Victorian Minister for Multiculturalism launches Maltese Cultural and Resource Directory

 NEWS    At a reception held on 3 May at the Maltese Centre in Parkville the Victorian Minister for Finance and Multicultural Affairs the Hon Robin Scott launched the Maltese Cultural and Resource Directory.
In his address, the MCCV President Mr Victor Borg said that the Directory is a particularly good resource for the ageing members of our community residing in aged care facilities. He said that when people advance in years, they tend to revert back to their language of birth. The directory also contains common phrases in Maltese that are useful in situations arising in aged care facilities. He thanked the team of volunteers, led by former MCCV President Mr Joseph Borg, who compiled and developed the Directory.
In his address, Minister Scott said that when the Maltese community came to Australia in the post Second World War period, you could not find a more family orientated community. Very often they were blue collar workers who worked hard to care for their families and create opportunities in Australian society. They gave back to the community, whether through community groups like the MCCV, the church or other forms of social engagement. People who dedicated themselves and helped so much to build the community in which we live.
Mr Scott said that it is important that, as people age, people are respected. He said that he was really pleased to be launching the Maltese Cultural and Resource Directory, which is intended to all aged facilities and other community services to have an understanding and a sensitivity to the needs of Maltese people who are ageing and getting support and to ensure that those that care are able to meet the needs of those Maltese. Going back to one’s original language is a very commonplace.
Minister Scott paid tribute to the MCCV for undertaking the work to allow that resource to be developed and publishing such a useful resource, which will help Maltese people get the respect and dignity that they deserve and should have. As they have done many times, the Maltese are providing a model to other communities about how their people should be cared for. The Maltese community is a strong community who believe and care for each other.
MCCV President Mr Victor Borg then presented Minister Scott with a copy of the Maltese Cultural and Resource Directory.