The Goan Overseas Association of Victoria celebrated its 25th Anniversary with Gala Dinner cum Dance on the 21st Feb, 2004 at the Clayton Town Hall, Clayton, Victoria.
The show began with the introduction of Mr. Chris Rodrigues – Master of Ceremonies followed by serving of the Pre Dinner Sherry in the foyer.
President Arlene da Silva welcomed all the guest and members followed by a speech by Chief Guest Dr. T J Rao – Hon Consul for India in Victoria.
The Cutting of the cake by the committee members ( Arlene da Silva, Elvira Coutinho, Regina Mendes Joachim, Allan Athaide, Douglas de Souza, Charmaine Martins, Alec Rodrigues and Ilona Silgardo) followed by singing of Mandos by Mario Carvalho and group.
The crowd enjoyed and danced the music of Dance Band “REBELS”
History of Goan Overseas Association, Victoria, Melbourne.
The Goan Overseas Association was founded by Mr. Antonio de Souza on 12th February, 1979. The other founding members were Alvaro Coutinho, Elvira Coutinho, Asha de Sousa, Oly de Sousa, Lawrence Fernandes, Agnelo Pereira, Ben Pereira, Alec Rodrigues, Carmen Rodrigues, John Rodrigues, Fran Roche Isabel S and Francis Leitao.
The constitution of the association was drafted in 1979 and the aim was to foster goan ethnical and cultural values.
The Association is also member of the Federation of Indian Association of Victoria (FIAV) since its inception in 1984.
Over the past twenty five years the association has organized social, cultural, recreational and sporting events as follows:
Konkani Tiartr.
Sponsorship of a student at Fr. Agnel School, Pilar, Goa.
Inaugural G.O.A Victoria/NSW sports visit host in Sydney.
Introduction of sportsperson of the year award.
Mass in Konkanni celebrated on St. Francis Xavier’s Feast.
Goan priests celebrate mass for St. Francis Xavier’s Feast.
St. Francis Xavier’s Feast celebrated in real goan tradition. (Singing of Konkanni songs, Goan stalls and not forgetting Chorizo pao.
Arts and Craft exhibition presented by members.
Goan troupe perform at India’s Independence Day celebration.
Mario Carvalho,
Victoria,
Melbourne, Australia