Melbourne’s Konkan Community (MKC) gathered on Sunday, October 13th, for its 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Parish Hall of St Joseph’s Church, Northcote. The meeting saw the election of new office bearers and committee members for the year 2024-25, with Rita Fernandes appointed as the 14th President of the association.
Stephen P. D’Souza, the Chairperson and Returning Officer, warmly welcomed members to the AGM, which began with a prayer and hymn, expressing gratitude for the past year’s blessings and looking forward to the year ahead. The outgoing Secretary, Maxim Rego, read the minutes of the previous meeting, which were promptly confirmed and approved.
Outgoing President Vincent D’Costa highlighted the impressive achievements of the community over the past year, noting a record 15 activities that brought members together in various ways. Treasurer Valerian D’Souza presented a detailed financial report, which was approved following a brief Q&A session. A Special Resolution regarding a new Registered Address for the association was also passed and updated.
Rita Fernandes takes the helm as MKC’s President, becoming the fourth woman to hold the position. She brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as Secretary and Cultural Secretary. Joining her on the core committee are Mario Tauro as Vice President, Philomen Fernandes as Secretary, and Elias Mascarenhas as Treasurer.
In her acceptance speech, Fernandes expressed gratitude to the outgoing team and shared her vision for the coming year, promising to work closely with the entire committee to make it a memorable period for the community.
The AGM also saw the appointment of supporting office bearers. Neel Carvalho will serve as Media Secretary, Vincent D’Costa as Sports Secretary, and Janet D’Mello as Cultural Secretary. Dolly Cutinho will oversee grants, while several other general members were elected to support the committee’s initiatives.
Though three members were unable to attend due to being overseas, the newly elected team took a joint oath to uphold the association’s by-laws. The MKC, a registered association in Victoria, continues to welcome Catholics of Mangalorean origin to join this thriving community, which looks ahead with optimism and unity for the year 2024-25.
MKC committee members can be contacted via email at mkonkanc@gmail.com for any enquiries or further information.
To know more about MKC and its activities, please login to Facebook
page http://www.facebook.com/MelbourneKonkanCommunity
Website: www.mkc.net.au
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