The Maltese Association of
Western Australia Inc.

About the Maltese Association of Western Australia

A Brief History Page 2

Present at the meeting were Joseph Calleja, Joe Calleja (a cousin of the Joe Calleja who migrated to Perth in 1929), Fred Wright, Father Cini, Felix Calleja, Sam Caruana, Joe Agius, Charles Scicluna, Joe Pace Snr, John Pace, Con Zahra and Jim Debono. At the meeting Joseph Calleja was again elected President, Fred Wright as Secretary and Felix Calleja as Treasurer.

With 53 members, the Association was very active. They quickly formed a Soccer team, a Youth brigade, a theatre group, held regular socials and receptions for visiting dignitaries.

Women played a significant part in the formative stages of the club's life, as in deed and they do today. Although men occupied the Committee executive positions, women played an important role in the club's direction and growth. They did not intend to play second fiddle to the men and made their views known early in the formative years.

The minutes of the Annual General Meeting of 1961 showed this motion was moved and adopted "that women will be permitted to participate equally with men in any activity, meeting, or function". The motion was carried, although partly contradicted a motion passed in July 1960 which stated "If women members are successfully endorsed (as Committee members) there must be not less than two and more than four".

Wreath laying ceremonies to commemorate the victories of the Great Sieges of 1565 and 1942 are a traditional part of the club's calendar. The first of these was held on September 9th 1961. The event received media coverage in the press and television.

Correspondence from this period indicates that the Priests from the Missionary Society of St. Paul's took over the running of Maltese
Community affairs. E.g. The Wreath Laying ceremony was organized by the Society between 1966 and 1974. 

By the early 1970's a rekindling of club interest and activities was emerging. The main concern of the club at that period was the securing of premises. A building fund was established and various schemes to raise money were organized. Progress was slow, but with the help of a I substantial loan from Peter and Carmen Farrugia the club was able to purchase the Bassendean Trades Hall from the Australian Labor Party for $7000.00.

On August 23rd 1972, the Committee changed the title of the club from the "Maltese Settlers Association" to the "W.A Maltese Association Club (Inc)". The Constitution was conceived by Chris Sultana and later modified by a committee comprising Chris Sultana, John Calleja and Peter Farrugia. By 1975 the club had taken over from the Missionary Society of St. Paul's. The role of the Wreath Laying ceremony at Kings Park has to this day, continued with this tradition.

The decade between the mid 1970's and 1980's saw a rapid expansion in club activities and membership. During this period the community consolidated and pulled together. The club monthly publication, "The Maltese Bulletin" improved its presentation, the Maltese Radio commenced, a Maltese dance group was formed, a cultural exhibition was staged and numerous Maltese food days, bus trips, dances, bingo and chicken and champagne nights were held.

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