The celebration of the life of George Zangalis, the well-loved Communist Party of Australia activist, unionist and multiculturalist, that was planned before his death on 25 March, will still take place as scheduled on the afternoon of Sunday, 25 April at Alphington Grammar’s Multi-purpose Andrianakos Centre in Alphington.

Long-time friend Theo Markos, who will also talk at the event said: “George, a true visionary, was one of the major proponents and advocates of multiculturalism in Australia, as well as a fierce campaigner for social justice and workers’ rights.

“The Community in conjunction with the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU),Radio 3ZZZ, and numerous other community organisations will be celebrating George’s life of activism on Sunday, 25 April, at 2.30 pm. …We are looking forward to our members and the broader community coming together to reflect and honour George’s remarkable contribution,” Mr Markos said.

The chairperson of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV), Eddie Micaleff will be the first of the speakers recalling his long association with Mr Zangalis through their long friendship and work on the ECCV, and the Combined Pensioners’ Association. Mr Micaleff, a former trade union official and Victorian MP was a regular guest on Mr Zangalis’ radio programme on 3ZZZ-FM.

READ MORE: ‘My George Zangalis’, remembering the man who offered so much to his community

Other speakers will include Luba, Grigoravich, the Victorian state secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) of which Mr Zangalis was a long-serving and active member. Former Labor Minister Jenny Mikakos, current federal MP Maria Vamvakinou and Lily D’Ambrosio the Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change and Minister for Solar Homes will also be among those who will speak at the event.

Donations will be welcome to help the family to buy the remaining 22 files on Mr Zangalis that are held by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).

“The family have four but it’s $250 for each remaining folder. And once accessed all these files go on Australian Archives website where anyone can read them. They become an important historical research tool,” said Carmel Shute, a long-term family friend who will introduce the proceedings on Sunday.

♦ Doors open at 2pm the Alphington Grammar Multi Purpose Andrianakos Centre at 18 Heidelberg Road, Alphington, all are welcome.

READ MORE: George Zangalis passes away, RIP to a great Greek Australian battler