The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) has over the past few weeks focused on developing a coordinated response for Greek citizens without Australian rights navigating the COVID19 pandemic alongside the response to its own affairs.

In doing so, the GCM has been in close consultation with the Victorian and Australian Governments, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, professional groups and various community organisations and community advocates.

A summary of these meetings and their outcomes follows.

Meeting with Immigration Minister Alan Tudge

Neos Kosmos started a drive to help those stranded in Australia and in limbo due to visa expiration in meetings with Acting Federal Immigration Minister Alan Tudge, visa applicants and migrant groups.

As part of the ongoing push to get help for those affected, GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM and GCM Secretary Costas Markos met with Mr Tudge. The meeting discussed many matters affecting the broader Greek community but in particular focused on the plight of Greek temporary residents in Australia who fall outside of the various Government programs being introduced to support the broader Australian population.

The Minister pledged to look at the GCM’s proposals in the unprecedented time.

One of the proposals included the establishment of a helpline to service and direct members of the community, in particular Greek citizens who don’t qualify for Australian programs. Mr Tudge supported the establishment of such a service and encouraged the GCM to take the initiative and see it through.

As of Thursday, 16 April the GCM will offer a free helpline service from its HQ with the aim of directing community members but in particular Greek citizens during the crisis. It will operate from 9am to 5pm offering a conduit for all the various programs to be accordingly promoted to the people who will be most in need. Call 03 9662 2722 or email info@greekcommunity.com.au

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Appeal to the Greek state

The GCM has written to the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis raising the issue of Greek citizens in Australia on short term visas.

Mr Papastergiadis also contacted Mr Theodorikakos in order to raise a number of issues, including the plight of people who have “fallen through the cracks” in Australia’s efforts to support its citizens.

Mr Theodorikakos expressed concern over the plight of any Greek national and thanked the Greek community in Australia for its efforts and noted that anyone who requires assistance should immediately contact the Foreign Ministryof Greece.

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Archdiocese’s Northcote District COVID-19 relief program

Over the last couple of weeks the GCM has been in communication with the Archdiocese over the Community’s response to the pandemic and its impact on church operations and the broader affected community.

Mr Papastergiadis spoke in person with the Greek Orthodox Primate of Australia His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, as well as with the Northcote District’s Archiepiscopal Reverend Evmenios.

People are encouraged to donate goods (food, clothing, hygiene products etc) at the following locations:

• Holy Monastery of Action (“Axion Estin”) – 7 Hartington St, Northcote.
• St. Paraskevi Parish – 22 Marsden Crescent, St Albans
• Parish of visitation of the Lord – 23-29 Victoria St, Coburg
• Transfiguration Parish of the Savior – 45 Poplar St, Thomastown

Further, anyone wishing to make a financial contribution can do so via a bank transfer to the
following account:
Account Name: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia,
Consolidated Trust – Northcote District.
BSB: 082 135
Account Number: 42128 9455

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Community support

A number of community organisations have come together to prepare care packages for families affected by the pandemic in the Greek community of Australia.

These include the Pontiaki Estia, Merimna Pontian Ladies Association, the Pancretan Federation, and the Pallaconian Brotherhood.

These organisations are calling for the donation of food, clothing, and hygiene products.

Any individual or organisation seeking to help can contact Litsa Athansiadis (0421 804 968) and or Tony Tsourdalakis (0419 856 736).

Newly-arrived Greek organisations

Newly arrived Greeks can get help through E.N.A. which has been working consistently during the crisis. The group can be contacted via their facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/283369125428601/ Those affected should also contact Theodoros Giourtis on 0403 620952.

Drop off at the Greek Centre

The Greek Community Centre understands that travel during these times is complicated. Should someone be unable to support any of the above drives and cannot make it to any of the nominated centres, the GCM is there to help. Call  9662 2722 to arrange for your goods to be dropped off at the Greek Centre in the city.

Need someone to chat to?

The Cairnmillar Community Clinic who are offering free remote access counselling and mental health services via phone or video conference in English and Greek. Book an appointment today with Myrto on 1800 391 393.

Greek Community Schools

There has been plenty of preparation and teachers are ready to produce the highest quality of online education to students as the new school term commences.

One more thing

It is a stressful time, and we need to look out for each other. If anyone is aware of any families or individuals that may be facing hardship, please call the GCM and rest assured that information will remain discreet.

Neos Kosmos is also here to help in any way possible. Contact editor@neoskosmos.com.au or call (03) 9482 4433.

These are difficult times, but we’re in this together and together we’ll pull through.