After graduating as a Doctor of Laws from the University of Malta, Dr Gioconda Schembri joined the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 1996 and was assigned in the Multilateral Affairs Directorate. In 1998, she was posted to the Malta High Commission in Canberra as Deputy High Commissioner and was also Acting High Commissioner for several months.

She has also worked with various Ministries and Departments in Malta, the Maltese Community Council of Victoria as a welfare programme coordinator, the Australian public service, and as a freelance translator and interpreter of the Maltese language. She taught Maltese on a voluntary basis for the Maltese Community Council language classes.

Dr Schembri was appointed as Consul General in Melbourne with jurisdiction over the state of Victoria on 30 October 2023. Prior to her appointment, Dr Schembri held the position of Administrative Assistant & Executive Officer at the Consulate General in Melbourne.

Dr Schembri is fluent in Maltese, English, Italian and French. She has also studied Spanish, Arabic, Russian and German.

Dr Schembri has self-published two books: a military biography ‘Three Anzacs from Malta, a true story of friendship, love, and loss’ and a children’s book ‘Il-Milied it-Tajjeb ta’ Ġoġo‘.

She is married to Darren and they have a son, Thomas.