Mystery Prize Dinner 2008 |Provincias 2008|Welcome Mat|
Casa Working Bee | Casa Picnic 2007

Mystery Prize Dinner 2008

The 'Mystery Prize Dinner' was held on Sunday March 2nd at Verde Minho Portuguese Restaurant. Winners (including spouses/partners) were drawn during the NSW Christmas luncheon on November 18th 2007, at the Sydney Portugal Community Club.

Several Committee members and spouses attended, allowing for social interaction with members present and a 'getting to know you' - over a great evening meal. Conversation flowed after pleasantries, and even led to philosophical discussions that touched generally on our Casa.

Feedback from the night included:

"Tonight is great - when is the next one?"
"Good idea to meet in a smaller group";
"No complaints - happy with the progress of our Casa and the purchase of the premises at Sydneham";
"Would like another organised trip to Portugal".

Having orginated from a recommendation from a Casa member, this initiative turned out to be a successful event, thanks to the co-ordination of our Vice President Marcus Gutierrez.

Back to top

Provincias de Portugal 2008

Sydney Portugal Community Club hosted another successful annual event on Sunday 20th April, 2008 in their grounds at Marrickville, as the rain held off until late afternoon.

Our Casa, a regular each year, offered Macanese food – made possible by our own small talented band of ‘chefs’ on the Committee plus Brenda Chavez, who deserves to be commended for her help and active participation. The menu for the day offered: • Batadada • Coqueira • Minchee (with Rice) • Prego • Cheese Toast • Noodles • Curry Chicken (with Rice)

The Committee wish to thank the many supporters that turned up for a good part of the day to show their support and to enjoy the cuisine offered by all the stalls and to catch the entertainment provided by the Portuguese Folk Dancers. Point of interest was a copy of the ‘Portuguese Community in HongKong’ book which provided much talk and attention from the photos contained within. Notwithstanding the 5 minutes of fame when our Treasurer, Rogerio Fernandes was interviewed by the Portuguese channel. Once again, Macau Government Tourist Office in Sydney graciously provided Casa with giveaway items and information booklets which were well received. Packing up at 7pm made this a long but most enjoyable day.

Back to top

Welcome Mat - June 2008

Members from NSW and interstate (from Victoria & Canberra) have dropped in to our ‘Casa’ over the past month - totalling over 80 to date. The feedback has been most encouraging as these interested members were impressed with the potential future opportunities of usage (a library & planned social activities) as well as the convenience of the location (3 minutes from Sydenham railway station).

With the fit-out nearing completion we are intending to draw up a feasible 'social calendar of activities’ at the Casa premises that will be based on member feedback provided to the Committee. Being a modest dwelling, activities and attending numbers will need to be limited, and therefore our traditional State annual social events (Dia de S Joao and Christmas) will remain held at larger venues (e.g. town halls and recreational parks).

We need to acknowledge with thanks:
• Rogerio Fernandes (our Treasurer) for his time and work in tendering the garden and keeping the courtyards neat and tidy.
• Minor chores have been carried out with the help of our member, Wayne Hammond.

As there is shelving and furniture for our library, a ‘work group’ will be established to organise this resource. Our member, Stuart Braga, has kindly volunteered his time to assist in this ‘project’ given his expertise in this area. Other members who are willing to lend a hand would be most welcomed.

Back to top

Casa Working Bee - Hands on Team Work

During 2007, past Committee members (& spouses) were invited to ‘visit’ Casa’s newly acquired premises, in acknowledgement of their contribution and association. Two lunches were held in July & August, hosted by the current Committee, offering home made Macanese cuisine –‘just scrumptious’. The feedback on the property was most encouraging and positive.

Our first ‘working bee’ was held on Saturday 3rd November 2007, thanks also to the support of our spouses and enthusiastic members; Eduardo Gutierrez and Wayne Hammond.

It was an early start to first remove all Casa items and boxes from the storage cage at Kirrawee and transporting same to the premises at Sydenham – thank God the rain held out. Then it was the other chores of housekeeping, commencing with the most important area in any household – the ‘kitchen’. Followed by other tasks, e.g. cleaning, unpacking crockery, cutlery, pottery and glassware. After the chores, the lighting up of Casa’s first BBQ followed, to share a meal in celebration and as a reward for a job well done !!!

Outfitting of the premises continues and members who can offer some time and assistance in setting up our new home will be most welcomed.

Interested members can ‘drop in’ after the monthly Committee meetings (Saturday afternoons) by
RSVP to:
Mary Rigby (Secretary)
Tel: 47333862 or to email click here
Special appointment can also be organised for weekdays with notice.

Casa de Macau Committee
February 2008

Back to top

“ Picnic in the Park” at Tempe Reserve - Report

Sunday 15th April, kicked off the first planned social for 2007. The weather was excellent and the spot ideal. Thanks Antonieta Manolakis for getting there at the break of dawn to reserve the covered site. Casa members gathered at Tempe Reserve to enjoy bbq Portuguese sausages, steak, bread rolls with toss green salad. A very healthy lunch and the aroma drew stares from passers by. BYO sweets and snacks were shared in a relaxed and enjoyable afternoon. The best was left for last – ‘Cha Cha’ was most welcoming - thanks to Lizette Akouri. Our Casa flag was a great landmark and backdrop for a group photo, taken by Manuel Herrero.

There are many to thank for making this occasion possible. Acknowledgement and appreciation to:

- Lizette (for the Cha Cha – YUM !) & Antonieta (the ‘early bird’) the main organizers for the day.
- Mario Manolakis for bringing his bbq and organising the cooking
- Tony Akouri for getting the delicious Portuguese sausages, helping with the bbq and bringing the extra chairs
- Alexia for securing our Casa flag

But most of all to those that made an effort to attend and may have traveled a long way. The photos says it all!

Cha Cha anyone? Thumbs up from Leo Osmund