The Maltese Association of
Western Australia Inc.

About the Maltese Association of Western Australia

A Brief History - Page 3

During this period the club managed to pay for its hall and obtained a $3000.00 grant from the Federal Government to purchase club equipment. In the mid 1980's the name was changed once again to the present name of "Maltese Association of Western Australia (Inc)".

Around this time membership fell to a more constant level of approximately 100 members and produced a number of productive years for the Association. Sponsorships were obtained from Mitchells Retravision (still a sponsor today), and World Aviation and Singapore Airlines. This enabled the Association to boost its finances through raffles, regular social nights and the sale of Pastizzi and Ravyul.

By the late 1990's the hall in Broadway, Bassendean had deteriorated to the point where serious consideration was given to demolishing it. Following lengthy negotiations with the Town of Bassendean, 2000 square metres of vacant land belonging to the Department of Land & j Administration became available to the Association on a 42 year lease conditional on signing a legal agreement to demolish the old premises.

During the year 2000 the old property was sold for $65,000 and a Lottery's Commission grant of $90,000 was obtained. Approximately 90 members, many benefactors, building material suppliers, hours of volunteer labour, and a low interest loan of $60,000.00 from La Valette Investments Pty Ltd, made it possible to begin construction of the new premises.

Under the direction and supervision of Henry Wettinger, registered builder and member of the club, the association erected a substantial Community Centre comprising a function hall with a stage, members games room/library, committee room, fully equipped kitchen, bar, and car parking facilities.

The new building, located at 1 May Holman Drive Bassendean, was officially opened on December 7th 2003,by Dr Anthony Sciberras, our Patron, the Mayor of Bassendean Ms Tina Klein, and the vision of many people, notably, Tony Zammit had come to fruition. The Association will be forever indebted to Tony Zammit (La Vallette Investments) for his vision and Henry Wettinger who gave almost 2 years of his life to build the premises.

Since then a Liquor licence has been granted and regular fundraising has occurred with social functions, a weekly "chook raffle" and hall hire.

Each Friday evening club members and their guests may purchase an evening meal and drinks at competitive prices in a relaxed atmosphere. The fund-raising has enabled the Association to erect a storage area, outdoor patio area and Bocce Lane.

With a further two grants from Lotterywest, much needed office equipment and furniture has been purchased.

We have almost achieved the dream, only fine-tuning and two or three minor facilities are yet to be completed. With the good hearted support of members and benefactors we will make the dream a reality.

Your elected committee requests "YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT". Support that will enable us to continue building, growing and maintaining our first class facility for the enjoyment of members, our children who will follow us and the local community.

Whilst individuals may have the vision of what needs to be done, it is the collective action facilitated by an organization that gives the dream its best chance of success.

Compiled by Judy Pavia

Past & Present Presidents of the Maltese Association of WA with the Prime Minister of Malta,

Dr Lawrence Gonzi.