Committee Meetings

10 Decembner 2008
Monthly Meeting of the MABPAV Committee commencing at 6pm at the premises of the Chircop & Associates  Level 2, Suite 207, 1 Thomas Holmes Street, Maribyrnong

Should you wish to raise an item for the Agenda please email Darren Xerri at xerrifamily1@optusnet.com.au

12 November 2008
Monthly Meeting of the MABPAV Committee commencing at 6pm at the premises of the Chircop & Associates  Level 2, Suite 207, 1 Thomas Holmes Street, Maribyrnong

Should you wish to raise an item for the Agenda please email Darren Xerri at xerrifamily1@optusnet.com.au

14 October 2008
Monthly Meeting of the MABPAV Committee commencing at 6pm at the premises of the Chircop & Associates  Level 2, Suite 207, 1 Thomas Holmes Street, Maribyrnong

Should you wish to raise an item for the Agenda please email Darren Xerri at xerrifamily1@optusnet.com.au

8 October 2008
Monthly Meeting of the MABPAV Committee commencing at 6pm at the premises of the Maltese Community Council of Victoria, 477 Royal Parade, Parkville.

Should you wish to raise an item for the Agenda please email Darren Xerri at xerrifamily1@optusnet.com.au

10 September 2008
Monthly Meeting of the MABPAV Committee commencing at 6pm at the premises of the Maltese Community Council of Victoria, 477 Royal Parade, Parkville.

Should you wish to raise an item for the Agenda please email Darren Xerri at xerrifamily1@optusnet.com.au

13 August 2008
Monthly Meeting of the MABPAV Committee commencing at 6pm at the premises of the Maltese Community Council of Victoria, 477 Royal Parade, Parkville.

Should you wish to raise an item for the Agenda please email Darren Xerri at xerrifamily1@optusnet.com.au

9 July 2008
Monthly Meeting of the MABPAV Committee commencing at 6pm at the premises of the Maltese Community Council of Victoria, 477 Royal Parade, Parkville.

Should you wish to raise an item for the Agenda please email Darren Xerri at xerrifamily1@optusnet.com.au

Should you wish to raise an item for the Agenda please email Darren Xerri at xerrifamily1@optusnet.com.au

Annual General Meeting

12 October 2008
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is always a difficult meeting as our constitution states that 25% of the members must attend. So please diarize this evening as your attendance and commitment to MABPAV counts.  MABPAV Member, Darren Xerri of BR Wellington will be our Guest Speaker for the night.

Details of the AGM

Quarterly Networking Night

21 May 2008 - Parkville
Quarterly Networking Night
Come and join us for our Quarterly Networking Night
Light Snacks and Beverages will be provided
Register for this Event please email mabpav@bigpond.com
Tertiary Subscribers and Members: Free
Visitors: $5.00

20 August 2008 - East
Quarterly Networking Night
Come and join us for our Quarterly Networking Night
Light Snacks and Beverages will be provided
Register for this Event please email mabpav@bigpond.com
Tertiary Subscribers and Members: Free
Visitors: $5.00

19 November 2008 - West
Quarterly Networking Night
Come and join us for our Quarterly Networking Night
Light Snacks and Beverages will be provided
Register for this Event please email mabpav@bigpond.com
Tertiary Subscribers and Members: Free
Visitors: $5.00

Other

26 July 2008
End of Financial Year Dinner
Details to be provided

5 October 2008
Family Day Out
Details to be provided

6 December 2008
Christmas Dinner Dance
Details to be provided

29 October 2008
AGM
Details to be provided

4 August 2007
A Visit from The Prime Minister of Malta, The Hon. Dr. Lawrence Gonzi & Mrs. Catherine Gonzi.

Following the successful dinner dance to welcome the Maltese Athletes at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, we have been called upon to hold a Dinner Dance in conjunction with the MCCV to welcome to Australia, The Prime Minister of Malta, The Hon. Dr. Lawrence Gonzi & Mrs. Catherine Gonzi. This Dinner Dance will be held on the 4th. August at La Mirage and a formal invitation will be issued shortly. This dinner dance is open to other Maltese Associations and Groups and tickets will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. The cost will be A$48.00 per person for a 5 course meal, beer, wine and soft drinks

For further information please see the June 2007 Edition of the MABPAVian Monthly and complete the attached invitation

Should you wish to raise an item for the Agenda please email Darren Xerri at xerrifamily1@optusnet.com.au

13 June 2007
Monthly Meeting of the MABPAV Committee commencing at 6pm at the premises of the Maltese Community Council of Victoria, 477 Royal Parade, Parkville.

