Preservation of the Maltese Culture and Language in the State of Victoria, Australia

Author: Dr Victor G. Borg A.M., M.Q.R., LL. B. (Melb), LL. M. (Lond) (President, Maltese Community Council of Victoria, Incorporated)

Introduction

Over the years, Australia has welcomed thousands of Maltese who had decided to leave their country of birth in search of a future for themselves and their children.

The 1996 Australian Census disclosed that there are 50,979 persons, born in Malta and residing in Australia. The vast majority of them (87%) live in the States of Victoria (24,250 or 47.6%) and New South Wales (20,193 or 39.6%). The Maltese are also represented in modest numbers in the States of Queensland (2,951), South Australia (1,959), Western Australia (1,106) and Tasmania (106) as well as in Australian Capital Territory (344) and the Northern Territory (70). As these figures are based on the country of birth of Australian residents, a large number of Maltese who were born and previously resident in Egypt and Tripoli are not included.

Status of Maltese Culture and Language in Victoria

There are many factors, which have an effect on the preservation of Maltese culture and language by Maltese living overseas. The following are some of the key factors that have played a part in shaping the Maltese community in the State of Victoria.

Maltese Language � a Source of Community and Security for the Early Maltese Settlers

1. Early Maltese settlers were preoccupied with problems associated with settlement in a new country and environment. In Victoria, many settled close to the city of Melbourne and large numbers lived in the North Melbourne Area. There are records of Maltese shopkeepers having premises in the city of Melbounre, including the site of the building in Lonsdale Street, part of which I occupy as a legal office. The Church of St Mary�s in West Melbourne has a tradition for providing services to the early Maltese settlers.

The early Maltese settlers, who tended to live close to each other and in shared accommodation, commonly spoke Maltese. This provided them with a sense of security and an informal network, which ensured employed opportunities and often common employers. Factories in the city area had many Maltese working together, particularly women in the textile industries. Maltese men to this day are well represented on the waterfront.

The Maltese, particularly those from the rural areas of Malta, had maintained their Maltese language and traditions, including their strong family links. They tended to socialise within the community and for many years males outnumbered females within the local Maltese population. The majority of early settlers were single men. However, as the years progressed, entire families made their way to Australia. Husbands and older sons often preceded wives and younger members, who were later nominated for residence in Australia upon accommodation and employment being secured.

The closeness of the Maltese community in those early years was inspiring Carmelo Pirotta (known as Tac-�mieni) from Springvale, is well remembered for his assistance in providing accommodation guarantees for many Maltese who were keen to start a new life in Australia. He housed them in bungalows, which he had built on his large property.

The sense of adventure of the new settlers and their desire to succeed built a solid foundation for those Maltese who were to follow in later years.

As State Government authorities and private land developers opened up large blocks of land residential purposes, the Maltese community, like many others, slowly drifted away from the established city areas. The Maltese had a driving passion to own their own home. Many took up the challenge and physically built their homes in the newly developed areas with skills acquired in Malta. Relatives and friends duly assisted those who did not have the necessary skills.

The Western and Northern suburbs have the largest number of Maltese living in the State of Victoria. Many settlers encouraged and offered assistance to family members and friends from the same villages in Malta and Gozo to settle in Australia. This has resulted in a large number of people from the same towns in Malta living in the same street.

The 1999 publication Counting on Diversity of the Victorian Multicultural Affairs Unit states: "While Australia has had a significant Maltese community since the last century, the Malta-born exhibit a high degree of residential concentration. They do not show the trend exhibited by other post-war immigration groups which intended to desegregate over time." The City of Brimbank, which includes the suburbs of Sunshine, St Albans, Deer Park and Keilor, has a population of 149,475. The Maltese number some 8,028 and represent 5.4% of the total local Government area and 33.1% of Victoria�s ethnic community in this Municipality.

The preservation of Maltese culture and language in the early days of settlement was unplanned and more of a matter of fact. People felt comfortable mixing within their own community and those who had difficulty with the English language felt secure in the knowledge that within their group there was always someone to help.

Maltese Religious Ministering to the Maltese

2. The religious, particularly members of the Missionary Society of St Paul (M.S.S.P.) and other Maltese priests, played an important role in providing many services to those who experienced early settlement difficulties. They continued to administer to the Maltese in their own language and vigorously defended and supported the strong traditional family unit.

The M.S.S.P. also provided some facilities to the George Cross Soccer Club, which had a large Maltese following and trained in Parkland close to the provincial house. The Maltese continue to prefer to have their marriages, christenings and funeral services performed by Maltese priests in the Maltese language.

