Report and Pics by Bert Naik
for Daijiworld Media Network - Melbourne (GA)
Melbourne, Jun 23: Over 180 members and guests had the time of their life at the Annual Mangalorean Catholic Association of Victoria (MCAV) Dance on Saturday June 21, at the Sacred Heart Church Hall at Oakleigh.
The detailed preparation for the function by the committee, made up of Lyn Saldanha (Publicity Officer), Janet D'Mello (Social Secretary), Cuby Martis (Treasurer), Colin Fernandes (Vice President), and Bert Naik (President), ensured that it would come to a conclusion without a hitch. And sure it did.
Lyn Saldanha compered the event admirably well.
Bert Naik welcomed the audience and explained how the Association was set up. Despite a few struggles initially, the Association has become a focal point of social interaction among the Mangaloreans living around Melbourne, with each function providing one more opportunity to the community members to revitalise their bonds with one another. Bert also mentioned that a few members of the community were apprehensive in the beginning about the success and survival of the Association. He felt that, in such a short time, MCAV has not only proved its usefulness, but has inspired the resurgence in community building among Mangaloreans in many parts of the world.
The patrons were treated to some really fabulous music by a very popular five-piece band of Melbourne, Next Generation. In no time at all, any hints of the winter season totally disappeared. The mesmerising music kept the patrons - toddlers to elderly - on the dance floor, dancing merrily for hours.
One of the three objectives of the MCAV when it incorporated was to provide young people in the community, encouragement and support to grow in strength emotionally. MCAV has been wholly successful in this objective by securing the voluntary services of two young ladies - Cuby Martis and Lyn Saldanha - on its committee. The two have managed to build a great bridge between the Association and a large number of young people who attended and enjoyed the function to the fullest. Many of the young people want to attend every function that the MCAV organizes. Some were indeed disappointed to know that they did not belong to the Mangalorean community!
Cuby organized some games with clever twists. The audience was thrilled to bits with every step after suspense-filled step.
As promised there were prizes galore.
Janet D'Mello, the social secretary, ensured that many fine details of the event received due attention.
Colin Fernandes, who cheered the audience through the evening to make the most of the event, thanked the attendees for their patronage, responsible behaviour, and cooperation. The community has come to expect that the MCAV events are being recognized as truly family-friendly events, he opined.