Should you wish to raise an item for the Agenda please email Darren Xerri at xerrifamily1@optusnet.com.au

20 June 2007
Quarterly Networking Night
Come and join us for our Quarterly Networking Night to be held at the Rialto Building, Level, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne. Our speakers for the night are Members Maryann Farrugia of Vixen Internet Solutions who will be talking about the areas you should look out for when developing or improving your Website and Sergio Bonnici of Meritum Financial Group who will be presenting a piece on Insurance and a creation of an Investment Portfolio.

Light Snacks and Beverages will be provided

Register for this Event
Tertiary Subscribers and Members: Free
Visitors: $5.00

29 July 2007
MABPAV’s 5th Birthday Celebrations
All members and their families are invited to celebrate with an “International Buffet” lunch at the Sebel on Albert Park. Join your Committee and guests of honor, Mrs. Angele Azzopardi – Consul General of Malta for Victoria and Tony Azzopardi to celebrate this wonderful milestone.

For further information please see the June 2007 Edition of the MABPAVian Monthly

3 December 2006
Lunch cruise on the Yarra.
Another part of the Yarra River, this time along the embankment in the city, was chosen as the venue of another of MABPAV’s annual events. This was a pre-Christmas Lunch cruise on the Florence on the Yarra, organized by the Social Director, Ms Carmen Borg, instead of the usual MABPAV pre-Christmas dinner. This event, which was held on Sunday the 3rd December, was fully booked early in the piece. The boat took off from the Southbank Promenade berth and cruised upstream while those on board enjoyed a sumptuous and well presented meal, washed down by a good drop or two of red or white wine.

After lunch, most enjoyed the rest of the leisurely cruise in the beautiful afternoon sunshine against the backdrop of the tree-lined Yarra bank and the Melbourne City skyline.

click an image to enlarge

22 October 2006
Family Picnic by the Yarra.
MABPAV’s annual family picnic this year was held at Studley Park in Kew on Sunday 22nd October. It was quite a turnout and truly a family picnic, with a number of children, parents and grandparents all of whom seemed to enjoy the beautiful sunny day at this picturesque park by the Yarra river.

Activities included walks, cycling (particularly the younger ones) canoeing or just relaxing, socializing or networking with other members of the Group. One could not have hoped for a better day.

click an image to enlarge

21 September 2006
The MABPAV’s AGM was held on the 21st September, 2006. A substantial number of members attended the meeting by the end of which all Committee positions were filled. The newly elected members of the 2006/7 MABPAV committee are:

President - Herbert Portanier Vice- President - Malcolm Debono Treasurer - Alfred Chircop Assistant Treasurer - Nino Xerri Secretary - Joseph Digby Assistant Secretary - Damien Digby Social Director - Carmen Borg Member - Alex Grech Member - Mario Bonnici Member - Sid Muscat Member - Darren Xerri

The new committee includes two of the younger professional members of MABPAV, the Assistant Secretary, Mr Damien Digby and committee member Mr Darren Xerri. Their involvement should encourage other young professionals and business people to join and become active MABPAV members.

The evening’s special guests were Dr Giaconda Schembri, Executive Officer at the Maltese Consulate for Victoria, who acted as Guest-Chairperson during the election process, and the guest speaker, Mr Mario Vella West, Chief Executive Officer, GJK Facility Services

.16 June 2006
The Association had the pleasure of hosting a meeting with Mr. J. Juszezyk, Australian High Commissioner (Designate) to Malta, at the new offices of Professional Freight Services at Tullamarine.

Herbert Portanier, President of MABPAV, gave a welcoming address and introduced the new High Commissioner (designate) to members and guests. Mr. Juszezyk then addressed the gathering and spoke of the importance of this posting, to which he is looking forward, and of his wish to experience life in Malta.

The meeting progressed into a Networking Night with presentations by four members. Jean-Pierre Fenech gave a talk on End of Financial and Post Budget. This was followed by a presentation from Herbert Portanier, Managing Director of Professional Freight Services. After a short break, Malcolm Debono, Director of M. Debono & Associates, spoke about Mortgage Finance Broking. The last talk was delivered by Vic Smith from Calibre Personnel regarding the advantages of seeking the services of Casual Labour Hire.

