Around 50 years ago, on 4th September 1972 to be exact, Loreto John York became the first-ever Maltese person to be elected mayor of an Australian city.

Earlier this week, on the 50th anniversary of Loreto’s appointment as mayor of Brunswick, Barry York – Loretto’s son – took to social media to share some insight into this momentous occasion.

Loreto, better known as Larry, was born in Sliema in 1918 to Salvu (Tan-Nassi) Meilak and Loreta (Tal-Cagu) Mercieca who, in turn, were originally from Ghajnsielem, Gozo.

“He spoke fluent Maltese which was his first language, and for his entire life, up to his passing in 2009, he identified with pride as being Maltese,” Barry wrote.

Loreto first left Malta when he volunteered for World War II and joined the Royal Air Force. He was stationed in Malta, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, France, and Great Britain. After the war, he was stationed in London where he was obliged to change his surname by deed poll from Meilak to York.

Whilst stationed in London, he met his English wife, Olive Turner. The two got married in 1947 and moved to Australia in 1954.

Loreto worked in many different factories while in Australia and was heavily involved with the Storemen and Packers Union. This made him the perfect man to contest the council elections of Brunswick, Melbourne with the Labour party.

A fellow Labour Councillor had opposed Loreto during the election, saying that “if we let [him] be Mayor, the wogs will take over Brunswick”

It’s safe to say that Loreto’s bid proved successful, as he served as a council member for six years before being elected mayor twice – from 1972 to 1973 and from 1976 to 1977.

‘Wog’ was a derogatory term for many Australian Immigrants from Southern European countries such as Malta.

In spite of said opposition, Loreto still managed to come out victorious.

“He saw the role as a great honour and used his multi-lingual (self-taught) skills to serve the ethnically diverse working people of Brunswick,” his son wrote.

“My mother Olive's support enhanced his role enormously,” he continued.

Loreto’s biggest achievement during his time as Mayor was the introduction of family planning services.

“He paved the way for others of 'wog' background and today, thank heavens, no-one talks nonsense about 'wogs taking over'”, Barry concluded.

Whilst Loreto passed on well over a decade ago, his memory lives thanks to a Brunswick park named in his honour. 'Loreto John York' park can be found on the corner of Holmes Street and Davies Street, Brunswick East, Melbourne, Australia

Facebook/Barry York