezzaw il-filmat li fih ˙adu sehem 18 minn fost l-aqwa kantanti Maltin u li spiçça bl-g˙anja tant emozzjonali, ItTema, kantata minn Mary Rose Spiteri. Il-˙ajr g˙al din l-okkaΩjoni jmur lil Charles Mifsud, il-President tal-G˙aqda Kulturali li tant ˙adem biex jingieb dan il-film esklussivament g˙allMaltin ta’ NSW. Ta min ifakkar li l-Gensna Rock Opera, produzzjoni ta’ Eddie Busittil bl-artisti lokali kienet saret fl-istess lokal fis-sena 2001.

Nathalie Gatt seen presenting one of her programmes

Coast and Sydney. Nathalie, who was born in Birzebbu©a, migrated to Australia in April 1975 said the Central Coast is a magnet for Maltese. According to the last census, there were 2,891 Maltaborn living on the Central Coast. There is also many more of Maltese descent. It is believed that there is more Maltese moving in the Central Coast than anywhere else in NSW. Nathalie, who has lived on the Central Coast for ten years, is the current V/President of the Maltese Welfare (NSW). For seven years, together with her husband Lawrence she volunteered for Gosford Vision Australia, co-ordinating recreational activities for the blind and people with low vision. She was also involved with PCYC by running and presenting a segment of the Traffic Offenders Intervention Program. Tel (02) 9622 7799 blacktown@breakawaytravel.com.au

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20 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday February 28, 2017

