On Sunday 14 August 2011, Reskeon Maltese Association celebrated its 35th anniversary and Reskeon Seniors Group its 15th anniversary with a lunch at the Maltese Community Centre in Parkville. Close to 170 attended. The celebrations started with a Special Mass celebrated for us by Fr Dr Victor Shields MSSP at St Paul’s Chapel. Fr Shields was the instrument in the founding of our Association in 1976 and he related how it came about while delivering the Homily.
The singing during Mass was lead by Manwel Farrugia, accompanied by his wife, Margaret, playing the organ. Readings were done by Paul Vella, Sally Bartolo and Theresa Cachia, while the Sacrificial Offerings were done by Victor and Lina Pulis, and Caesar and Phyllis Vella. After Mass, the association members went to the hall in the Maltese Centre for the celebratory lunch.
MC for the afternoon was Vice-President, Mr Joe Cutajar. He welcomed all those present, especially the distinguished guests: Fr Dr Victor Shields, MSSP; MCCV President, Prof. Maurice Cauchi and Mrs Agnes Cauchi; MCCV Vice-President, Mr Guy Deguara and Mrs Mary Deguara; MCCV Vice-President, Mr Victor Borg and Ms Lourdes Buttigieg; Honorary Life Members of Reskeon Maltese Association and Reskeon Seniors Group Inc., Dr Clemente Zammit and Mrs Mary Zammit; Life Member of Reskeon Maltese Association and Reskeon Seniors Group, Mrs Anne Gauci; Life Member of Reskeon Maltese Association Mr Laurie Bartolo and Mrs Theresa Bartolo; the Reporter and Cameramen of “Waltzing Matilda” Mr Joe Montebello and Mrs Mary Montebello; the Convenor and Broadcaster of the Maltese Programs on 3ZZZ, Mr Emmanuel Brincat and Mrs Mary Anne Brincat.
Apologies were received from the Consul General of Malta in Victoria, Mr Charles Mifsud and Mrs Anna Maria Mifsud; MSSP Rector at Parkville, Fr Edwin Agius; Fr Denis Carabott, MSSP; MCCV Hon. Treasurer, Mr Paul Borg and Mrs Nellie Borg.
The afternoon started with a brief history of Reskeon, delivered by President and Co-Ordinator, Caesar Vella. He spoke of the early days of Reskeon as well as the names of the first committee, with special mention of the late Mr John Gauci, first President and Mr Laurie Bartolo.
This was followed by a short speech by the President of the Maltese Community Council of Victoria, Prof. Maurice Cauchi, who said that Reskeon was always one of the hard working associations in the Maltese Community.
A powerpoint DVD on Reskeon prepared for us by Dr Clemente Zammit, was run all afternoon on the big screen. Music was in the hands of capable DJ Mario Sammut “Moods Music”.
It was good to have with us our member and friend Mr Edwin Baldacchino and his son, Joseph, who sang a few songs for us.
A special message for the occasion by the Prime Minister of Malta, Mr Lawrence Gonzi, and another message from the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Joseph Muscat, were read.
The afternoon finished by the cutting of the Anniversary Cake that carried the logo of Reskeon. President Caesar Vella and his wife Phyllis, invited Mrs Anne Gauci, wife of the late Mr John Gauci, first President of Reskeon, to cut of the cake. During the cutting of the cake, both committees of Reskeon Maltese Association and Reskeon Seniors Group were around the table.
The event was filmed by Mr Joseph Montebello of “Waltzing Matilda for the same program.
The Association thanks all those who helped to make this event such the success it was, especially those who worked hard in the kitchen: Phyllis Vella, Salvina Vella, Sally Bartolo, Joe Galea and Madeleine Vella among others, especially those who helped as waiters and those who stayed behind to help with the cleaning. Thanks also to all those members who showed appreciation to the committees who prepared this event which was provided free of charge to all.
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{vsig_c}0|reskeon-cake-cutting.jpg|Reskeon Maltese Association President, Mr Caesar Vella (centre), leads the anniversary cake cutting|{/vsig_c}
{vsig_c}0|reskeonmass.jpg|Members of the Reskeon Maltese Association and Seniors Group at the celebratory Mass|{/vsig_c}
Brief History of Reskeon
23 November 1976: The Late Father George Xerri of the Missionary Society of St. Paul sent Father Victor Shields MSSP to help form a group of Maltese from the suburbs of East Reservoir and Keon Park.
A general meeting was held by Father Victor Shields on 23 November 1976. Father Victor Shields explained to all those present the purpose of this meeting which was to establish a committee to bring together socially the local Maltese community and also to assist financially Malta House which is now known as The Maltese Community Centre in Parkville. Malta House was a Community Welfare Centre for the Maltese of Melbourne to give help in areas of Legal Aid, Social Welfare, Marriage Counselling and Education. Its main function was to improve the moral and living standards of the Maltese.
The first Committee Members in 1976 were: President: John Gauci; Vice President: Peter Chetcuti; Secretary: Rita Mee; Treasurer: Vince Azzopardi; Assist. Treasurer: Joe Cassar; Members: Joe Bartolo, Laurie Bartolo, Vince Vella, and Charlie Spiteri.
The Association was known as The Maltese Community of East Reservoir and Keon Park until 19th December 1979 when the President and Committee Members changed the name to Reskeon Maltese Association.
The Reskeon Maltese Association organises Social Functions, Picnics, Outings.
The three main events are: Jum il-Maltin; Vittoria Dinner Dance; Our Lady of Victories Feast.
Jum il-Maltin started in November 1980 at Wandong Park. This event became so popular that the Association after a few years had to find a bigger park namely Clarke’s Oval at Sunbury. 2006 was the last year in which Jum il-Maltin was last organised with old age of all committee Members and helpers being the biggest contributing factor to its discontinuance.
The Vittoria Dinner Dance is held on Saturday before Our Lady of Victories Feast. At present this event is held at the Firence Reception.
Our Lady of Victories Feast is organised by the Reskeon Maltese Association and Reskeon Seniors Group on behalf of the Missionary Society of St. Paul. The feast is celebrated at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Church West Melbourne.
For a number of years the Reskeon Maltese Association and Reskeon Seniors Group were involved and helped financially the Good Friday Procession
In 1996 as the members were ageing it was decided to form a Seniors Group. It started with 45 members and grew to about 300 members. Seniors meet every Wednesday where they enjoy a game of bocce or bingo. The Association is now known as the Reskeon Maltese Association and Reskeon Seniors Group Inc. Every three months the Association publishes a newsletter for all members as well as for organisations overseas through different websites. Thanks to Paul Vella who is our P.R.O. and Editor.
Presidents over the years were the late John Gauci (25 years) George Scicluna, and George Colvin.
I would like to thank all committee members and helpers past and present for their support. It is with their hard work, dedication and commitment that the Association is as successful as it is to-day
