The Morrison Government has committed $5 million in the 2019-20 budget to the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria (GCMV).
The funding will be used for two priority projects – the Greek Centre Hub in Melbourne and a Hellenic Chair in Global Diasporas at the School of Culture and Communications at the University of Melbourne, both with an estimated cost of $2.5 million.
The Greek Centre Hub will be a meeting point and function space for Melbourne’s multicultural community, with a particular focus on engagement with seniors and youth groups.
Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Minister David Coleman said the funding would build on the significant contribution of the GCMV.
“This funding will greatly enhance the work of the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria,” Mr Coleman said.
“The Greek community of Australia have a long and proud history of contribution to our nation and the Greek Centre Hub will be a place to meet, collaborate and cooperate.”
The GCMV will also embark on a partnership with Melbourne University to establish the Hellenic Chair in Global Diasporas, located at the School of Culture and Communications at the University of Melbourne.
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Bill Papastergiadis, President of the GCMV said the announcement of the funding was a recognition of the contribution of the Greek community to Australia.
“This funding will position us to lead research in the field of Global Diaspora, coordinate the teaching of Greek Language and engage with the wider public on the relevance of Hellenism and Global Diasporas.”
“The Hub will also create a wonderful space that will ensure that the Greek community in Australia continues to thrive, and it’s wonderful that the Government recognises the legacy of our community,” Mr Papastergiadis said.
The funding commitment follows a recent visit to the Greek Centre of Contemporary Culture in Melbourne by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister Coleman.
