The Maltese Association of
Western Australia Inc.

About the Maltese Association of Western Australia

A Brief History

A GREAT PLACE TO MEET REGULARLY

Our Association is essentially a product of post World War Two migration. During the early fifties Maltese immigrants began to arrive in large numbers to Western Australia, and therefore the need for an entity to promote and project the interests of the growing community became apparent.

The very first attempt to reach this goal was made by a group of dedicated Maltese New Australians, as they were called in the fifties, who used to meet and socialise and maintain close ties with their fellow countrymen. They formed the "W.A. Maltese - Australian Club" which remained in existence for around twelve months. In that time they held social functions and one reception for a VIP from Malta, it was then disbanded.

By 1958, the Maltese community in Bassendean and surrounding districts had reached a substantial number but still did not have an organization that could act and speak on its behalf, so Joseph Calleja, who had strong contacts with the Maltese community at that time, approached Father Cini of the Missionary Society of St. Paul's with the aim of forming a Maltese club. Father Cini embraced the idea, and between them recruited Joseph Calleja's brother Felix and Fred Wright to form an interim committee. The first meetings were held at Joe's home in Anzac Terrace Bassendean, and so it is fair to give credit to Joseph Calleja as the inaugural founder of our Association. Mrs Molly Asphar, who had been residing in Australia for over 25 years promoted the club's formation and urged that it should provide for the Maltese Community, social functions and official representations to Government and other institutions.

Felix Calleja suggested "Maltese Settlers Association of Western Australia" as a title for the newly formed club, which was unanimously adopted. Joe Calleja was elected President, Fred Wright as Secretary and Father Gini as Treasurer. During May 1958 and June 1959, a number of small functions were organized and the membership grew. The first Annual General Meeting of this new Association was held at the Australian Labor Party Trades Hall in Broadway, Bassendean on Sunday June 7th 1959.

The Old Club Building was at Broadway Bassendean.

New Club Building
May Holman Way, Bassendean
Officially opened on December 7th 2003
Land leased until 2044.

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