The Dominican Sisters of Malta and the Maltese Augustinians Sisters have provided educational and aged support services as well as spiritual care to the Maltese. They continue to give comfort to those in distress and are an inspiration to the local Maltese community.

Formation of the M.C.C.V.

3. In 1954 the Maltese Community Council of Victoria (M.C.C.V.), an umbrella organisation of Maltese associations, was established. Over the years, the M.C.C.V. has been a strong advocate and has lobbied continuously with State and Federal Governments for the Maltese Community in Victoria. The M.C.C.V. offers professional welfare services to members of the Maltese community and has some 21 employees.

There are 30 Maltese associations currently affiliated with the Council. The efforts of Father Dr Victor Shields of the M.S.S.P., who took it upon himself to organise Maltese communities in the parishes, which he visited regularly together with his brother priests to celebrate mass in the Maltese language, resulted in the Maltese community drawing closer together.

"Assimilation" Policy of the Australian Government

4. As the years rolled on, and large waves of Maltese migrants arrived in Australia from the mid-fifties to the midsixties, Australian Government policies started to impact on Australia�s ethnic communities, particularly in the maintenance of culture and language.

The now discredited policy of "assimilation" discouraged many Maltese, particularly those with a better education and a good command of the English language, from readily identifying with their community. Many felt that it was in their interest to describe themselves as British subjects. They rushed to clone many of their Australian friends and work mates. They seemed to distance themselves from Maltese community members who openly spoke Maltese and who never denied their background. Other communities, particularly the Greek and Italian communities, who even then were in much larger numbers, refused to conform and demanded from Government equal opportunities and social justice. They exposed discrimination and fought it openly.

Joining Forces with Other Ethnic Communities

5. As the children of Maltese migrants progressed through the education system and joined the professional ranks, they gave early notice that they were to guide the community along a different path. They formed coalitions with other ethnic communities and lobbied and advocated strongly for change. Bonded together with a common cause, a new movement developed in Australia. Their large numbers, and planned involvement in the political process, resulted in the establishment of an effective electoral lobby.

Australia Declares Itself a Multicultural Society

6. In 1974 the Australian Federation Goverment, led by the Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, publicly and proudly announced that Australia was in reality a multicultural society. Funding became available, through the Federal and State Governments, for welfare services to be provided to specific ethnic communities. Special grants were also given to communities for projects relating to the maintenance of the culture and language of birth.

Many Maltese associations were fortunate to be publicly funded for their projects. A number of Maltese social associations came into existence throughout Melbourne and the Metropolitan suburbs. A large number of Associations were established specifically to celebrate the feast day of their patron saint in Malta and Gozo. The Australian church Authorities, who had previously discouraged such feasts, began to accept their responsibilities and slowly gave their support.

Maltese Language Radio Broadcasts under Dr Abela�s Leadership

7. In 1974 Maltese radio broadcasts, initially on Radio 3Z.Z., a community station, and shortly afterwards in June 1975 Radio 3E.A. (now the Special Broadcasting Service), under the leadership of the late Dr Joseph Abela, provided a great impetus to the drive for the preservation of Maltese language and culture. Dr Abela�s personal efforts also resulted in the introduction of the Maltese language as a Victorian College of Education subject. He was inspirational in his encouragement to community members, particularly the young, to value and maintain the Maltese language and culture. Dr Abela carried out professional research in the Maltese community and, for many years, taught Maltese at Monash University.

Opening of the Maltese Community Centre

8. Following an agreement between the M.S.S.P. and the M.C.C.V., to establish a community centre for the Maltese in Victoria, the Maltese Community Centre was built on land owned by the Society in Parkville, a prestigious area in the City of Melbourne. The Centre was officially opened in 1983. Since that year, many Maltese community activities, including an extensive welfare programme, have been coordinated from the Centre. A Regional Office of the M.C.C.V. in the Sunshine area has also provided another venue for community activities.

The opening of the Maltese Cultural Association premises in Albion has provided the Maltese community in the Western suburbs with another meeting place and location for Maltese activities.

Introduction of Dual Citizenship Rights for Maltese Migrants

9. The July 1989 amendments to the Maltese Citizenship Act, and Section 27 of the Maltese Constitution, granted the right of dual citizenship to Maltese living overseas. The retrospective application of these amendments resulted in many former Maltese migrants regaining their Maltese citizenship. The amendments were very well received and viewed by many as a gift from the people of Malta. There followed a great revival in interest in all that was Maltese and a number of people applied for Maltese passports. Many sought direct involvement in Maltese community activities.

