On 30th of October 2021, at the Siciliani Association Hall in Balcatta, the Management Committee were proud to host the 30-Year Anniversary Ball, which was attended by some 350 members and friends of COMMSSA Western Australia.
Dr Mariam Bahemia, the President and joint Medical Director, welcomed all those who had come along for such an important occasion. She had a special word of thanks for Mr. Ian Whittaker, the Honorary consul for Mauritius in Perth, and his wife, Jessica, longstanding supporters of COMMSSA. She thanked all those who had, on the front line or behind the scenes, worked so hard to make the celebration possible.
The Vice-President and Events coordinator, Mrs Monique Malié, told the audience about the functions that had been held by the Association in 2021 in spite of the challenges brought about by Covid-19. She outlined the events proposed for the remainder of 2021 and for 2022, inviting the patrons to maintain their support for the fundraising activities of the Association. She thanked the band, SPICY, and the DJ, Nono, who would be providing the music and entertainment throughout the evening.
Dr Serge Toussaint, joint Medical Director and Secretary, then proceeded to give a synopsis of the history of the Association. Assisted by a PowerPoint presentation, for which he thanked Dr. Subhrendu Rath and Ms. Anaïs Ducray for their help, Serge started by acknowledging the contribution made by those whom he referred to as the pioneers, a small number of Mauritians who, prior to the foundation of COMMSSA in 1991, had cared for some 15 children sent to Perth for surgery in the '70s and '80s. He then presented a few of the many children who had benefited from COMMSSA's assistance since 1991, concluding with his firm belief that COMMSSA was still relevant and could still, for many years to come, make a difference in the lives of poor Mauritian children .