Tag˙rif dwar il-kitba Maltija

ktar regoli u tag˙rif uffiçjali dwar kif wie˙ed g˙andu jikteb il-Malti, ma˙ru© mill-Kummissjoni fi ˙dan l-Akkademja talMalti. sonanti jag˙tu wkoll IL-VERBI MNISSLIN (ikompli) sura mnissla. Minn verbi neqsin, innisslu o˙rajn (1) minn ˙abb, Dawn ix-xorta ta’ verbi sadd, ˙att, g˙add, innisslu n˙abb, nsadd, n˙att, ng˙add, jibdew aktarx b’wa˙da (2) minn sâb, ©ieb, ˙iet innisslu nsâb, n©ieb, n˙iet, (3) mill-ittri likwidi: l, m, n, minn tefa, beda, kera, ˙ema nnisslu ntefa, nbeda, nkera, r jew s, x. Hekk minn n˙ema, (4) minn xewa, sewa, tewa, g˙ewa nnisslu nxewa, laqa’, lewa, mela, medd, nsewa, ntewa, ng˙ewa. nesa, nasab, rabat, refa’, Hekk ukoll mill-ewwel sura ta’ verbi ta’ erba’ konsonanti silet, saqsa, xamm, xedd b˙al g˙arg˙ar, heΩheΩ innisslu ng˙arg˙ar, nheΩheΩ. innisslu suriet tal-verbi Jo˙or©u minn din ir-regola, il-verbi wiret, wera, wiΩen, riflessivi: ltaqa’, ltewa, li flok n we˙idha jie˙du nt u jag˙mlu ntiret, ntwera, ntela (flok mtela), mtedd, ntesa, ntasab, rtabat, rtefa’, stilet, ntiΩen jew ntwiΩen, ntqâl (minn qâl): imma minn g˙âd staqsa, xtamm, xtedd. ikteb a˙jar: ng˙âd u mhux ntg˙âd. T.ç. Dawk il-verbi li jibdew bl-ittra s jew x jie˙du jew 16. Verbi ta’ sura mnissla li jΩidu l-ittra t fil-bidu tall-ittra n qabilhom, inkella l-ittra t wara l-ewwel konsokelma. G˙alhekk minn verbi mnisslin b˙alma huma: qarben, nanti, imma qatt it-tnejn flimkien, g˙alhekk niktbu: kaxkar, meΩmeΩ, g˙arg˙ar, ˙axlef, g˙alwel, herwel, innisslu nsilet jew stilet, nxamm jew xtamm, nsela˙ jew stela˙, nxs-suriet ta’ tqarben, tkaxkar, tmeΩmeΩ, tg˙arg˙ar, t˙axlef, orob jew xtorob u qatt ma g˙andna niktbu nxtamm, tg˙alwel, therwel. Kif ukoll minn kisser, bajjad, qieg˙ed, nstilet, nstela˙, nxtorob u lanqas f’verbi li jibdew b’ittri bierek, mieg˙ek innisslu tkisser, tbajjad, tqieg˙ed, tbierek, o˙ra ma niktbuhom bl-n u t-t flimkien. G˙alhekk flok ntrabat, ntmess, ntradam, ntg˙amel, tmieg˙ek. Kif ukoll tqâbad, tqâtel, minn qâbad, qâtel ntg˙alaq, ntg˙ad g˙andna niktbu rtabat, mtess, rtadam, suriet imnisslin minn qabad, qatel. ng˙amel, ng˙alaq, ng˙âd. B˙alma ntqal fl-G˙add 15 ilT.ç. Hawn naraw (1) illi Ω-Ωieda tal-ittra t fil-bidu verbi wiret, wiΩen, wera u qâl jo˙or©u minn din ir-regola ji˙duha biss dawk il-verbi li huma mnisslin u mhux u jinkitbu: ntiret, ntiΩen, ntwera, ntqâl. dawk li huma ta’ sura ewlenija; (2) illi sew l-ittra n 18. Sura o˙ra mnissla jag˙tu wkoll il-verbi ewlenin kemm l-ittra t biex inisslu suriet ta’ verbi, imorru mal- biΩ-Ωieda tal-ittri st mal-bidu tas-sura fl-imperattiv. passat tal-verb u l-kelma ma jteffsuha xejn. T.ç. B’sura tal-imperattiv g˙andna nifhmu dik is-sura G˙alhekk minn g˙amel, g˙aΩel, g˙afas, g˙a©en, biΩΩieda ta’ n (riflessiv – fejn l-g˙emil ji©i mfisser fuq l-istess li tie˙u l-kelma mnissla fil-qag˙da tal-konsonanti wara jew su©©ett li jag˙mel il-˙a©a) niktbu b˙ala tielet persuna qabel vokali u mhux li din is-sura ewlenija g˙andha ng˙amel, ng˙aΩel, ng˙afas, ng˙a©en b˙alma niktbu tibqa’ tidher bl-istess vokali fil-verb imnissel ta’ st. G˙aln˙asel, n˙ataf, u mhux nag˙mel, nag˙Ωel, nag˙fas, hekk qerr, g˙în, sura ewlenija ta’ imperattiv, fil-verb nag˙©en, illi huma sura tal-ewwel persuna tal-futur imnissel jag˙tu stqarr, stg˙an u mhux stqerr, stg˙în, ma˙ru© mill-imperattiv ag˙mel, ag˙Ωel, ag˙fas, ag˙©en imma mbag˙ad minn ˙ajjel, kenn (imperattivi) g˙andna biΩ-Ωieda ta’ n fil-bidu, sura li twie©eb g˙al dik ta’ st˙ajjel, stkenn u minn ag˙ni, a˙bi, a˙ji g˙andna stag˙na, na˙seb, na˙taf, ma˙ru©in minn a˙sel, a˙tar biΩ-Ωieda ta’ sta˙ba, sta˙ja bl-a˙˙ar vokali i mibdula f’a. G˙alhekk minn kenn, qarr, merr, a˙bi (minn ˙eba), n qabilhom mislufa ming˙and il-pronom jien. Hekk ukoll minn g˙affe©, g˙akkes, g˙arbel, g˙allem, ag˙ni (minn g˙ána), ag˙dar (minn g˙adar), ˙ajjel (minn g˙ajjar, mella˙ biΩ-Ωieda ta’ t qabilhom innisslu u niktbu ˙ajjel), ag˙©eb (minn g˙a©eb), g˙andna stkenn, stqarr, stmerr, sta˙ba, stag˙na, stag˙dar, st˙ajjel, stag˙©eb. tg˙affe©, tg˙akkes, tg˙ar-bel, tg˙allem, tg˙ajjar, tmella˙. Aktar regoli u tifsir fil-˙ar©a li jmiss. 17. Verbi ewlenin li jdeffsu l-ittra t wara l-ew-wel kon-

Lejla M©arrija Se ti©i organizzata Lejla M©arrija mill-Horsley Park Community Social Group, Horsley Park

G˙all-Im©arrin u l-Óbieb Nhar is-Sibt 25 ta’ Marzu, 2017

Fil- Mandavilla Events Centre Horsley Drive, Horsley Park Id-divertiment se ji©i pprovdut minn: Charlie Muscat u Joe Xuereb Mistiedna Specjali: Natasha Vella u Martin Vella $65.00 kull persuna li tinkludi Antipasta Malti, ikla ta’ tliet korsi, birra, inbid, soft drinks te/ kafe`. Biex tibbukkja çempel lil: Theresa Quattromani fuq: 0402-178-781, jew Josephine Borg: 0402-040-954 Ejjew niltaqg˙u u niddervertu flimkien. Il-qlie˙ kollu jmur g˙all-Cancer Council

The Voice of the Maltese 21

Tuesday March 14, 2017

C Co om mm mu un ni it ty y N Ne ew ws s La Valette Social Centre

Easter programme 2017 THURSDAY April 6: 10.30am: Station of the Cross at the Centre. Lunch served as a normal Thursday. FRIDAY April 6: Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows (Id-Du-

luri) 6.30am: Mass at the Chapel, procession, Stations of the Cross with folklore music (G˙ana) in the main hall. THURSDAY April 13: (Holy Thursday) 7 pm: Mass, the Stations of the Cross and community adoration. THURSDAY April 13: (Holy Thursday) 7 pm: Mass, the Stations of the Cross and community adoration. GOOD FRIDAY April 14: 3.pm.: Liturgical celebration of Our Lord’s Passion in the main hall. HOLY SATURDAY April 15: 4.30 pm: Centre will for dinner. 8.30 pm: Start of the Easter vigil. There will be no Masses at the Chapel on Saturday. ONLY the Vigil Mass at the hall at 8.00pm. EASTER SUNDAY April 16: 10.15 am Mass at the main hall, procession with the statue of the Risen Lord takes place. During it marches will be played.everyone is invited along with the children.

For more information: Chapel: 9622 5850; Centre: 9622 5847

Tinteressak il-kitba, trid tippubblika?

arrejja li j˙ossu li g˙andhom talent g˙all-kitba, bil-Malti u lQ IngliΩ, u li jkunu jridu li kitbiet tag˙hom ji©u ppublikati f’The Voice of the Maltese, huma m˙e©©a jibag˙tu l-kitbiet tag˙-hom, b’e-

mail lil: maltesevoice@gmail.com. Jinteressa lill-qarrejja stejjer dwar kif forsi waslu g˙ad-deçiΩjoni li j˙allu art twelidhom, Malta biex jemigraw g˙al art o˙ra bil-g˙an li jfittxu ©ejjieni a˙jar.

L-a˙barijiet tal-PBS (Malta) kemm bil-Malti u bl-IngliΩ

˙alkemm il-PBS ta’ Malta tforni lill-SBS fl-Awstralja bisservizz tag˙ha, il-qarrejja m˙e©©a wkoll biex x’˙in iridu jid˙lu f’din il-website:www.tvm.com.mkemm jekk bil-Malti u wkoll bl-IngliΩ. Il-website hi a©©ornata l-˙in kollu bil-©rajjiet li jkunu qed ise˙˙u dak il-˙in.

Brigadoon Bundanoon Highland 40th Annual Highland Gathering on Saturday April 1 $45.00 pp (BYO Lunch and fold up chair) Price includes morning tea and entry into Oval Pick up points: Outside Blacktown Workers near Bus Stop at 6:30am and opposite Greystanes Church at Bus Stop 6:40am 4:45pm Depart Bundanoon for home We arrive back at the above pick-up points around 6.45-7:00pm For bookings call: Doris - 0419 420 915 or Maria - 0431 800 720

