Culture and heritage celebrated at Goan Overseas Association ruby milestone

31 Oct 2019

By The Record

The current Goan Overseas Association Management Committee cut the 40th anniversary cake after Mass at St Marys Cathedral on 20 October. Photo: Ron Tan.

By Amanda Murthy

The Goan Overseas Association in Perth (GOAWA) fêted 40 years of its local presence in the community with a series of vibrant events.

The celebrations began with some 100 past and present members attending Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday 20 October, celebrated by Fr Garner Vergara, followed by a special morning tea that was specially prepared by the current Management Committee as a sign of appreciation to those present.

Fr Garner Vergara Jnr, who presided the Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral on 20 October, addressing the GOAWA members at their 4thh anniversary celebrations during a morning tea. Photo: Ron Tan.

The association was founded by Isobel and Steven D’Souza back in 1979 with the purpose of promoting the social, cultural, welfare, education, spiritual and sporting aspirations of the Goan community in Perth.

On Saturday 26 October, GOAWA members gathered at the Crown Astral Ballroom, to continue the celebrations.

GOAWA celebrated their ruby anniversary with a Mass and morning tea on 20 October. Photo: Ron Tan.

Among important guests present for the celebrations were the Hon Sue Ellery, Chief of Staff Liz Carey, Member of Legislative Assembly Yaz Mubarrak, and association founder (now 92 years old) Steven D’Souza as the special guest.

GOAWA President Charlotte Rebello thanked her team for leaving no stone unturned in ensuring guests were thoroughly enjoying the night.

“The sheer grandeur and extravagance of the ruby anniversary celebrations said it all,” she expressed.

Some of the GOAWA members who attended the Mass and morning tea celebrations in conjunction with their 40th anniversary on 20 October at St Mary’s Cathedral. Photo: Ron Tan.

“We had amazing foot-tapping music by the Flames, delicious and scrumptious food, unlimited drinks, the heart-warming speeches, and the elegantly and stylishly dressed guests, made for an exquisite function comparable to none other.

“The GOAWA is such a proactive community, wherein the members just keep giving for the sheer love of their people.”

Mrs Rebello extended her gratitude and thanks to everyone involved in all the celebrations, and for their continuous support, patronage and friendship.

“I’d like to end by sharing some words of wisdom by Mother Teresa: ‘Not all of us can do great things but we can all do small things with great love’.”