2020 Flag raising ceremony on Australia Day in Melbourne
On 26 January 2020 the Maltese Community Council of Victoria (MCCV) participated in the Australia Day Flag raising parade in Melbourne. It was the first time in many years that the Maltese community participated in a state held event.
The group proudly marched down Swanston Street with nearly 1000 people representing more than 80 community groups. As the group walked down Swanston Street in their colourful traditional Maltese costumes, held the Maltese flag and waved the Australian flag, they were introduced as one of the smallest groups. There were 13 proud people telling stories of their Maltese heritage as people cheered them on.
In the crowd outside the Melbourne Town Hall was the Maltese Consul General for Victoria, Mario Farrugia Borg, who could be seen with a look of pride across his smiling face. In fact, it was Consul General Farrugia Borg who bought this spectacular event to the attention of the MCCV after he noticed in the 2019 ceremony that the Maltese were not represented.
The MCCV now look forward to participating in the 2020 Moomba Parade and encourage people to support us.
Participants in the photograph:
Left to right bottom: Miriam Farrugia Borg, Adam Farrugia Borg, Marlene Ebejer, Elizabeth Mantouzas, Antonia Camilleri, Lisa Zammit and Charlene Trestrail.
Left to right top: Joe Camilleri, Consul General Mario Farrugia Borg, Ron Gauci, Annie Caruana, Tim Gauci, Rebecca Gauci Maurici and Carli Gauci.
