On Saturday 20th September, the Consulate General of Malta for the State of Victoria  organized a reception on the occasion of the 61st anniversary of Independence at the Maltese Community Council of Victoria (MCCV) premises in Parkville.

Guests included the Hon. Michael Galea representing the Minister for Multicultural Affairs of the State of Victoria, Ms Ingrid Stitt, the Hon. Evan Mulholland, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Mr Mario Sammut, Honorary Consul for Latrobe Valley, members of the Consular Corps, representatives of various Maltese Associations, ethnic media and members of the Maltese community.

Speeches were made by Ms Antonia Camilleri, President of the MCCV, Hon. Galea and the Hon. Mulholland, by the Consul General Dr Gioconda Schembri and Fr Lonnie Borg, MSSP recited a special prayer for Malta. There was also a message specifically recorded for the event from the President of Malta, Her Excellency Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono.