History
GOLDEN ROCK, SOUTH INDIA – 1968
A Modest Beginning
There’s often a modest beginning to every successful story — and mine commenced in Golden Rock, a railway colony in South India.
The fourth of five siblings, I was fortunate to grow up in a family where my parents worked selflessly to provide us with a strong foundation for the future, instilling in us the importance of education, as well as a strong moral, spiritual and ethical compass.
While education was highly valued, my passion was sport — particularly hockey. I represented successful school and state teams before graduating from High School in 1968. My sporting ability also helped me secure employment with a reputable steel company in West Bengal, where I continued to represent the company in inter-state and intra-state competitions.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – 1970 – 1980s
A New Home & the Birth of Community
In 1970, at the age of twenty-one, I migrated to Australia and called Melbourne “Home”.
In 1971, together with a group of like-minded friends, we founded the Cosmos Hockey Club. We quickly became one of the leading local teams, with weekends filled with hockey, competition, friendship and social activities.
As our membership grew, so did the need for a place where our community could come together. Dances, coach tours and weekend trips to New South Wales became popular events, helping us raise funds while bringing people together.
What began through sport and friendship gradually developed into something much bigger — a vision to establish a permanent foundation for our community.
THE ASSOCIATION IS BORN – 1986
Turning the Vision into Reality
In 1986, the Anglo-Indian Australasian Association of Victoria was formally instituted and incorporated.
Three blocks of land were purchased at Llewelyn Court, Noble Park, providing the foundation on which our future facilities would be built.
In 1992, following continued lobbying, we successfully secured a grant from the Bob Hawke Government to establish St Joseph’s Hostel — the first facility of its kind outside India.
The hostel provided 16 single bedrooms with ensuite facilities, together with shared kitchen, dining and laundry facilities. It became an important source of safe and affordable accommodation for our community, with demand remaining consistently strong.
1986
The Association was formally incorporated
1992
St Joseph's Hostel opened
16
Single bedrooms with ensuite facilities
Building for Generations
From 1998 to 2020, the Association continued to expand its facilities and create new opportunities for members and the wider community.
1998
St Mary's Retirement Village
Seven self-contained units providing accommodation for members of the Anglo Indian community.
2000–2012
Expanding Accomodation
A three-bedroom guest home for new migrants, followed by five St Joseph’s Villas and the St Joseph’s Extension with six additional ensuite rooms.
2013–2019
Expanding Our Horizons
Properties were acquired at St Albans and Lakes Entrance, creating opportunities for future development.
2020
A New Chapter in Pakenham
Property was purchased at Pakenham, further strengthening the Association’s future opportunities.
The People, The Vision & The Future
The Presidents Who Led Our Journey
Barry Parton
Late Brother Barry led the association from 1971 to 1980. We sincerely thank him for his service.
John Murphy
We thank the late Father John for his commitment and service for leading the association from 1980 to 1986.
Brian DeMonte
One of our longest serving president the late Brian DeMonte who served from 1986 to 2012. Our gratitude to him for his service.
Those Who Gave Their Time
Audrey Osborne
A dedicated member whose long and unswerving service has contributed greatly to the Association since 1988.
Douglas Emmanuel
A long-serving member whose commitment and support have helped strengthen the Association over many years.
Michael Simpson
A solicitor who generously provided voluntary legal services to the Association, contributing his professional expertise to its development.
Our Vision
From the beginning, the vision has been to provide safe, affordable and welcoming facilities for our community. Through the dedication of past and present committees, that vision has continued to grow.
Serving a Growing Community
Today, the Association continues to welcome and support members of the Anglo-Indian community, while extending its facilities and services to members from other backgrounds.
A Commitment to Our Community
In 2010, members unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the Association’s assets for the long-term benefit of its members and the community.
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A legacy built for the community, with future generations in mind.
A Community of More Than 2,000 Members
What began with a small group of like-minded people has grown into a vibrant community with more than 2,000 members — a testament to the vision, dedication and generosity of those who came before us.
The Story Continues
From Golden Rock to Melbourne, from a hockey club to a thriving community association, the journey has been built on friendship, service and a shared commitment to one another. The story continues with the generations to come.