Remembering Mackay’s Maltese Corner

A petition has been organised to establish a monument on Maltese Corner

MALTESE CORNER: The men of the Maltese Corner will be honoured with a monument if the public supports the concept. Maltese men including, Percy Zammit, Sam Bezzina and John Vassallo would met on the corner to chat.

MACKAY’S Maltese Corner, do you know what it is?

Carmel Baretta said the site at the corner of Wood and Victoria streets was an important social and cultural landmark for the Maltese community.

“The Maltese, adhering to traditional customs, gathered regularly to talk, exchange information and await the opening of banks, “ Mrs Baretta, a member of the Maltese community, said.

A plaque was placed on the position, but Mrs Baretta hopes a larger monument can be established.

The public is being asked to support a new project to place statues on the site.

Vic Vassallo remembers his father John, who is now 90, sitting at the corner and talking with other Maltese men.

“Dad would go there basically as a social outlet,” Mr Vassallo said.

His father was 18 when he arrived in Mackay and spoke very little English. He came from a country with close-knit villages to an area with an abundance of fertile land.

He worked on various cane farms before purchasing his own in Glenella.

“He came here on his own,” Mr Vassallo said.

“His family followed him, but they settled in Sydney.”

The Maltese were sometimes socially isolated.

“Although they were known for their hard work,” Mr Vassallo said.

The corner was a place where Maltese men could meet, speak Maltese and talk about the good and bad times.

“Basically, talk about anything,” he said.

“The Maltese help each other. They are proud.

“I guess it was the equivalent of going to the pub and catching up with your mates.”

The corner was more popular during the sugarcane off-season when many of the men had more time to spare.

Mr Vassallo said it would be wonderful if a monument was established.

“A recognition of and tribute to the Maltese in the development of Mackay. My dad would be very proud,” he said

Mrs Baretta said supporters could sign a petition.

“The erection of this monument would support the aims of the Public Art Strategy 2018-2023 of Mackay Regional Council, reflect on the richness of the region’s diverse migrant communities while contributing to the development of cohesive communities and enhancement of cultural identity.”

For copies of the petition call 0400 713 535 or email [e-mail].

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