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Lawrence Dimech: A Pillar of the Maltese Community in NSW

Lawrence Dimech has played a significant role in the Maltese community in New South Wales since he arrived in Sydney. One of his notable achievements was co-founding the Melita Eagles Football Club in 1956, a milestone that marked his commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and pride among Maltese new arrivals. In addition to this, he has accomplished several other pioneering feats, further cementing his influence and leadership within the community.

Lawrence Dimech was the first consul-general of Malta in NSW, a position that enabled him to advocate for the Maltese community at the highest level. He also served as the inaugural director and coordinator of the Parramatta Migrant Resource Centre, established by the Department of Immigration & Ethnic Affairs. Another of his significant contributions was as the first editor of the Maltese Herald, an iconic publication that served Maltese Australians from 1961 until 2013.

Approximately a year ago, Dimech began writing his biography, providing a compelling look back at a time when migration from Malta was at its peak. The narrative highlights the challenges faced by migrants, particularly the struggle to obtain support from governments during those formative years.

Over time, significant agreements and schemes were introduced to support the Maltese community. These included dual citizenship, social security reciprocal agreements, health reciprocal agreements, student exchange schemes, and the establishment of the Council of Maltese Living Abroad, among others. These initiatives were instrumental in improving the lives of Maltese migrants and strengthening their ties to both Malta and Australia.

Lawrence Dimech’s autobiography offers valuable insight into the Maltese community in Australia, emphasising the importance of unity. This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in understanding the history and collective spirit of the Maltese in NSW. It is truly a work not to be missed.

Maltese Welfare NSW is proud to assist Lawrence Dimech with his remarkable autobiography.  

EFT Payment

Account Name : Lawrence Dimech

Commonwealth Bank

BSB : 062416

Acc no : 10362137

Ref: Name and Address :

Cost : $35 Book Autobiography -Sunshine and Shade

Plus :$10 postage in Australia

Total $45

Postage other countries – on application.

Lawrence Dimech (lawdimech36@gmail.com)

Help this Elderly Maltese gentleman

Be a Mate, make a Difference | Bilingual (Maltese/English) | Aged Care Resident | Waterfall NSW

This resident lives with a condition which affects his short-term memory and impulse control. He requires gentle supervision and some guidance with wayfinding, but more than anything, he needs someone to sit with him, walk beside him, enjoy meaningful moments together and share in the natural beauty of his home within the national park at Waterfall.

Whether it’s chatting in Maltese, doing a bit of gardening, playing games, or simply enjoying the day – your companionship could make a real difference in his life.

Volunteer for one hour every two weeks

If you’re a compassionate person with a calm nature and a big heart, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Do:

• Enjoy a chat over a cup of coffee
• Listen to and share life stories
• Take a stroll in the garden
• Read books, play cards, or work on puzzles
• Listen to their favourite music

Why Volunteer? Many elderly Australians in aged care homes face loneliness and social isolation. By volunteering just one hour a fortnight, you can make a significant difference in their lives. You’ll be matched one-on-one with a resident who could greatly benefit from your friendship. Studies show that loneliness can be as detrimental to health as smoking, and sadly, over 40% of people in aged care lack regular visitors. Your presence can help bridge this gap.

Contact Lawrence Gatt President Maltese Welfare NSW for more information MP 0404 462 344 or   secrectarymaltesewelfarensw@gmail.com

The Workshop was held at Llandilo Community Hall, Llandilo

The workshop on Monday the 17^th November  was highly successful with large class of eager participants,  acquiring basic skills and actively engaging by asking questions. The enthusiasm for learning was evident, it is very gratifying when you actually help someone learn how to take a picture of themselves  and send picture using test message to their son for the first time ever. Learning about taking  screen shots was lots of fun ( which buttons to press ) we got it in the end.

This was the third class that has been held on Basic Mobile Phone for Seniors, and it highlighted the real  need to help our Senior Maltese Community, I encourage family members to dedicate more time in teaching basic use Mobile Phones to your parents or grandparents, it is very frustrating and stressful for them. They are keen to learn.

We extend our gratitude to David Vasey, our trainer, who conducted the sessions with professionalism and tailored his approach to suit our Maltese community. He has certainly learnt a lot about Maltese culture from his time with use.  

Thank Josi Katinic Community Outreach Support Officer  from Macquarie Community Collage Blacktown who visited our workshop and has been very supportive of this initiative, we look forwarding to continuing these programmes next year.

Prosit to all the Maltese seniors who attended the classes, you made the commitment  and effort and to  Maltese Welfare committee Members Frances Montesin and Nathalie Gatt for helping in all the classes.

Lawrence Gatt

President Maltese Welfare NSW Inc.

L/R Frances Montesin,Nathalie Gatt, Josi Katinic,David Varsy,Lawrence Gatt

Maltese Welfare NSW hosted its second Seniors Mobile Phone Workshop today, 20th October, at Dun Preca Centre, OLQP Greystanes. The guest speaker was David Vasey from Macquarie Community College Blacktown.

We appreciate all attendees who made the effort to join us. David once again delivered an informative and engaging session, and it was heartening to see our seniors actively participating and asking many questions.

A special mention goes to an inspiring 91-year-old lady whose enthusiasm for learning stood out—thanks also to her son for bringing her and for his continued support. These efforts truly make our work rewarding and highlight the need for such workshops within our Maltese community.

