The promise of a $1 million grant for Victoria’s ethnic media, under a re-elected Labor government, is a positive step in recognising the important role community organisations play in disseminating information to their constituents, according to the director of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria (GOCMV), Theo Markos.

Victorians come from more than 200 nations, speak over 200 languages and follow more than 120 faiths – our State is one of the great multicultural communities of the world.

“The most important thing is the government is acknowledging the strong role community organisations play in the Victorian general population,” Mr Markos told Neos Kosmos, adding the GOCMV could use the money to assist with its infrastructure and also the monthly newsletter that
it produces.

“We can use some of that money to make sure we come up with a better quality paper or we can improve our website. We currently send a newsletter out to members once a month or every two months, but with some assistance we could make it more regular and keep the lines of communication open to our members,” he said.

Mr Markos believes ethnic media has always been supported within the community.

“In the past there’s been support, I think this is an acknowledgment of the significance we play and basically sending the message out there,” he said.

Last week Victorian Premier John Brumby announced that a re-elected Labor Government would invest in a new grants program allowing ethnic and multicultural media organisations in Victoria to upgrade their facilities and purchase new technology and other equipment needed to fulfil their important roles.

“We understand Victorians are proud of our rich cultural diversity and heritage,” Mr Brumby said.

“Victorians come from more than 200 nations, speak over 200 languages and follow more than 120 faiths – our State is one of the great multicultural communities of the world,” he said.

“Our government has a proud record of supporting our great multicultural society and our support for ethnic and multicultural organisations continues
to grow.”