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The Maltese Community in Australia Maltese is an ancient language which has always intrigued linguists, according to Kenneth Katzner in his book, The Languages of the World. Katzner believes it represents a fusion of the Semitic language and the Romance languages, which originated in southern Europe. But as a British colony, most Maltese became expert English speakers. Their English language skills made it easier for them to settle in Australia but resulted in fewer Maltese retaining their original language. This poses big challenges to broadcasters. Without language, culture fades. SBS broadcasters see their role as supporting and stimulating community activities that help keep Maltese language and culture alive, for all Australians. Arrival The first Maltese in Australia arrived as a convict in 1810. It's believed the first free settler stepped ashore in 1838, but it wasn't until 1883 that organised migration from Malta began. Settlement By 1912, large groups of Maltese were arriving in Australia but they met with hostility. As described in the book, The Australian People, they were a threat to employment. Supporters of the White Australia policy also opposed their entry. After the upheaval of the Great War, the Maltese community stabilised and flourished. Community services commenced, including the establishment in 1923 of the first club, the Melita, in Sydney. The following decade saw Maltese migrants create large and successful businesses in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, northern Queensland and Perth. From the mid-1940s, Australia also became home to members of the Franco-Maltese population, whose ancestors moved to Tunisia and Algeria in the 1800s and then later to Egypt. Many settled in Melbourne after Egypt's President Nasser expelled all foreign nationals in 1956. In 1948, the Australian Government set up an assisted migration scheme with Malta - the first with a country other than Britain. The peak year of Maltese immigration was 1954-1955. By 1987, an estimated 135,000 Australians had some ethnic link to Malta. Strong ties between the two countries are recognised through a number of bilateral agreements covering social security, health benefits, taxation and citizenship. Community Contacts Here is a list of some of the organisations serving the Maltese community in Australia. The state-based Community Councils help cater for the community's cultural, social welfare, education, religious and sporting activities. The Councils also represent Maltese community interests on important issues when dealing with the Australian Fedral government and the Republic of Malta. Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia PO Box 344 Curtin, ACT 2605 Phone:02 6282 5755 Fax: 02 6282 5734 [mfecca@coombs.anu.edu.au|Email] Maltese Community Council of NSW P.O. Box 374, Blacktown 2148 Maltese Community Council of South Australia P.O.Box 18, Woodville 5038 Maltese Association of Western Australia P.O. Box 272, Morley 6062 Maltese Community Council of Victoria 477 Royal Parade, Parkville 3052 Tel: 03 9387 8922 mccv@alphalink.com.au Australian Maltese Club (Tasmania) 7 Fort St , Riverside, Launceston 7250 Gold Coast Phoenicians P.O. Box 979, Broadbeach, QLD 4218 Maltese Australian Association of Canberra & Queanbeyan P.O. Box 29, Narrabundah, ACT 2604 Australian Maltese Chamber of Commerce Inc. P.O. Box 4475, Sydney, NSW 2001. Malta High Commission in Australia 38 Culgoa Circuit, O'Malley ACT 2606 Tel: (612) 6290 1724 Fax: (612) 6290 2453 maltahighcommission.canberra@gov.mt Australian High Commission in Malta Ta' Xbiex Terrace, Ta' Xbiex, Malta MSD 11 Tel: 356 338 201/4 Fax: 356 344 059 Special Events Calendar SBS Radio's Maltese Language Program produces features, news stories and documentaries on these events of special community interest: January 26 Australia Day March 31 Malta's Freedom Day April 25 Anzac Day - The Maltese Connection June 7 Commemoration of Maltese Uprising August 15 Santa Maria Convoy. (Second World War) September Maltese Community Council of Victoria Cultural Festival September 21 Independence Day November 11 Remembrance Day December 13 Malta's Republic Day Recommended Websites www.fred.net/malta In English and Maltese, the site is a comprehensive guide to Malta with government information and directories, tourism, arts, news and views. www.maltese-ghana.ndirect.co.uk This site specializes in Maltese Music. www.maltazone.com/pbsnews.shtml A hard news source in English and Maltese. |
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