Media Release
Melbourne, Feb 10: The outgoing year was raged by the coronavirus pandemic that restricted gatherings and hence the majority of the association’s activities could not be held in a traditional way unlike the previous years. Though ‘Christmas 2019’ and ‘Barbeque in the Park’ went off without a hitch, other events had to be held virtually bringing its own innovation and beauty as the committee members pulled all the strings to make it a memorable year.
The ‘Virtual Monthi Fest Vigil Service,’ ‘Virtual Family Trivia Night,’ ‘Virtual Talent Online Show,’ ‘Virtual Christmas Marathon Celebrations,’ had a flavour and charm of their own and were a great virtual success. In addition to this, Santa physically delivered ‘goodie bags’ at the doorsteps of the Melbourne Konkan homes bringing cheer to the kids during Christmas 2020.
Joe Sequeira
The ninth annual general meeting of the Melbourne Konkan Community (MKC) is normally held annually in November. It had to be postponed as per flexibly laid down rules due to the pandemic and was held as an ‘open gathering’ in the picturesque Footscray Park and Gardens on Saturday February 6.
Stephen P D’Souza, the returning officer who oversaw the AGM proceedings welcomed the gathering. Gilbert Menezes led the prayers asking for God’s choicest blessings following which, the members lent their voices in singing a thanksgiving hymn ‘Argam Ditam Tuka Somiya’ for the blessings bestowed on all the association’s activities in the immediate past year.
Thereafter, the minutes of the previous AGM were confirmed and passed. In his president’s report, the outgoing president, Anvil D’Silva gave a brief description of the activities conducted during the year which were appreciated by everyone considering the difficult times all were in. Treasurer Wilson D’Souza tabled a detailed ‘financial report’ of the association that was endorsed by two member’s signatures after a brief discussion.
The following were elected unanimously to the core committee:
Joe Sequeira - president
Maxim Rego - vice-president
Jane D’Souza - secretary
Richard Saldanha - treasurer
Joe was the first elected president of MKC in 2013 and was instrumental in setting the benchmark for the association’s various activities, thus bringing with him vast experience. To support the core committee in their various activities, Philomena Fernandes will be the cultural secretary; Loyal Andrade the sports secretary; Darel Lasrado the media secretary and Gilbert Menezes will look after grants. Albert Fernandes, Hilton Lewis, Naveen Cardoza, Peter Picardo, Stany Martis and Valerian D’Souza were appointed as general members thus making it a strong 14-member unit.
After the ‘handing over ceremony,’ a ‘joint oath’ was administered by the returning officer to the newly elected core members who pledged to adhere to the association’s by-laws. The president-elect, Joe Sequeira in his ‘acceptance speech’ thanked the outgoing committee and outlined his vision for the year ahead with the cooperation of everyone.
Melbourne Konkan Community (MKC) is a registered association based in Hoppers Crossing, Victoria, Australia. It welcomes all Mangalurean Catholics residing in Melbourne to be part of this growing community of over a thousand members. MKC committee members can be contacted by emailing mkonkanc@gmail.com or via Facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/MelbourneKonkanCommunity.