The Bills currently before the Maltese Parliament proposing further amendments to the Maltese Citizenship Act, and the Maltese Constitution, when enacted, will extend the entitlement to dual citizenship to many other migrants. In his Christmas message to the Maltese in Australia, the Maltese Prime Minister, the Hon, Dr Eddie Fenech Adami, made special mention of these Bills and the effect of the proposed amendments. These changes truly reflect and acknowledge the concept of a total Maltese community embracing many thousands former resident of Malta now living overseas, who never gave up their love for and closeness to their country of birth.

Preserving Maltese Culture and Language in the Future

While the Maltese Community has done much to preserve the Maltese culture and language in Victoria, it is clear that the community must take urgent steps to ensure that these remain relevant to the Australian-born members of the Maltese community. To date participation in Maltese activities by Maltese youth has been poor and efforts to get them involved have been only partly successful.

Language Maintenance

1. In Victoria there are currently 17 hours broadcast in the Maltese language from the Special Broadcasting Service (a Commonwealth Government funded radio station) and from public broadcasting stations, Radio 3Z.Z.Z., Stereo 974, 3C.R. and 3G.C.R. (Gippsland). These programmes play their part in maintaining the use of the Maltese language and retention of Maltese culture. There are some concerns, however, that these radio broadcasts have not greatly impacted on the second generation Maltese.

2. Maltese language classes are currently offered from the following venues:

(a) The Maltese Community Centre at Parkville conducts adult classes on Monday evenings during school terms. Young students can also attend, provided an adult accompanies them.

(b) Keilor Downs Secondary School conducts classes in the Maltese language at various levels on Saturday mornings during school terms under the direction of the Victorian School of Languages.

(c) St Bernadette Primary Parish School, which is run by Maltese Augustinian Sisters, has included the Maltese language as a compulsory second language throughout the school.

(d) West Sunshine Community Centre also offers Maltese classes for young students generally held on Thursdays from 4 pm to 6 pm.

3. Maltese Associations tend to conduct their regular meetings in the Maltese language. Minutes are often recorded and presented in the English language. Most meetings are bi-lingual with those participating electing for the language they are more comfortable in. This acts as an encouragement to the second generation Maltese to take part.

4. Maltese language is generally used in Maltese households, particularly among parents and older family members. Children born in Malta are more likely to speak Maltese, or at least understand their parents when speaking Maltese. A significant factor is the presence of Maltese grandparents in the home or close proximity. There is every chance that, if Nanna and Nannu have helped raise the children as daytime baby sitters, the children will have a reasonable command of the Maltese language as they grew up in that environment. The extended family of uncles and aunts also has a bearing.

The use of the Maltese language in the home obviously diminishes, or is virtually non-existent in mixed marriages, particularly where the mother is not of a Maltese background.

5. The publication Counting on Diversity, referred to earlier in this paper, indicates that there are some 9,824 persons aged five years and over who speak Maltese in their home in the Brimbank Municipality. This exceeds the number of Maltese-born persons living in the Municipality.

6. Professor Maurice N. Cauchi in his book Maltese Migrants in Australia, published in 1990, deals with the use of the Maltese language in Australia (Chapter 6). His comments are valid to this day. Professor Cauchi has conducted considerable research of the Maltese community in Australia. His recent publications include the Maltese Migrant Experience, published in Malta in 1999, and co-authorship of Maltese Background Youth: Language, Education, Employment and Welfare, which was published in 1999 by the Europe-Australia Institute, Melbourne.

7. Many parents have, in the past, erroneously believed that to introduce the Maltese language to children at an early age will only result in the children becoming confused. This view has convincingly been rejected by research, including that undertaken by Professor Michael Klein of Monash University in Victoria.

8. The Maltese Literature Group founded by the late Dr Joe Abela in Melbourne has a large membership. The Group meets regularly at the Maltese Community Centre in Parkville. At the meetings members are encouraged to read their Maltese writings to the rest of the group. A number of their members are accomplished poets and authors whose work has been published and is available overseas. The Group regularly takes part in the Maltese Cultural Festival organised by the M.C.C.V.

Positive Aspects of the Maltese Language Knowledge

1. Knowledge of the Maltese Language is a relevant factor in determining the relationship between parents and their children. Language is culture and many family values emerge from such knowledge.

2. It is essential for children of Maltese parents to have the opportunity of advancing their own personal development through the knowledge of their parents� language and culture of birth and ethnic background.