Dr. Gioconda Schembri, Executive Office at the Consulate-General for Malta in Victoria, attended the meeting.

click an image to enlarge

16 March 2006
The Malta High Commission and MABPAV co-organised a luncheon, and a business seminar which were attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Malta, Dr. Michael Frendo, and by the High Commissioner Dr. Ivan Fsadni. These activities were part of the “enhanced cooperation initiative” aimed at promoting greater commercial ties between Malta and Australia.

Both functions were very well attended. A good number of our members turned out together with Consular staff, Honorary Consuls, and representatives of Maltese business associations from Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Auckland, and Christchurch. The luncheon was enhanced by the presence of executive committee members of the Malta Olympic Committee who are in Melbourne for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

At the luncheon, Minister Frendo mentioned the recent restructure within the Consulates-General of Malta in Melbourne and Sydney. Both offices were strengthened by the creation of a new post, that of Executive Officer. At the business seminar, Minister Frendo spoke at length about the work of the Ministry and he also fielded questions from the participants. Presentations followed and the speakers were Mr. Lawrence Darmanin – Chairman of Air Malta, Ms Joanne De Carlo – Executive Officer at the Sydney Consulate, Ms Clare Darmanin- Solicitor with Holman Fenwick & Willan, and Dr. Gioconda Schembri – Executive Officer at the Melbourne Consulate

click an image to enlarge

11 March 2006
The idea of organising a fund-raising function for the Maltese contingent participating in the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games was first discussed in a committee meeting on 10 February 2005. The idea was developed further in subsequent committee meetings and it was decided to hold a ‘Welcome to Melbourne’ Dinner Dance at the La Mirage Receptions & Convention Centre in Somerton on Saturday 11 March 2006. A sub-committee was set up in October 2005 specifically to deal with the nitty-gritty details, and plans to market the function and sell tickets were put into action. So successful were these that the function was practically booked out almost three months in advance.

On the appointed day almost 700 people packed The Oasis Room to welcome the Maltese athletes and officials who received a standing ovation as they entered the hall. The atmosphere was electrifying and everybody was emotionally moved by the wave of patriotism which manifested itself.

Speeches were made by Mr. Herbert Portanier – MABPAV President, H. E. Dr. Ivan Fsadni – Malta High Commissioner, Mr. Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco - President Malta Olympic Committee, and by Chef de Mission Mr. Pippo Psaila who also introduced the athletes. Vic Smith was an excellent Master of Ceremonies, and the music was in the competent hands of Mario Sammut who had also kindly arranged for singer Irene Attard, and for dance group The Silhouettes to perform during the evening. It should be noted that all donated their services free towards this worthy cause.

One of the many highlights of the evening happened when Irene Attard invited the women’s basketball team onto the dance floor whilst she was singing. The exuberance that followed was infectious and very soon the rest of the athletes and officials streamed onto the dance floor to enjoy themselves to the delight of all present.

To say that the function was a success is an understatement. The following are a few comments from people who attended:

• “really proud to be Maltese”
• “great night had by all”
• “congratulations on a very successful event”
• “It would have been worthwhile even if only to see the Commonwealth Games team dancing on the dance floor and enjoying themselves. That in itself would have been a great inspiration for them as well as a team bonding activity. You could see that the Officials were very enthusiastic in encouraging even the older ones to join in. In many ways it was so much more than a fund raising event. Everyone was caught up in the excitement as the evening unfolded and would have to regard it as a massive success”
• “there were moments during that event, particularly during the anthems that I felt great pride and emotion at being part of this wonderful occasion”
• “A most enjoyable function. It will definitely go down as a historic event in the annals of the Maltese Community of Victoria”
• “Well done! Congratulations to all committee members who did a great job”
• “I think everyone left quite satisfied and impressed”
• “I have never witnessed such a lovely crowd and such an outpouring of national pride”

click an image to enlarge

3 December 2005
The last event for the year finished on a high note with a very successful Christmas Dinner held at Curly Joe’s Restaurant in Maribyrnong.

