Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1515545
15 CULTURE maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 7 FEBRUARY 2024 THE Maltese High Commissioner to Australia Mario Farrugia Borg used his current trip to Malta to schedule a visit to the ongoing Din l-Art Helwa project to restore the Australian Bungalow. This century-old structure was sent to various Commonwealth countries to help familiarise emigrants with the way of life in Australia – as well as with building methods used. "I was delighted yesterday to be in- vited by Din l-Art Helwa to visit the Australian Bungalow project in Ta' Qali. The bungalow was sent from Aus- tralia in the 1920s to give prospective migrants the opportunity to familiarise themselves with their future environ- ment in Australia and to learn about timber construction methods. "Over time, it was unfortunately left to deteriorate but it is now thankfully be- ing meticulously restored, ensuring we do not lost such an important artefact of Malta and Australia's common her- itage. Looking forward to visit again in the future, hopefully a completed pro- ject by my next visit home!" the High Commissioner posted on social media after his visit. He was shown around Ta' Qali by the project leader and volunteer Joseph Philip Farrugia, DLH executive pres- ident Alex Torpiano, and the head of the main contractor Chillis Chilli, Alan Debattista. They also visited one of the subcon- tractors entrusted by Chillis Chilli with part of the restoration. While there, the High Commissioner pointed out a piece of wood crowning the roof, which raised considerable in- terest: "His comment about the traditional carved straight wooden staff over the centre of the pitched roof was valua- ble. We'll look into it further for future reference in our literature about the building," Farrugia promised. The High Commissioner's interest will no doubt help the NGO to spread the word about the project in Austral- ia. Torpiano commented: "The work on the restoration of the Australian Bun- galow is but the physical part of Din l-Art Helwa's ambition for this artefact. The other is to collate and present the story of their emigration of Maltese and Gozitans to Australia, and we are grateful for offer of assistance of the High Commission of Malta in Australia to bring us into contact with our com- munity over there." The project is being sponsored by the Melita Foundation and involved a thorough analysis of the structure – which was at the time in Ghammieri. Although some parts could be saved, others required restoration or replace- ment. The Bungalow will shortly be re-as- sembled at Ta' Qali, where it will be more accessible to the public. Comple- tion of this project is expected in just a few weeks. It will be used to raise awareness about this important part of the islands' history, and to pay tribute to the Mal- tese community in Australia. Maltese High Commissioner to Australia visits DLH project ITS prepares for the second Open Doors event IN anticipation of the upcom- ing Open Doors event on 18 March, 2024, the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) is gearing up for the second edi- tion of this eagerly awaited event, following the success of the first Open Doors held in March 2023. Scheduled to take place on 18 March, 2024, starting at 6pm, being an eve of a pub- lic holiday, the Open Doors event aims to provide pro- spective students and their families with an insightful look into the diverse range of study programmes offered at ITS, offering a preview of the enriching educational experience that awaits. Attendees can look for- ward to engaging demon- strations and presentations from various study pro- grammes, including Diving Safety Management, Travel and Tourism, Tourist Guid- ing, International Hospitali- ty Management, Languages, Climate Friendly Travel, Food & Beverage and Kitch- en and Pastry. Prospective students will have the op- portunity to explore the full spectrum of study pro- grammes, spanning from Foundation Level to Mas- ter's Level. Throughout the event, par- ticipants will have opportu- nities to connect with differ- ent lecturers and students as well as departments, includ- ing Student Support Ser- vices, Erasmus Office, and Internships Office, offering invaluable assistance and information to prospective students. For additional details and event updates, stay connect- ed with us on our social me- dia channels.