Kull qalb trid o˙ra

iex tipproduçi magazine b˙al dan, li wara kollox hu frott tal-passjoni li g˙andna biex fost kollox inwasslu tag˙rif interessanti lill-Maltin barra minn art twelidhom, ma jin˙tie©x biss xog˙ol u ˙in, imma wkoll spejjeΩ. Biex jittaffew u˙ud mill-ispejjeΩ qed nippruvaw insibu sponsors biex jg˙inuna. G˙ad m’g˙andniex biΩΩejjed minnhom, imma bdejna, u ta’ min jag˙tihom ˙ajr. Kif jg˙id il-Malti, kull qalb trid o˙ra, g˙alhekk in˙e©©u lill-qarrejja biex i©ibu dan quddiem g˙ajnejhom u kemm jista’ jkun juΩaw isservizzi u/jew jixtru l-prodotti ta’ dawk li qed jirreklamaw fil-u/jew jisponsorjaw il-magazine.

Consular services in Perth WA

aul Calleja, the Hon Consul of Malta in Western Australia, has told The P Voice of the Maltese that the Malta High Commission believes the level of demand for consular services in Perth justifies another visit from the Con-

sul-on-the-Move to the city. For more information, one should contact below details. The Hon Consul is pleased to inform that he is now able to deliver full consular services including witnessing signatures and certifying documents. Consular services will be conducted at the Maltese Association of Western Australia, 1 May Holman Drive Bassendean on Fridays 5.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m. To request an appointment one should phone: 9271 1847 or email: calleja1948@optusnet.com.au.

Saint Nicholas Festa Committee Main events for 2017 Sunday July 2: Lejla fil-Buskett Sunday October 15: Fete Sunday December 3: St Nicholas Feast For more information: Joe Fenech 0412 009 957 or PRO Emm. Vella 045 677 064

For issues concerning: Ageing and disability - community services education - environment - health - housing planning - Police - transport - water

22 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday March 14, 2017

Community News Tune In to Radio and Television

Maltese Radio Programmes MELBOURNE, on 3ZZZ 92.3FM or on www.3zzz.com.au. Mondays 5-6 pm, Fridays 5-6 pm and Saturdays 1011am. MELBOURNE on 98.9 North West FM, every Friday 6.00 - 7.00p.m. and Mondays 7.00 to 8.00pm. Presenter: Emmanuel Brincat. MELBOURNE: STEREO 974 (93180930): 97.4FM Wed (Maltese Magazine) & Thursday (Mer˙ba): 6.00pm to 8.00 pm Co-ordinator – Ray Anastasi In SYDNEY, listen to the MCC radio programmes on 2GLF FM 89.3. Thursdays 2 4p.m: Martese Caruana presents Golden Mix. Available on demand. Follow same procedure as for MCC programmes, except select programe in reference. In BRISBANE listen to the Maltese Programme on 4EB on Tuesdays 6.00 8.15am; Sundays 4.15pm to 5.15pm Listen to John Borg & Ronnie Borg every Saturday at 1.00 p.m. on RADIO 2RRR 88.5FM or on the Internet www2rrr.org.au ON DeMAND

The SBS MALTESE NEWS

Isma’ l-programm tar-radju bilMalti mill-Kunsill Malti ta’ NSW minn fuq l-istazzjon 2GLF 89.3FM. Jista’ wkoll jinstema’ On Demand minn fuq l-Internet www.893fm.com.au (On Demand >Ethnic >Maltese Council 11am) Il-programm tal-Óadd 11.00 am: l-a˙˙ar a˙barijiet minn Malta, muΩika, tag˙rif, kultura, avviΩi u su©©etti ta’ interess. UNCLE SAM DJ (Maltese Radio) tune in to link: www.unclesamdj.com On SBS Radio Day Time Analogue and Digital Friday: 12:00-13:00 97.7fm SBS Radio 2 Saturday: 14:00-15:00: 97.7fm SBS Radio 2 To tune into digital radio you need a receiver or device with a DAB+ chip. Tuning in is by station name not frequency. Digital radio can also be heard via digital TV. SBS Radio 2 is on Channel 38. The radio programmes can be accessed online (live or catch up) at sbs.com.au/maltese and via mobile phone, using the SBS Radio app. For television news from Malta - SBS 2 TV on Thursdays and Sundays at 8am. VIVA MALTA on COAST FM 96.3 Community Radio in Gosford Central NSW. Aired on Thursdays every fortnight from 6 pm -7 pm. Presenter: Nathalie Gatt. Web streaming on: www.coastfm.org.au.