23 October 2005
Our family day out at Albert Park was a success with the weather holding out to help us enjoy what turned out to be a sunny day. The highlight of the day was sailing on Albert Park Lake. Our thanks go to our member, Denis Flores from Career Focus for organizing the sailing trips.

click an image to enlarge

14 September 2005
The Association's Annual General Meeting was held on 14 September at the premises of the Maltese Community Council of Victoria, in Parkville at 7pm.

Before the official start of the meeting a minute silence was observed to remember Francis Borg, (wife of Joseph Borg, a MABPAV member and ex-President of the MCCV), who passed away on 8 September.

After the reading and confirmation of the Minutes of the last AGM, and the presentation and adoption of the President's Annual Report, and the Treasurer's Annual Financial Statements, guest of honour Dr. Clemente Zammit took over as guest chairperson for the purpose of the 'Elections' item on the Agenda. He declared all positions vacant and announced the new Committee as follows:

President - Herbert Portanier
Secretary - Malcolm DeBono
Treasurer - Fred Chircop
Asst. Secretary - David Fuller
Asst. Treasurer - Nino Xerri
Social Director - Joe Dibgy
Committee Members - Mario Bonnici, Carmen Borg, Alex Grech, Sid Muscat

Denis Flores, Chris Borg and Simon Gill had not opted for re-election due to their business commitments. The President thanked them for serving the outgoing committee and MABPAV well over the past twelve months.

Refreshments and a birthday cake celebrating MABPAV's third anniversary were enjoyed by all.

click an image to enlarge

17 August 2005
MABPAV achieved new heights from the 54th floor at a meeting with The Hon. Dr. A. Sant, Leader of The Malta Labour Party, and Deputy Leader Dr. M. Falzon. Mr. C. Muscat, representative of the Party in Australia and Dr. C. Zammit, Consul General of Malta for Victoria and Mrs.M. Zammit, were in attendance. Herbert Portanier, President, welcomed the VIPs' and guests. Carmen Borg read Dr. Sant's impressive profile before Dr. Falzon and Dr. Sant in turn addressed the gathering. Dr. Sant then invited questions and quite a few were put forward by the members. At the end of the meeting, finger food and cocktails were enjoyed by all with views from the offices of Killen & Thomas Commercial Real Estate Agents at Level 54, Rialto Building, Melbourne. About 45 people attended this function.

click image to enlarge

10 August 2005
At a meeting held at the offices of Professional Freight Services (PFS) in Tullamarine, high tea was served to welcome H.E. Richard Palk, High Commissioner for Australia on his visit from Malta. The meeting was about trade between Australia and Malta and the impact of Malta's entry into the European Union. Some negative effects have effected trade between Australia and Malta since the E.U imposed quotas on some products. Furthermore, the deletion of import taxes from within the E.U.has made our products uncompetitive. Catering was sponsored by PFS.

click image to enlarge

27 April 2005
A good crowd gathered at the offices of Winchcombe Carson at Level 4, 310 King Street, Melbourne to attend presentations concerning Tax and Financial Planning.

MABPAV President, Herbert Portanier opened the night and updated the members regarding some forthcoming events namely:
a) the Malta Trade Mission that is being organized by the Australian Maltese Chamber of Commerce in October 05 . Our organization is supporting this important event.
b) MABPAV has been selected to organise a dinner dance to welcome the Maltese committee and athletes attending the Commonwealth Games in March 2006. This will be a fund raising event.

Alfred Chircop, MABPAV Treasurer, then introduced our new members from Winchcombe Carson, namely Neil White and Peter Wright who gave informative talks regarding the importance of Financial Planning and Tax matters. The numerous questions raised by the audience were a clear indication of how interesting the talks were.

Vice-President Denis Flores closed the evening and thanked our hosts for this successful event and for providing food and drinks free of charge.

The Maltese Consul General of Malta, Dr.C. Zammit, and Mrs. Mary Zammit were the guests of honour. A special guest was Richard Mendelsohm, Board Member from the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce. MABPAV's scope is to extend business networking beyond the Maltese community for the benefit of all our members.

click an image to enlarge

23 February 2005
The first function for 2005 was held at the well appointed Bella Vista Reception Centre at Tullamarine.

President Mr. Herbert Portanier addressed the members and guests and brought them up to date with events that occurred since late last year. Of particular importance was the official acceptance of the Association by the Maltese Government as a result of which MABPAV will participate in some Enhanced Programmes.

