Order of Australia medal for Maltese-Australian teacher
Respected educationalist and member of the Maltese community in South Australia, Frank Scicluna, has been awarded the Order of Australia medal (OAM).
The citation reads: “For service to the Maltese community, particularly through the teaching and preservation of the Maltese language, and to multicultural education.”
Mr Scicluna said he was overwhelmed when notified he was to receive this prestigious honour.
“I am absolutely delighted to receive this award. My dream to establish coordination, communication and cooperation between all Maltese schools in Australia and to promote multiculturalism in the education systems has been recognised.”
As one of the prominent members of the Maltese community in Australia, Mr Scicluna is credited as being one of the driving forces behind the formation of the Australian Federation of Ethnic Schools Associations and the Federation of Maltese Schools in Australia. He is currently the Honorary Consul of Malta in South Australia, representing the Government of Malta in South Australia.
He was the chairman of the the Maltese Community Council of South Australia between 1993-2001.
“I didn’t achieve this award by myself,” Mr Scicluna said. “So many other people have shared my vision for teaching and preserving the Maltese language and culture in Australia. I’ve had great support over the years, including, most importantly, that from my wife Josie. This award is as much for me as it is for the members of the Maltese community on South Australia.”
He said his Order of Australia award was a boost for the Maltese language in Australia and multiculturalism in education."This award is as much for me as it is for the members of the Maltese community on South Australia.”
Queen Elizabeth II first instituted the Order of Australia in 1975 as an Australian society honour for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service. It aims to foster love of and pride in Australian citizenship; to encourage awareness in the Australian community of Australia's history, traditions and culture; and to promote the development and maintenance of a constructive and positive sense of national unity among all Australians.
Mr Scicluna will formally receive his Order of Australia award later this year from the Governor of South Australia.
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lewis sammut
Jan 26th 2008, 15:28
Good for you we need more people like you to put Malta on the map. Thank you sir, good job.
Joseph J Mifsud
Jan 26th 2008, 12:19
I fully agree with Mr John Grima above. I have always found him very efficient, reliable and most helpful to the Maltese Community in South Australia.He fully deserves such honours
John Grima
Jan 26th 2008, 10:15
Well done and well deserved Mr. Scicluna. How about Malta honouring this gentleman by awarding him the Gieh Ir-Republika Medal. He has certainly done a great service to Malta and the Maltese.