The Melbourne Konkan Community (MKC) has ushered in a new chapter of leadership following its Annual General Meeting on 20 October at St James the Apostle Community Hall in Hoppers Crossing. Members gathered to reflect on a year of achievements and to elect the committee that will guide the community through 2025–2026.
Mr Maxim Rego was announced as the new President. A long-time member of the MKC, he has been described as a leader deeply committed to unity and cultural continuity. His priorities include strengthening community connections, boosting youth engagement, and ensuring the rich Konkani heritage remains alive for future generations.
Joining him are Vice President Dolpey Pais, Secretary Mayola D’Souza, Treasurer Elias Mascarenhas, Sports Secretary Jolwin Rebeiro, Media Secretary Neel Carvalho, Cultural Secretary Leslina Fernandes, and Grants Secretary Jerry Fernandes. The committee also includes Youth Representatives Ethan Lewis and Jenisha Fernandes, along with members Vincent D’Costa, Darel D’Souza, Loyal Andrade, and Venecia D’Souza.
For the first time, MKC has included Youth Representatives on its committee, a move welcomed across the membership. The initiative, the community said, will help younger members develop leadership skills while ensuring their ideas and perspectives shape MKC’s direction in the years ahead.
The organisation expressed gratitude to the outgoing committee led by President Rita Fernandes for their service and leadership over the past year. Their efforts, the statement said, have laid a strong foundation for continued growth and harmony within the community.
Special appreciation was extended to Deacon Royden D’Souza for his talk on spirituality in leadership and teamwork, which reminded members that “MKC’s true strength lies in its togetherness.” The community also thanked Returning Officer Stephen D’Souza for conducting the AGM and elections transparently and in accordance with Victorian by-laws.
As the meeting concluded, members reaffirmed their shared commitment to community service, celebration, and unity. The new committee steps into the year with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to build on the MKC’s legacy of connection and cultural pride.
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