L-A˙barijiet on SBS TV twice a week nationwide Sunday at 8.00 am on SBS2 (Chan. 32); Thursdays at 8.00 am on SBS2

Maltese Seniors Social Welfare Day Groups

Fairfield Active Maltese Seniors Meets on the last Tuesday of the Month. Group meets in Parish Hall, cnr of Stella Street & The Boulevard, Fairfield Heights.

Maltese Seniors Central Coast

Have to contact our Welfare Officer for an appointment. For all information and referral matters call Censina Cefai: 02 439 000 12 or 0414 267 652

Daceyville Maltese Seniors

Meets on the last Wednesday of the month in the Meeting Room One, No. 3 General Bridges Crescent, Daceyville. Note: The Groups also arrange regular Bus Trips Join us and make new friends.

Merrylands Social Maltese Seniors Meets every second Friday of the month: Miller Room, Memorial Avenue Merrylands from 10.30am to 12.30 am

Llandilo Maltese Seniors Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at the Llandilo Community Hall, Seventh Avenue, from 11am to 1 pm.

Maltese of Bankstown

Group meet 3rd Wednesday of the month at New BCRG offices 15 Kitchner Parade, Bankstown NSW (opposite RSL Club). Every other 3rd Thursday they have an outing. For enquiries call Sam 9534 2357

IL-MALTESE BOWLERS SOCIAL GROUP TA’ NSW Jistiednu nisa u r©iel Maltin li j˙obbu l-lawn bowls biex jing˙aqdu mag˙hom, jie˙du sehem fil-log˙ob u jag˙mlu ˙bieb ©odda. • Jilqg˙u wkoll lil dawk li jridu jitg˙allmu jilag˙bu dan l-isport, li jing˙ataw lezzjonijiet b’xejn. • Jilag˙bu log˙ba darba fix-xahar fir-Rosehill Bowling Club u klabbs o˙ra. • G˙al aktar tag˙rif çemplu lis-segretarju, Tony Pace-Feraud (0400 376 607) jew email lil: maltesebowlersnsw@hotmail.com Il-logħba li jmiss se ssir nhar ilĦadd 9 ta' April fis-1:00 pm. firRosehill Bowling Club.

Australian High Commission on facebook; HC on twitter

he Australian High Commission’s in Malta now has a new Facebook page, and the High Commissioner a Twitter account that could both be accessed by the readers. The High Commission’s Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/A usHCMalta/ The Commissioner’s Twitter handle is: https://twitter.com/AusHCMalta Greystanes Maltese Seniors Meets on the second Monday of each month at the George Preca Centre of OLQP Church, 198 Old Prospect Road, Greystanes from 10 am to 12 noon

The Sutherland & St George Maltese Group Meets every First Wednesday of the Month from 10:00am-1:00pm. Meetings/Get Togethers are interesting, informative & entertaining, so come Join us and make new Friends For more information contact our Coordinator: Charles Mifsud J.P.Phone (02) 9501 5525 – mobile 0421 662 298.

*(All Groups are co-ordinated by The Maltese Community Council of NSW) with a sponsorship from Multicultural NSW. Please contact the MCC Welfare Officer: Marisa Previtera JP on 0414 863 123. The MCC offices are at 59b Franklin Street (corner with Young St) Parramatta West NSW (next to West Parramatta Primary School).

The Voice of the Maltese 23

Tuesday March 14, 2017

C Co om mm mu un ni it ty y N Ne ew ws s

Stedina lill-komunita` Maltija ta’ Sydney g˙all-Programm tal-G˙id 2017 Priedki tar-Randan:

Mit-Tnejn 27 sal-Hamis 30 ta’ Marzu: EΩerçizzi fil-knisja Our Lady Queen of Peace Greytanes. Fl-10.30 am tibda l-quddiesa. Jippriedka Fr Mark Grima MSSP; EΩerçizzi fil-knisja Our Lady of Victories Horsley Park. Fis-6.30 pm tibda l-quddiesa, priedka minn Fr Mark Grima MSSP. Mit-Tlieta 4 sal-Ìimg˙a 7 ta’ Marzu: Fil-kappella ta’ San Pawl De Prio House Stanely Street Sydney, fis-7.00 pm quddiesa u wara l-priedka minn Fr Benedict Sant MSSP. F’dan jum id-Duluri fil-quddiesa ti©i mfakkra il-Festa tad-Duluri.