Reference was made to the Association's website www.mabpav.com.au which now includes new links. Reciprocal links will feature in the websites run by the Australian-Maltese Chamber of Commerce, and the Maltese-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Culture.

Following the President's address, the speaker for the night, Mr. Joe Digby of Action International, gave a very interesting talk about Business Coaching. Considering that two out of three businesses close within their first year, Action International has some good tools to help make a business succeed. Members who may wish to discuss their business needs can contact Joe on Tel: 9335 2285. Mr.Digby also runs the Bella Vista Reception Centre which is available for weddings & business conferences.

The guest of honour for the evening was Dr. C. Zammit, Consul General of Malta in Victoria.

click image to enlarge

20 November 2004
Members and guests celebrated Christmas with an eleven course banquet at a Greek Tavern in Johnston Street, Abbottsford.

click an image to enlarge

24 October 2004
Josephine Zammit Cordina, the presentor of "Waltzing Matilda", and her crew attended MABPAV's BBQ which was held at Jells Park in glorious weather. A number of members were interviewed by Mrs. Zammit Cordina for her popular TV show which is first screened in Malta, and some time later on Channel 31 in Melbourne.

15 September 2004
The first Annual General Meeting of The Maltese & Australian Business & Professional Association of Victoria (MABPAV) was held on the 15 September 2004. It was held at the tallest commercial building in Australia on the 54th. level of The Rialto Building in Collins Street Melbourne, at the prestigious offices of Killen Thomas Commercial Real Estate, whose Managing Director is John Camilleri.

The elected committee are :
Herbert Portanier - President
Denis Flores - Vice President
Malcolm Debono -Secretary
Chris Borg - Assistant Secretary
Alfred Chircop - Treasurer
Nino Xerri - Asst. Treasurer
Carmen Borg - Social Director
David Fuller, Alex Grech, Simon Gill & Mario Bonnici -Committee Members.

Following the election, a business presentation ' Improving Organizational Performance' was given by the newly elected Vice - President, Denis Flores from Career Focus , which was followed by an address from H.E. Dr. I. Fsadni, Malta High Commissioner , who was visiting Melbourne. Dr. C. Zammit, Consul General of Malta for Victoria also attended the AGM.

click image to enlarge

11 August 2004
MABPAV, in co-operation with the Consulate General of Malta in Victoria, participated at the "Business after dark comes to Europe" event superbly organised by VECCI at the Crown Palladium. Most of the 25 EU nations were represented at this networking evening. The MABPAV exhibitors were :

Career Focus Victoria
Mortgage Achievers
Orchard Manufacturing
Professional Freight Services
Western Travel.

1 May 2004
Our Association and Dr. Victor Borg jointly organised a Dinner at the Hotel Laureate to celebrate Malta's entry into the European Union. H.E. Dr. Ivan Fsadni was guest of honour. Over a hundred people attended.

12 March 2004
Official Launch of MABPAV
A Cocktail party was held on Friday 12th March 2004 at the Laureate Hotel in Parkville for MABPAV members and their guests. This was the inaugural Cocktail party of this new Association.

Mr. Herbert Portanier, the President of the Association, welcomed the guests of honour, Dr. Clemente Zammit, Consul for Malta in Victoria, and Mrs. Zammit, Mr. Victor Borg, Hon. Consul, Ms. Edwidge Borg, President of the Maltese Community Council of Victoria, Mr. Brian Thorpe from V.E.C.C.I. (Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce & Industry) and all MABPAV members and their guests. Mr. Portanier talked about the aims of the association, its achievements to date and about some of the activities planned for the future. He also thanked all those who have worked so hard to set up the association, in particular the committee members and also others who have provided support.

Mr. Portanier also introduced the committee members who were present for this function; the Assistant Secretary, Mr. Malcolm Debono, the Assistant Treasurer, Mr. Nino Xerri and committee members Ms. Carmen Borg and Mr. David Fuller.
The other speakers were Ms. Edwidge Borg and Dr. Zammit who both endorsed the objectives of the association and wished it every success. At the end of his speech, Dr. Zammit officially launched MABPAV.

The function was a great success by all accounts. The 60 members and guests socialised and made many new acquaintances and contacts with other people of varying Professional and Business backgrounds within the greater Maltese Community in Victoria.
Certainly a very encouraging start for a new Association with great potential for the future for both the current as well as the next generation of Professional and Business p