A quiet optimism seems to have replaced the rancour which characterised the lead-up to the Greek Community of Melbourne, Victoria’s general elections.
The unambiguous victory of the Bill Papastergiadis’ ticket has meant that the newly elected board is able to implement its agenda without opposition.
“Tomorrow night is our first meeting called by the electoral committee pursuant to the constitution, there were nine days for any objections and given there were none we are able to elect a new executive” said Mr Papastergiadis to Neos Kosmos.
“I will be ringing people to gauge interest, but I am happy to say that up to now everyone has been flexible, open to suggestion, it really marks a new and very positive beginning,” added Mr Papastergiadis.
Mr Papastergiadis is keen to highlight his key priorities for the next few months, “I have an immediate agenda, to commence the $6 million redevelopment of Alphington Grammar and the invigoration of Antipodes Festival to include a vibrant domestic cultural contribution.”
He identified the need to create a “well organised head office by recruiting a manager” and to make “member benefits” evident.
“What do you get for being a member of the Greek Community? That’s what I want to identify” said Mr Papastergiadis.
Mr Papastergiadis will also be looking at beginning work on a cultural centre for which the Victorian Government promised to support at the tune of $2 million last year.
The new board will have “portfolios” which include; “community relations; education; constitutional reform and the all important economic portfolio,” underscored Mr Papastergiadis.
The Antipodes Festival will now have a co-chair, Tammy Iliou sharing responsibilities with existing chairperson, Leonidas Vlahakis.
“We are promoting a very competent woman in a leadership position and I hope to see more women take up executive roles,” said Mr Papastergiadis. “We have a good team with great combination of youth and experience” he added.
Other Greek organisations were called upon by Mr Papastergiadis to “step up” in their support and to work in partnership with the Greek Community.