Il-kommunita` m˙e©©a tattendi g˙all-priedki u l-kommemorazzjoni tad-Duluri kif ukoll g˙al kull ma qed ji©i organizzat biex titfakkar il-festa tal-G˙id il-Kbir, il-mewt u l-qawmien ta’ Sidna Gesu Kristu.

Çelebrazzjoni tal-G˙id fil-Kappella ta’ SanPawl Mgr De Piro House Stanley Street East Sydney Is-Saçerdoti Missjunarji ta’ San Pawl qed jistiednu lillkommunita` Maltija g˙aç-çelebrazzjonijiet b’tifkira solenni tal-passjoni, il-mewt u l-qawmien ta’ Sidna

IL-KLABB TAL ÓAMRUN qed jorganizza

Gesu` Kristu. Il-Óadd 9 ta’ April: Ji©i ççelebrat Óadd il-Palm, idda˙la tal-Mulej f’Ìerusalemm. Isir it-tberik tal-palm u wara, fl-10.00 a.m., il-quddiesa fil-Kapella ta’ San Pawl De Piro House Stanley Street Sydney. Il-Óamis 13 ta’ April: Fis-7.00 pm, issir it-tifkira talikla tal-Mulej, b’quddiesa solenni; wara ‘S-Seba’ Visti tas-Sepurklu. Il-Gimg˙a 14 ta’ April: fis-2.30 pm, il-Via Sagra; Fit-3.00 pm, l-funzjoni tal-passjoni ta’ Sidna Gesu Kristu. Is-Sibt 15 ta’ April: fis-7.00 pm, l-funzjoni tas-sahra tal-lejl qaddis, tal-qawmien tal-Mulej mill-imwied. Il-Hadd 16 ta’ April: Ji©i ççelebrat il-Jum Qaddis tal-Qawmin tal-Mulej. Fid-9.30 am ssir il-quddiesa. Wara kul˙add huwa mistieden g˙al kafe`. F’isem is-Socjeta Missjunarja ta’ San Pawl, Fr Tarcsisio Micallef, jixtieq il-G˙id it-Tajjeb lil kul˙add u jirringrazzja lil kull min jattendi g˙all-funzjonijiet organizzati matul is-sena, l-aktar g˙all-priedki tar-Randan. G˙al kull tag˙rif çemplu lil: Fr Tarciso Micallef MSSP, içChaplain tal-Komunita` Maltija ta’ Sydney fuq: 9380 8398.

THE MALTA COMMUNITY CHEST FUND ANNUAL CHARITY DINNER DANCE

CHARLES MUSCAT U JOE XUEREB B˙ala memorja ta’ John Laus Victor Mifsud se jkanta g˙add ta’ makkjetti tal-Laus G˙alkemm id-d˙ul hu b’xejn, dawk li be˙siebhom jattendu, jekk jog˙©obhom g˙andhom jg˙arrfu lil xi ˙add tal-kumitat ˙alli jsibu l-ikel li jkunu jixtiequ. Aktar tag˙rif ming˙and: GREG: 0411 517 187 KLABB: 9838 1111 _____________ B˙as-snin g˙oddija wkoll, il-klabb tal-Óamrun se jfakkar:

Jum l-Omm is-Sibt 6 ta’ Mejju b’Dinner Dance. G˙all-okkaΩjoni, se jkun hemm divertiment minn Joe Apap u ttalent Ωag˙Ωug˙ James Cassar Se ssir ikla ta’ tlett korsi. Tinkludi cassata u Ωew© fliexken inbid fuq kull mejda. Tintalab donazzjoni ta’ $45 kull persuna G˙all-biljetti çemplu lil Agnes: 0432 714 735: Greg 0411 517 187