3. Australian multiculturalism and education policies in the State of Victoria encourage children to take up a second language whilst at school. Fluency and knowledge of a second language, including Maltese, is an important factor in employment prospects and often, employees who use a second language in their employment are entitled to a special allowance. It is also relevant to promotion in employment particularly within Government services.

4. A special weighting is given to students studying a second language and often Victorian Certificate of Education (V.C.E.) results are enhanced as a result of successfully undertaking a second language as a subject. It can also result in a student being offered a place at a University of his/her choice.

5. The Maltese community in Australia is large enough to maintain a number of Maltese speaking professionals including doctors, lawyers, architects, engineers, social workers and many others. The Maltese generally prefer to consult professionals who speak their own language and are aware of their culture and background.

6. The Maltese Cultural Festival is organised on an annual basis by a standing committee of the M.C.C.V. The Festival, which is in its 20th year, presents a variety of events over a two week programme. These include presentations by Maltese Ghana Clubs, the Maltese Historical Society, Maltese Youth, Maltese Literature Group and an exhibition by Maltese artists.

7. The Maltese Historical Society also plays an important role in the preservation of Maltese language and culture. The Society presents speakers on a monthly basis dealing with topics of Maltese relevance. It has also provided an opportunity for many visitors from Malta to address the community on a variety of subjects of interest.

The Use of T.V. and Radio

1. As indicated earlier, at present there are five radio stations in Victoria broadcasting 17 hours in the Maltese language each week. These radio programmes are extremely popular with the Maltese, although the quality of the programmes varies.

2. The M.C.C.V. makes regular use of these radio programmes to advertise and provide details of welfare services being conducted in Victoria. Maltese Associations also seek to advise listeners of social functions being organised for the Community.

3. Large ethnic communities, such as, the Greek and Italian communities, have obtained commercial licenses on a 24 hour basis. They also broadcast directly from their home countries. There are insufficient numbers and resources available to the Maltese community to consider a commercial broadcasting license.

4. T.V. production at this stage is not financially feasible for the Maltese community. While opportunities are available on a community T.V. Station, Channel 31, our limited community resources do not permit our participation.

5. L-Ahbarijiet Illum, the weekly Malta news coverage on S.B.S. T.V., Channel 28, is extremely popular with the Maltese. Many people record the programme, which is transmitted on Sundays at 6.00 a.m., and circulate it amongst their friends. Other T.V. programmes from Malta are also well received and there is a constant demand on the S.B.S. Board to increase Maltese content on television.

6. Boomerang, the Maltese T.V. programme produced and presented by Mrs Josephine Zammit Cordina is made available to the Maltese community on video tape. This tapes are in constant demand from the M.C.C.V. library in Parkville.

Books in Maltese and About Malta

1. The M.C.C.V. library has a collection of Maltese books and books about Malta. The library is open to all Maltese community members. The library is opened twice a week for the public. By special arrangements, the library can be opened for schools and other groups of interested persons. The library also has a range of audio-visual materials and an internet facility is available.

2. The M.C.C.V. has purchased a large part of its collection, although donations have been received from the Government of Malta and the Bank of Valletta. Private donors have also been of assistance.

3. The M.C.C.V., through the Maltese Literature Group, also stocks a number of Maltese books for sale. Maltese-English dictionaries are always in demand.

4. Maltese families generally do not have their own collection of Maltese books. Some purchase Maltese books on visits to Malta or from the Maltese Literature Group. They also receive books as gifts from relatives overseas.

5. The State of Victoria public library, situated in the City of Melbourne, has a collection of books in the Maltese language and about Malta.

6. A number of Municipal libraries in the Metropolitan area, also have Maltese books as part of their collection in their Multicultural section.

7. The Moreland City Library has, on enquiry, advised that the Maltese collection is kept at the Glenroy Library. The collection consists of books (adult fiction and non fiction and junior fiction), casettes and CDs and some magazines and newspapers. There are 609 items in the Maltese language and 57 items in English. The Library has indicated that it is prepared to purchase more Maltese books if these became available.

8. Yarra Plenty Regional Library has reported that it has a Maltese collection of 500 items, consisting of 400 books and 100 audio-visual items.

9. A number of Government school libraries also stock Maltese books and books on Malta but these are limited in number.

10. The Maltese Herald newspaper, which is produced in Sydney, has been published over the last 40 years. While it is generally posted to subscribers in the Australian States, the newspaper is available for purchase from newsagents in Melbourne and Sydney.