Thank you to the OLQP Church for hosting these events and to the staff for your assistance.

We are currently organizing a third workshop for November; further details will be shared soon.

Lawrence Gatt

President, Maltese Welfare NSW

Maltese Welfare NSW organised an information session on Saturday morning, 18 October, at the La Valette Centre Blacktown in the newly renovated hall. The topic of discussion was Wealth Creation—Secure Your Future and Understanding Investment.

Marie Louise Muscat, CEP, DipFP, Fiducian Financial Adviser, delivered a comprehensive presentation and answered numerous questions across a range of subjects. We extend our appreciation to Marie Louise and her team for their commitment in attending the event on a Saturday.

It was particularly encouraging to note the presence of younger members within the audience. We would also like to thank La Valette Social Centre President Antoine Mangion and the Committee for hosting the event and providing invaluable support. Special thanks are due to all volunteers who assisted on the day; attendees enjoyed an excellent selection of Maltese cuisine at lunch

Maltese Welfare NSW is pleased to announce an upcoming information session entitled “Wealth Creation—Secure Your Future and Understanding Investing” The presentation will address key topics including superannuation, salary sacrifice, debt reduction, savings plans, and tax effectiveness.

This event will take place on Saturday to accommodate those with weekday work commitments. It is intended for individuals who are beginning their careers, planning for retirement, or aiming for financial independence. Senior members are encouraged to inform their children and grandchildren about this opportunity to gain financial insights at no cost from bilingual Fiducian Financial Adviser Marie Louise Muscat.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions during  the presentation. Please refer to the attached flyer for further details.

Learn to Use Mobile Phones

Following the success of its initial workshop, Maltese Welfare NSW is pleased to offer a second opportunity for Maltese seniors to participate in small group sessions focused on learning essential mobile phone functions. This initiative is designed to support participants in staying connected with family and friends, all within a supportive and conveniently located environment. Members of the Maltese Welfare Committee will be available to provide assistance throughout the sessions.

 The Tech Savvy Seniors Workshop is on  Seniors Introduction to Smartphones

• The basics of how to navigate your way around a smartphone with a touchscreen
• How to turn the phone on and off
• Make and receive calls
• Add a contact and look up a contact
• Change the volume on the phone
• Briefly about apps – what they are, how to download them

Participants must be over 60 years old

Limited number and must register, see details on flyer. Phone Lawrence Gatt 0404 462 344

Learn to Use Mobile Phones

Maltese Welfare NSW is pleased to offer an opportunity for Maltese seniors to participate in small group sessions focused on learning the essential functions of mobile phones. This initiative facilitates staying connected with family and friends, and conducted in a supportive and convenient environment.

 The Tech Savvy Seniors Workshop is on  Seniors Introduction to Smartphones

• The basics of how to navigate your way around a smartphone with a touchscreen
• How to turn the phone on and off
• Make and receive calls
• Add a contact and look up a contact
• Change the volume on the phone
• Briefly about apps – what they are, how to download them, and the costs associated with them

Participants must be over 60 years old

Limited number and must register, see details on flyer.

Maltese Welfare NSW conducted an Information Session at the Greystanes Support Group, facilitated by the Maltese Community Council of NSW. This important event was tailored for our senior community members and focused on the Red Cross.

The session was well received, with the audience actively engaging through questions and sharing their experiences of receiving Red Cross assistance while residing in Malta, as well as volunteering with the organisation in Australia. The group expressed appreciation for the presentation being delivered in Maltese. Following the success of this session, Maltese Welfare NSW plans to offer similar talks to other groups.

Australian Red Cross Volunteers Lawrence and Nathalie Gatt provided a comprehensive overview of the history of the Red Cross, its services within the Australian community, and the longstanding connection between Australian Red Cross and Malta, which dates back to the First World War. At that time, troops recovering from the Gallipoli campaign were cared for in Malta, where an Australian recreation hall—funded by the Red Cross—was constructed. Current efforts are underway to restore this historic building.

Today, Malta Red Cross is also firmly established and delivers a wide array of services. The importance of Australian Red Cross Social & Emotional Support Services—including Tele-Chat, Tele-Cross, and Home Visiting programs—was emphasised, particularly for the elderly community. These services, available to eligible recipients under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), were detailed during the session and are offered free of charge.

Maltese Welfare NSW continues to strengthen its partnership with the Red Cross by providing Maltese-speaking volunteers to assist Maltese clients when needed. Volunteering is essential to the effective delivery of these services, and we encourage all community members to consider the significant benefits of volunteering.

The Maltese Welfare NSW is pleased to announce that the Hon. Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta, has established new regional committees aimed at enhancing  collaboration between our NSW Council of Maltese Living Abroad and the Government of Malta.

We are also pleased to announce the appointment of two members of our Maltese Welfare Committee, Lawrence Gatt (President) and Sandra Grech (Vice President), as regional committee members of the Council for Maltese Living Abroad (CMLA).

Their extensive experience with the Maltese Welfare Committee over the years will greatly contribute to effectively represent and communicate the needs of our community in NSW.

For more information or to contact , please contact them at :

Lawrence Gatt  Email: laugatt@tpg.com.au

Sandra Grech    Email: sandra.grech2010@gmail.com