Maltese Historical Association (Australia)The Maltese Historical Association (Australia) was founded in 1986 by Joseph Borg and Dr. Henry Frendo. After discussing the concept with the then President of the Maltese Community Council of Victoria, Dr. Maurice Cauchi, a committee was formed, consisting of Dr. Henry Frendo (President), Joseph Borg (Secretary), Michael Agius, Tony Portelli and Mary Galea as committee members. The objectives of the Association are: - To promote interest in and the study of the history of Malta and of the Maltese people;
- Encourage and support research in Maltese history and in the history of Maltese settlement in the Commonwealth of Australia and in other countries;
- Develop and maintain contact with similar organizations.
A constitution was drafted and adopted. Meetings were to be held every two months and membership was open to all. Some thirty to forty people attended these lectures. Guest speakers were invited to talk on topics related to Malta and its people. Some of the topics covered included: The Maltese in Libya, the Maltese in Egypt, The Great Siege of 1565, The Neolithic Period, Poetry of the Maltese Language, The History of Malta through stamps, The Geology of Malta, etc. Some of the speakers were: Dr. Godfrey Wettinger, Mr. Joseph Sammut (SMOM), Prof. Maurice Cauchi, Prof. Henry Frendo, Prof. Mary Galea, Prof. Richard Divall (SMOM), Sir James Gobbo, Prof. Tony Sagona, Mr. Manwel Cassar, etc. One of its biggest projects was the presentation of "The Malta Experience", a 650 odd slide show using three projectors, based on the 'Malta Experience" shown in Malta. This show was put together by Joseph Borg with kind permission from the Demajo Bros. Through pressure by the membership of the Association meetings were changed to monthly rather than two-monthly. This has proved to be a great success since the number of attendees has climbed to between fifty to eighty per meeting. Over the years, the Association was led by very effective Presidents, namely: Dr. Henry Frendo, Joseph Borg, Dr. Albert Farrugia, Edwina Mallia, and George Portelli. From an initial membership base of about fifty, today we have 85 fully subscribed members and the Association is going well. Financial members receive a monthly newsletter with information on forthcoming events and other historical articles and facts. The Association was also sponsored for a period of time by the then Mid-Med Bank and Professional Freight Services. Apart from the usual monthly lectures, the association takes part in other activities both within the Maltese Community, were it is involved with the organizing of the Maltese Cultural Festival, as well as being involved in organizing exhibitions and lectures to a broader academic and general community. The MHA supports financially the Home Visitation Program for the Maltese Aged run by the Maltese Community Council of Victoria, Community Radio Station 3ZZZ and the Maltese Television Consortium (Vic). The Association is a non-profit organization and is kept alive by the enthusiasm of successive committees and its membership. Through its activities the Maltese in Victoria have increased their knowledge not only of Malta but also of their adopted country. Since its foundation the Association has brought together people of different backgrounds and walks of life and has contributed immensely to the Maltese community in Australia, in particular in Melbourne. This augurs well for the future of the Association. Contact with the Association can be made via borgles@hotmail.com or ecilia@eje.peakhour.com.au.
  
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