11. Between 1990 and 1997 the M.C.C.V. published a newspaper called Il-Maltija. Unfortunately this had to be discontinued due to financial constraints. The M.C.C.V. currently produces a monthly newsletter for distribution. A number of affiliated associations, including Reskeon Maltese Association, also publish monthly newsletters containing diverse information about community activities.

Maltese "Festas"

1. The Feast of Santa Marija l-Bambina is the longest standing Maltese feast celebrated in Victoria. It currently forms part of the M.C.C.V. Cultural Festival. The religious part of the Festival is organised by the M.S.S.P. and the M.C.C.V. co-ordinates activities around the Church. In traditional Maltese style, the statue of Our Lady is carried shoulder high in the streets around the Church, accompanied by the Maltese Bands and members of the Maltese Community. Mass is celebrated at St Mary�s Church in West Melbourne and is co-celebrated by a number of Maltese priests. Social activities are also organised for the Maltese community immediately after the religious service.

2. There are some 12 associations in Victoria, formed specifically for the purpose of ogranising the celebration of the feast day of their patron saints for the various villages and towns in Malta and Gozo. A procession with the statue of the patron saint forms part of the religious celebrations. Social functions are also organised during the days leading to the feast day and upon completion of the religious service.

3. A Good Friday Committee was formed some five years ago. The Good Friday procession, with a number of statues imported from Malta, has become very popular. The procession includes people dressed in appropriate costumes and artefacts carried by young children.

4. Celebration of midnight Mass in the Maltese language is held at the Maltese Community Centre at Parkville and the Maltese Cultural Centre in Albion. The sermon by a young person (il-priedka tat-tifel) is a highlight of the Mass. New ground was broken last year as both a boy and a girl were specifically coached to deliver the sermon in Maltese. Lillian Calleja from Melbourne has been charged with this responsibility for some ten years.

Food and Beverages

1. Maltese cuisine has taken its pride of place in Australia. It has broken out of the family kitchen and into the general Australian community.

2. Maltese pastizzi, gbejniet, qaghaq tal-ghasel, imqaret, ravjul, imqarrun and other items are readily available for purchase particularly in Melbourne and Sydney.

3. These food items are also available from the Maltese Community Centre in Parkville, particularly during Friday�s bingo sessions (tombla) where they can be consumed on the premised or purchased to be taken home. Purchases can also be made from the Maltese Cultural Centre in Albion.

4. Australian supermarkets openly market pastizzi produced by the Maltese. To meet the Australian palate, fillings for pastizzi now extend to pizza, cheese and spinach and others.

5. Kinnie, the popular Maltese soft drink, whilst no longer manufactured in Australia, is imported by a non-Maltese businessman, operating from the Western suburbs of Melbourne.

6. Farsons Cisk beer is also imported by the same businessman and distributed to the Maltese community on demand.

Other Developments and Activities

1. There are two Maltese Folk Music (ghana) Associations in Melbourne. They have a large following and their presentations are extremely popular at the annual Maltese Cultural Festival organised by the M.C.C.V. Members meet on a weekly basis and a number of young Maltese have taken up guitar accompaniment (prejjem) in the ghana style.

2. Manuel Casha, a Melbourne resident, has produced material on the history of Maltese Folk Music (ghana) and has been a great source of encouragement, particularly to the young. He has his own recording studio and has written many musical scores. He has also produced a variety of Maltese musical works. A C.D. called "Veduti", containing a collection of songs by Maltese artists, was recently released in Melbourne. He has also been involved in the early establishment of the Maltese community radio programmes. He currently presents a fortnightly segment on Maltese Folk Music (ghana) on S.B.S. Radio.

3. Vincent Pulo, a Melbourne resident and a founder member of "Harmonic 65", has blazed a path in the development of music with a Maltese themes and background. His group regularly represents the Maltese community in the various ethnic community concerts and functions in Victoria. The recent Harmonic 65 production of the musical Malet has been hailed as a breakthrough in Maltese-Australian entertainment.

4. Three brass bands regularly entertain the Maltese community in Victoria and other States. The Maltese Own Band, which was the first established from the Maltese Community Centre, has been joined by the Malta-Gozo Brimbank City Band and the St Albans Melita Band. The Bands are generally observed taking part in the Bambina Festival in Melbourne. The Maltese brass bands are also in great demand by Festa organisers.

5. The Maltese Young Dancers are a regular feature from the Maltese Cultural Centre where they have their practice sessions. They perform publicly wearing traditional Maltese costumes.

