It’s a world away from Malta, but Belmore Basin will play host to a classic Mediterranean tradition on Sunday 21 September. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
For a slice of classic Malta this weekend, head down to Wollongong Harbour.
Bring your family, a smile and your best cheers for Wollongong’s first Malta Regatta.
George Cross Falcons Community Centre president Louis Parnis organised the regatta to bring one of his favourite childhood memories to life for a new generation.
“I dreamed for many years of seeing the boat race we grow up to watch as kids living in Marsa, Malta,” he said.
“As a nine-year-old we could walk down to the harbour from where I lived. I went with my father, my younger brother and our dog.
“We walked down and it was a great spectacle, all different colours and different flags on each boat.
“We didn’t have anything; we didn’t have chocolate, no luxuries, just basic homemade food; so for us to see all this fanfare and everyone shouting, it was beautiful – a carnival spirit.
“We never got to go again because you needed your father to take you and my father died. It is a cherished memory.”
The free event is being run in partnership with the Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club and with the support of BlueScope and the WIN program.
It will kick off at 9:30 am on Sunday 21 September, which also happens to be Malta’s Independence Day.
A dance performance by the Cringila Folklore Group will entertain spectators while the boats take their places for the race.
There will be two boats and 10 rowers taking part in the exhibition race, which will start outside the lighthouse.
Refreshments will be available for all.
Louis said he was deeply appreciative of everyone who had helped to make his dream a reality.
“This is the first ever Maltese regatta in the lifetime of migration to Australia,” he said.
“We’re going to put on a show, and buses will bring people from Sydney to witness this special event.
“We received lots of support from the community, from Malta, the Builders Club, Frankie’s Auto Electric, Wollongong and Shellharbour mayors and the Malta Consulate General as well as other local politicians.
“We’re making a donation to SLSC too, so they win, we win, the community wins.”
To check out Wollongong’s first Malta Regatta, head to the harbour on Sunday 21 September at 9:30 am. The race is to begin at 10:30 am.
There is no cost – but Louis hopes you will bring your best cheering voice to encourage the rowers during the race.
