The Maltese Historical Association (MHA) celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. This Association was formed in 1987 with the aim of preserving Maltese culture among migrants through the teaching of Maltese history. Recently it began youth focus workshops to help promote the teaching of the Maltese language. To commemorate this event various activities, ranging from educational events to social occasions, were organized to commemorate this milestone. A new logo was also introduced.

As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations various lectures about Maltese history were given throughout the year. One of the keynote speakers was Prof Henry Frendo, a founder member of the Maltese Historical Association (Aust) and its first elected president, who delivered the keynote address about Lord Strickland.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the visit of the Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Mrs Catherine Gonzi to the Language Immersion Morning organised by the MHA committee for all students currently learning Maltese. Both Dr Gonzi and Mrs Gonzi expressed their appreciation and thanked the MHA committee for organising such an event where Maltese culture and history were being taught to the younger generation of the Maltese community.

Two events brought the celebrations to an end. The first was the anniversary luncheon held in October and the Bursaries evening in mid-November when seven students, who currently study Maltese at the Victorian School of Languages, were presented with certificates and Bursaries in recognition of their achievement in the learning of the Maltese language.