MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – A shining testament to heritage, unity, and resilience, the Goan Overseas Association of Victoria (GOAV) celebrated 45 years of promoting Goemkarponn (Goan identity and culture) in Australia with a magnificent Sapphire Dinner Dance held at the elegant Glen Eira Council Hall Auditorium.
The event not only commemorated a significant milestone in GOAV’s journey but also served as a vibrant reunion of generations of Goans living in Victoria, united in their love for their roots.
As guests arrived between 5:30 and 6:00 PM, they were warmly welcomed with a traditional glass of sherry, setting the tone for an evening steeped in warmth, nostalgia, and celebration. The sapphire-blue theme radiated throughout the auditorium—from decor to attire—creating a refined and visually cohesive experience.
The energy soared as ‘Colors’, a well-known 7-piece live band, took the stage and electrified the room with their vibrant music. The dance floor remained packed until past 11 PM, with spontaneous encores and a crowd-favorite saxophonist joining guests for an unforgettable moment of dance-floor revelry.
Guests indulged in a beautifully curated menu, beginning with entrée platters featuring crispy calamari and other favourites, followed by a lavish buffet dinner expertly catered by Silver Platter. The cuisine reflected both refinement and comfort, complementing the evening’s upscale yet community-rooted tone.
A sparkling blue photo corner allowed attendees to snap keepsake photos with friends and family. The night was further enlivened with raffle and door prizes, ranging from gourmet food hampers and fine wines and spirits to the coveted grand prize—a brand-new air fryer.
In her heartfelt address, GOAV President Annabel Henriques reflected on the community’s journey:
“We are proud to have brought the community together for such a memorable night. As we celebrate 45 years, we also celebrate the blessings symbolised by the sapphire—beauty, wealth, and divine favour.”
She extended her gratitude to the Glen Eira Council, all event sponsors, attendees, and especially the GOAV committee and their partners, whose dedication ensured the evening’s success.
What began in 1979 as a community initiative has grown into a cultural institution for Goans in Victoria. This 45th anniversary event was more than a celebration—it was a reaffirmation of GOAV’s mission: to preserve Goan traditions, support cultural expression, and foster a strong sense of belonging among Goans in the diaspora.
With this milestone, GOAV not only honours its rich past but confidently looks toward a future of continued cultural enrichment, youth engagement, and communal solidarity.
The Goan Overseas Association of Victoria is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected Goan cultural organisations. For over four decades, it has hosted social, cultural, and charitable events that celebrate Goan heritage and foster connections within the broader Indian and multicultural Australian communities.
