Angela Altair, Australia’s first Maltese-born female mayor, is currently in Malta to rediscover her roots.

Ms Altair was born in Malta and brought up in Australia after her family migrated to Australia in the 1950s. By profession, she is a journalist and public relations practitioner.

She has served as councillor for the City of Hobsons Bay for 16 years and served two terms as Mayor – most recently elected in 2013.  The city is home to about 90,000, of which 5% are Maltese.

Meeting with Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Stefan Buontempo, Ms Altair said she is absolutely thrilled to be here in Malta, explaining that she has supported or initiated programs that celebrate and promote anything Maltese.

She said that over the years, she has seen tremendous progress in Malta and she is delighted to see more women in politics.

Ms Altair’s relatives are originally fishermen from St Paul’s Bay.  Mayor of St Paul’s Bay Graziella Galea was also in attendance.