6. A very popular Maltese Community picnic, known as Jum Il-Maltin, is held on an annual basis on the third Sunday in November. It is organised by the Reskeon Maltese Association, an affiliate of the M.C.C.V. It provides a great opportunity for Maltese community members to get together and engage in recreational activities, such as, bocci and soccer competition.

Recommendations and Assistance from Malta

To ensure that the future of the Maltese culture and language is secure in Australia and particularly in Victoria, it is recommended that the following action be taken by the Government of Malta, the Malta Emigrants Commission and the University of Malta:

1. That the Malta Government create a new Ministry within Cabinet to represent the interest of Maltese living overseas. This will give credence and support to the concept of a total Maltese community embracing all people of Maltese origin regardless of their country of residence.

2. That the Malta Government facilitate and resource the establishment of an international organisation of Maltese living overseas with an interim committee being formed from delegates attending the Convention.

3. That the Malta Government resource the establishment of a Maltese language and culture course under the direction and management of the University of Malta. These courses could be made available to the Maltese living overseas by way of distance learning using the internet and/or by correspondence.

4. That the Malta Government establish an Institute of Maltese Language and Culture, particularly in the States of Victoria and New South Wales, (having regard to the number of Maltese living in these States), with the assistance and involvement of the Maltese Community Councils in these States.

5. That the Malta Government fund the establishment of a Chair in the Maltese language in the Universities of Melbourne and New South Wales.

6. That the Malta Government resources the coordination of Maltese language and culture courses in the Australian States, particularly in the States of Victoria and New South Wales by:

(a) providing two Maltese language teachers in each of the States of Victoria and New South Wales. This could possibly be undertaken through a �teacher exchange programme�, by arrangements with the Maltese Community Councils in the States, or through the Maltese National Council of Australia, which is being established;

(b) providing teacher aid materials; and

7. That the Malta Government, in conjunction with the University of Malta and the Malta Emigrants Commission, establish and provide short term (8 to 10 weeks) courses in the Maltese language and culture for children of Maltese living overseas visiting Malta between the months of December and January, which coincide with school holidays in Australia.

8. That the Malta Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, fund and market a special holiday programme focusing on Maltese educational and historical aspects for the Maltese living overseas and their friends. The programme would promote and encourage tourism to Malta and indirectly create an interest and a commitment to the Maltese language and culture by those visiting Malta. The "Roots" programme, currently being developed in Malta, should be strongly supported and recommended.

9. That the Malta Government, in conjunction with the Malta Emigrants Commission and the Maltese Community Councils in Australia and other countries, establish a student exchange programme.

10. That the Malta Government, in conjunction with Malta Community Councils in Australia, encourage young Maltese in Malta and in Australia to take up the opportunities provided by the holiday makers programme arising from the agreement signed by Australian and Maltese governments.

11. That the Malta Government, in conjunction with Maltese Community Councils overseas, assist in the establishment of collections of Maltese books and materials in Maltese community libraries and public libraries in area where large numbers of Maltese reside.

12. That the Malta Government finance regular visits of specialist speakers and performing artists to address and perform to the Maltese communities overseas.

13. That the Malta Government encourage the promotion of the arts by offering scholarships to talented children of Maltese living overseas, who show promise, and provide them with the opportunity of exhibiting and performing their works overseas.

14. That the Malta Government establish a register of up and coming Maltese talent living overseas to facilitate and encourage an exchange of information and ideas with Maltese living in Malta having similar interests. The Malta Government website could be expanded to provide facilities for this purpose, such as, "chat rooms" and bulletin boards.

15. That the Malta Government provide a subsidy to the Maltese communities overseas to enable them to meet the costs of publication of newspapers and journals for circulation among the Maltese abroad.

16. That the Malta Government establish an advisory committee of representatives of Maltese communities overseas to meet in Malta biennially. The purpose of the committee would be to advise the Malta Government on matters affecting Maltese residents abroad. Membership of the committee could consist of the Executive Members of the international organisation of Maltese living overseas, referred in Recommendation 2 above.

Acknowledgements

I wish to acknowledge the assistance given to me by two members of my Executive in the M.C.C.V., Dr Edwin Borg-Manch� and Edwina Mallia, in the research and preparation of this Paper.
I also wish to publicly record my appreciation and that of the Maltese Community in Victoria to the Malta Government and the Maltese Emigrants Commission in holding this Convention.
Finally I would like to acknowledge the hard work and efforts of George N. Busuttil, Chairman, Victor Pace and the other members of the Organising Committee.

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