Lawrence Dimech (President of the Maltese Welfare Association, NSW) recently launched the Maltese Community Directory in New South Wales, Australia.

Addressing the Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Mrs. Catherine Gonzi during their visit to Greystanes, (formerly known as Pendle Hill), Mr Dimech explained that this suburb was where many post-war migrants eventually settled after they arrived in the city.

“They moved to these areas to build a home on their acre plot of land and to cultivate their vegetable patch: hence the emergence of the prosperous Maltese poultry farmers and the market gardeners. The church and school were built mostly by money donated by the Maltese. It is also home to the Our Lady Queen of Peace Festa committee that commemorates annually Il-Festa tal-Bambina and the popular Maltese Band.

“We have certainly left an indelible Maltese presence in Greystanes, Wentworthville, Girraween ,Toongabbie and Pendle Hill, indeed in the whole of the City of Holroyd,” Mr Dimech added.

“The Maltese Community Directory, described as ‘a labour of love’, is dedicated to those in the community who give so much of their time and energy over the years. In fact, the directory is dedicated to all the volunteers in the community. It is also a tool that will endeavour to bring the community closer together, not only when visitors come from Malta but on a permanent basis.”

Also present at the launch was Helen Steffel, branch international secretary of the Country Women Association of Australia, one of the most powerful lobby groups in the country.

Mr Dimech pointed out: “The CWA chose to promote Malta during the whole of this year not only to their 50,000 members but to all Australians. The Maltese community has won this level of respect from the community in general. Yes, this is the kind of work we do for our country from across the seas. Thank you, Country Women Association.”