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$2 million for Melbourne's Greek community

The Federal Government will give $2 million dollars to assist in building a new cultural centre for the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria (GOCMV)

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$2 million for Melbourne's Greek community

Prime Minister Julia Gillard with the children of the Greek community of Melbourne.

29 Feb 2012

The Federal Government will give $2 million dollars to assist in building a new cultural centre for the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria (GOCMV). The new cultural centre will be in the heart of Melbourne's Greek Community as part of a multipurpose building on the corner of Lonsdale and Russell Streets in the CBD.

The announcement, made by Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the official proceedings at last Saturday's Lonsdale Street Glendi was received with much delight by the crowd, especially the president of the GOCMV Bill Papastergiadis, who in his speech said that the grant sends a clear message; that government not only listens to communities but "importantly, they engage and partner with communities".

Mr Papastergiadis acknowledged the tireless work of Simon Crean and Martin Ferguson for this grant, and for their vision, but also aknowledged the support throughout the years by both the Liberal and Coalition State Governments. In his speech he said that this is "a huge stamp of approval for multiculturalism". Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, who also attended the official opening of last Saturday's Glendi, acknowledged Prime Minister Gillard for securing the community's grant.

The Lonsdale Street Glendi was officially opened by Acting Victorian Premier Peter Ryan; and attended by Minister for Multiculturalism and Citizenship Nicholas Kotsiras; MP Jenny Mikakos; Victorian Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews; Bishop Ezekiel; His Grace Bishop Iakovos; Lord Mayor Robert Doyle and various other dignatiries were also there to open the event.

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President of the GOCMV Bill Papastergiadis should be congratulated for his inspirational leadership in achieving this fantastic outcome. Years ago an assistant Treasurer of GOCMV suggested such a building, but the then controlling group could not appreciate what such a construction would mean for our community. Bill Papastergiadis and his team have shown that they have a vision for the future of our community and that they will work towards achieving it. Ms Gillard's grant is a small recognition of the great role that the Hellenic community have played in the growth and development of this state.
Submitted by atkenos on Thu, 2012-03-01 08:03.

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