FEDERAZZJONI TAL-ISKEJJEL TAL-MALTI INC. (AWSTRALJA

Registration for the 2017 Maltese Language classes is now open: MacKay Qld: Skola Maltija assisi@mackay.net.au NSW: The Maltese Language School of NSW –

malteselanguageschoolnsw@hotmal.com Akkademja Maltija ta’ NSW skolamaltijasydney@yahoo.com.au Saturday School of Community Languages - carmelgl108@gmail.com VIC: Maltese Community Council Maltese Language Classes – admin@mccv.org.au

24 The Voice of the Maltese

Tuesday March 14, 2017

Sports

Parramatta start with home defeat

arramatta FC (Eagles) worked hard in order to kick off this season’s campagn in the S4 NPL NSW in the best way possible and on a high note, therefore they must have been very disappointed to their opening game at the Melita Stadium rather heavily, by 3-1 against Wollongong Wolves, with all the goals scored in the secnd half. Parramatta named two of the Sama brothers in their initial line-up while new signing, 32year-old Nicolo failed to even make it on the bench. One of the brothers, Gosue, scored the side’s consolation tally on 67

minutes (to make it 1-2) in a match in which Wollongong lived up to the pre-match forecasts that they could become title contenders. After two seasons battling it out at the foot of the table it is imperative for Parramatta that particularly as they have set their eyes on finals football in 2017, to put this negative start behind them by improving their performances, starting with the next match on Sunday, also at home, against Sydney FC The Wolves’ goals came from Patrick Antelmi, who got a brace (48 and 87), and Nicholas Bernal (58).

RESULTS – DAY 1

In the U18s Parramatta drew 0-0 against Wollongong. The U20 game was abandond due to player injury. Next matches for Parramatta: Sunday 19: 3 p.m.: Melita Stadium v. Sydney FC 11.00 a.m.: U18; 2.00 p.m.: U20.

Parramatta FC. v Wollongong Sutherland S. v Manly U. Bonnyrigg v Sydney Ol. Sydney FCv Rockdale Hakoah SCE v Blacktown

1-3 2-3 0-2 1-2 1-1

Impressive starts for Green Gully and Sunshine George Cross

n Victoria, the two Maltese clubs have already made their mark in their respective championships. In the PS4 NPL Green Gully have played five matches and now sit in fourth position, while PS4 NPL2 West side Sunshine George Cross are third after six games. PS4 NPL1 Vic Avondale FC v Green Gully 1-1 At the weekend Green Gully came from behind to earn a point in a 1-1 draw against league leaders Avondale who led at half time. Wade Dekker drew Gully level after 55 minutes, but neither side was able to get the all important winning goal. are now on eight points, behind them in the league ladder. The Gully had kicked off the season rather disappointingly with a 3-0 away loss to Ben-

Moroccan makes it 6 Malta Marathon wins oroccan runner and favourite M Mohammed Hajjy lived up to expectations as he won the Malta

Mohammed Hajjy winning

Malta Premier League football

Marathon 2017 title that he had lost last year finishing first ahead of 900 starters, mostly foreigners, in 2.21.06. It was his sixth win in this race. He also continues to hold the record he set in 2013 with a time of 2.16.06. Hajjy took the lead early on and finished ahead of his constant pursuers Yassine Kabbouri, of Morocco, and Latvian Dmitrjis

2-0 4-0 4-0 3-0 1-0 1-0 5-2 2-1 4-0 0-0 1-0 3-1

1-3

Sunshine George Cross added to their impressive start by defeating league leaders Springvale WE 31 away to stay among the front runners so early in the season They sealed the win with goals by Jagajeet Shrestha, Dom Falla and Tedros Yabio and are now on 11 points, to trail leaders Northcote by four points. The Cross had made a steady start to the campaign. A 2-2 draw at Moreland Zebras was followed by a scoreless home draw against Moreland City, but then had a home 2-1 win over Werribee City 2-1 and beat Bendigo City 3-0. On Day five the Cross suffered an unfortunate 1-0 first defeat, to the vastly experienced and powerful Dandenong City who included several ex A-League players. The Cross were unfortunate not to earn a share of the points. Now they are back in contention.

