Alfred Fenech, better known as Freddie, arrived in Sydney in 1955 as an 18-year-old from Sliema in Malta, initially working in the private sector before joining the Federal Public Service in 1958. He worked in the Repatriation Department and Department of Labour and National Service, joining the Department of Trade in 1967 after he graduated in economics from Sydney University. Working there until his retirement in 1986, his contributions included increasing commercial and people-to-people links with many countries, drawing on the diversity of Australia’s multicultural communities.

In 1997, he launched his own business, Ausethno Export and Business Services, providing export services to Asian businesses and working to attract Chinese students to Australia. As part-time executive officer of the Australian-Maltese Chamber of Commerce from 1997-2004, Mr Fenech hosted and led trade delegations between Malta and Australia, and he was appointed Honorary Consul (Commercial) for Malta in NSW in 1998.

Throughout his career, he was a stalwart advocate for Maltese people in NSW, as President of the Maltese Community Council of NSW, giving more than 40 years’ service and founding the Maltese-Australian Society. Mr Fenech actively promoted Maltese culture and traditions, through the annual Maltese Carnival from 1976-1995 and through Maltese radio programs.

As a foundation member of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW, Mr Fenech also played a key role in uniting diverse communities. He was also a life member of Addison Road Community Centre and secretary of the Phoenician Club. He was married with three children.