Falcons club together

Members of the George Cross Falcons Club with Club President Louis Parnis (on the right)

OUR local Maltese community have their own place to go with the George Cross Falcons Club in Cringila.

This club was established some 55 years ago on the back of Maltese immigrants who, like many others, came to the Illawarra to work in our booming steelworks industry.

A group of these immigrants bought two blocks of land between them and built the club as they could afford to.

Club President Louis Parnis said the club is entering a new era striking a balance between traditions and modernism. Mr Parnis took over the presidency about three months ago and said he encourages everyone to visit the club and have a chat with members.

Primarily a place where people with similar interests can meet and socialise the club also offers soccer teams, botche and a Maltese language school.

The language school can be utilised by anyone however has special purpose for those born in Australia who have Maltese speaking family members, ensuring avenues of communication remain open.

In line with Maltese tradition emphasis is placed on the family, the club ensures family members have a place to gather together.

Mr Parnis said his vision for the club is for it to continue to progress and to modernise.

With many of the original club members now living in suburbs across the Illawarra he said it is a great way to keep ties with people tight.

Some people dont have great English and here we can speak Maltese or English. If people dont drive or think Cringila is to far I encourage the kids to bring them for some time out. We are not about making money, you dont have to come here with full pockets, he said.

The club is open each Sunday from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm.

In a fundraising effort the club is holding a dinner dance on February 3. If you are one of the thousands of Maltese/Australians living in the Illawarra why not take the chance to meet people with a similar background? The club is aiming for about 100 people to attend.

Mr Parnis is also interested in anyone who would like to sponsor the club, ensuring its future.

If you have any enquires you can ring Louis on his home phone, 4261 1285.