By NICOLE VALICEK
THE Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre is hosting an exhibition of photographic portraits that is a celebration of Hobsons Bay’s Maltese community.
The exhibition called Merhba, which translates to “Welcome All”, features 10 portrait shots of residents in Hobsons Bay who are a part of the Maltese community.
Each shot is accompanied by a short personal story about the participant’s heritage and story, in both English and Maltese.
Exhibition creator Heather van Heerwaarden said the exhibition was an opportunity to learn about the beautiful island of Malta, journeys to Australia and the vibrant Maltese community in Hobsons Bay.
Nearly 4.4 per cent of all Hobsons Bay residents have a Maltese ancestry, including just over 1,300 of Hobsons Bay’s residents who were born in Malta.
Currently, Hobsons Bay City Council has two elected councillors of Maltese origin, including Mayor councillor Angela Altair, who was Australia’s first Maltese-born female mayor, and immediate past mayor Cr Tony Briffa.
Cr Altair said she was excited to celebrate the Maltese community and announced the special Maltese exhibition opening on 14 June to recognise this strong heritage.
“It’s fitting that the exhibition is being held in Altona, given the very large Maltese community that has settled here and I am proud that we are saluting one of our major and oldest ethnic groups,” she said.
“Hobsons Bay residents can enjoy personal stories and photos of local Maltese people and their families, learn about the islands of Malta, the journeys to Australia, and the vibrant Maltese community in Hobsons Bay.”
Jenna Valkenburg, 24, pictured, will feature in the exhibition. She has just completed a double degree in Aerospace Engineering and Law at Monash University.
In 2014, she will pursue a career in law and was accepted for a graduate clerkship at a commercial law firm in Melbourne.
Jenna’s mother’s family is Maltese. She has visited the country twice and said her heritage means a great deal to her.
“Although an only child, my big family has always meant that I’ve had a wonderful network of people around me,” she said.
“I love being able to identify myself with a country that while not even visible on a map of the world, has such a big heart.”
Merhba is presented by Hobsons Bay City Council in partnership with The Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre.
The exhibition opens on Friday 14 June at 6.30 at the The Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre, 5 Sargood St, Altona and will be on display until Friday 28 June.
