About Us

Mission Statement

To promote and facilitate better understanding, closer relationship and mutual appreciation among the Burmese, Australian and other communities by Social, Welfare, Cultural, Charitable and Educational activities.

The Association has a membership of approximately 300 persons which is the largest such membership in Western Australia. With the support of these members we are able to advise Government and other agencies for the community’s benefit. It is therefore desirable that the Burmese community be united with one voice in order to gain the maximum standing among the wider Australian society. The membership support is one way of increasing our community’s standing.

The Association is governed by a Constitution and managed by 11 elected management committee members who are all volunteers. Committee members meet monthly to discuss the Association’s business and other activities.

Our main activities include a monthly Burmese food fete which is a very lively and tasty event. At these events all members of the community including first, second and third generation Burmese-Australians can be seen there socialising.

Social events and gatherings such as dances are held in community halls throughout the metropolitan area.

The Association is widely recognised by Government and other bodies and is regularly consulted on matters of migration, multicultural affairs and in times of natural disaster assistance in Burma such as the Cyclone Nargis devastation of 2008.

45th

The 45th AGM of the Association was held on Sunday 26th September 2010 in the Main Hall, 275 Stirling Street complex and was attended by about 60 members. (Photos of the AGM can be viewed here).

The meeting was chaired by the President Denzil D’Vauz. His address summarized the achievement, experiences and activities/functions held by the Association through the past year. It also acknowledges the unstinting volunteer support provided by the Management Committee, and various individuals who have contributed to the huge success of the Association.

At the end of the President’s report Jill Cameron and Peter Alexander of Jill Cameron and Associates were invited to report to the Burmese Association of Western Australia Inc. Annual General Meeting on the Accommodation Feasibility Study undertaken by Jill Cameron & Associates and Peter Alexander.

The meeting proceeded with a presentation of the previous AGM minutes and after some minor comments and discussion were accepted by the meeting. The Secretary Heather Durham presents her report followed by the audited financial statements for the year presented by the Treasure Denise Alexander, and the appointment of the auditor was announced.

Life Membership awards were proposed, and overwhelmingly accepted by the meeting for Sandra Baker. The Management Committee has unanimously decided to award this year’s Life Membership to Sandra Baker who we all agree has dedicated an invaluable service and meets the criteria of distinctive merits for the BAWA life membership. Sandra has contributed her time and expertise in all facets of the Management Committee role.

After much deliberation, the Management Committee decided to award the following members with a Certificate of Appreciation, for their loyalty, support and dedication to the Association and the Burmese community. Vice President, Mr Chris Manook, Mrs Betty Johnson, and Mrs Robena Kerth, presented the Senior awards to Jennifer Lambert, Audrey Wiltshire, Mr & Mrs J. Kelly, Mrs Nellie Ponde, Mr & Mrs C. Stephenson and Mr & Mrs J. Webster. The Social awards were presented by Michael Hutton to Willy Morris, Colin Baker, Trish Scholer, Ivy D’Vauz, Rudy & Arlene D’Cunha and Jeff & Soe Soe Martin. Awards for the radio was presented by Bryan Alexander to John Hersheen and John Francis.

A break for lunch of Mohinga was enjoyed by the members, taking the opportunity to mingle and socialize. On returning from lunch, the Returning Officer Mel Fialho, President of the AAA, oversaw the stepping down of the current Management Committee and he presented the 11 nominees for the 11 Management Committee members for 2010/2011. The following members were voted in: Bryan Alexander, Denise Alexander, Sandra Baker, Denzil D’Vauz, Heather Durham, Michael Hutton, Betty Johnson, Robena Kerth, Chris Manook, Ron Maw and Fay Quinlivan. The elected Management Committee then elected BAWA’s officer bearers for 2010/2011. (The new 2010/2011 Management Committee page - click here)

The meeting was then closed.

Our Constitution

Our new Constitution was ratified by the Department of Commerce in November 2009.

You can download a copy of our Constitution here.