Sydney FC a win away from unassailable lead

particularly as the two teams above them have all been showing an improvement. In the last two outings, both were soundly beaten. As such, the gap between them and the team above them, GΩira keeps widening. Mosta are nine points worse off and Pembroke 10. They have also conceded plenty of goals in their last two matches, Pembroke nine and Mosta 8. Standing P W D L Pts

over Hibernians who had an easy outing. While Balzan and Hibernians are best placed to battle it out between them for the championship, and Valletta are comfortably seated in third place Floriana and Birkirkara are vying for the other spot for a place in Europe. None of them are yet out of the running but Birkirkara overtook the Greens Day 25 with a 3-0 win over Óamrun. Balzan v Floriana In the last two rounds, Balzan and Hi- Hibernians v Mosta bernians collected maximum points with Valletta v Pembroke Birkirkara v Óamrun S. Balzan easing their way past tough oppo- Sliema W v GΩira U sition in Floriana on Sunday and Hibs S Andrews v Tarxien shrugging off Sliema’s challenge in the Day 24 previous round and then proving much Balzan v Pembroke Hibern’ns v Sliema W strong for Mosta to win 4-0. v Mosta In the lower regions of the League table Valletta Floriana v St Andrews Mosta and Pembroke appear to be too Birkirkara v Tarxien R. weak to survive and avoid relegation. GΩira U v Óamrun S.

PS4 NPL2 Vic Springvale v Sunshine GC

Serjongis who eventually placed second and third, respectively. Andrew Grech who finished sixth was the first Maltese runner to finish the marathon in 2.28.16 For the second year running Josann Attard Pulis won the women’s race in 2.58.13, that is, two minutes short of her own national record for the marathon A-League: Lisa Marie Bezzina finished first among the female runners in 1.22.06.

Balzan too good for Floriana

alzan easily waived off Floriana’s chalB lenge defeating them with two first half goals to retain the league leadership, a point

tleigh Greens, but improved in the next game to draw 3-3 at Kingston City and then registered their first victory, 1-0 away against FC Bulleen, to be followed by a second away win on the trot, 4-2 at Port Melbourne

Balzan 25 Hibernians 25 Valletta 25 Birkirkara 25 Floriana 25 Sliema W. 25 Tarxien R. 25 St Andrews 25 Hamrun S. 25 Gzira U 25 Mosta* 25 Pembroke* 25

16 16 14 13 12 10 7 6 8 7 4 3

6 5 8 5 7 4 8 9 3 4 4 5

3 4 3 7 6 11 10 10 14 14 15 15

54 53 50 44 43 34 29 27 27 25 16 14

*Mosta awarded 3-0 victory over Pembroke after protest

nly two matches from a programme of O five were played on Day 23 at the weekend, but what’s more important the fact that table-toppers Sydney FC keep winning, even against their nearest challengers Melbourne Victory whom they beat 1-0 on Day 22. They are now RESULTS – DAY 23 one win away Sydney FC v Central C 1-0 4-1 from an unas- Melbourne V v Perth G. v Brisbane R pos sailable lead in Adelaide Melbourne C v Newcastle pos the Premiership W. Sydney v Wellington J pos race. RESULTS – DAY 22 In the mean- Sydney FC v Melbourne V 1-0 1-1 time, the Victory Newcastle v Brisbane R Wellington v Perth G. 3-3 seem to have Central C v Melbourne C 2-3 given Perth Glo- W. Sydney v Adelaide 0-0 P W D L Pts ry a big push Standing downwards after Sydney FC 23 17 5 1 56 beating them Melbourne V 23 14 3 6 45 rather easily, by Melbourne C 22 9 7 6 33 Brisbane R 22 8 9 5 33 4-1 win. Glory 23 8 8 7 32 The three re- Perth West Sydney 22 5 10 7 25 maining Day 23 Wellington 22 6 5 11 23 fixtures will take Newcastle J 23 5 7 10 22 place this com- Cent. Coast 23 5 5 13 20 ing weekend. 22 3 6 13 15 Adelaide