Matthew Guy the leader of the Victorian opposition today committed $700,000 to the parish of St Haralambos so it can continue delivering vital services for the local Doncaster and Templestowe community, if an Liberal National Party coalition is elected into government in November.

The Greek Orthodox parish of St Haralambos runs community programs and activity groups, including outreach programs across the Doncaster and Templestowe region.

After years of lockdowns and restrictions, the services that the Parish of St Haralambos provides are more important than ever, supporting people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly those more vulnerable and isolated in the community.

“These funds will assist the parish in continuing this vital role” said Mr Guy.

(R-L) Nick Xerakias, Matthew Guy MP, Rev. Fr Elias Kentrotis and other leaders of the parish. Photo: Supplied

After a recent break-ins, the promised funding will assist the parish to create a safe place for community engagement and will seal the upper car park, by erectng of a perimeter fence, and will install lighting and security camera systems.

The promised funds adds to the $300,000 contributed toward the parish community hall in 2014 by then Multicultural Minister, Mr Guy.

Mr Guy, said that the St Haralambos “has been at the forefront of providing essential programs and assistance to the community of Doncaster and Templestowe, especially the most vulnerable in the community.”

“I’m proud to have delivered for my community in the past, and will continue to do so into the future”.

Matthew Guy outside St Anargyroi during his visit to Oakleigh Grammar. Photo: Con Deves

Parish volunteer, Nick Xerakias, said that this funding commitment is an example of the support that Mr Guy has provided the parish and its community over many years.

“The funding would allow the Parish to undertake the next stage of critical works to continue to upgrade the Parish’s facilities and to continue our role as an essential part of the local community,” Mr Xerakias said.

He then thanked Mr Guy on behalf of St Haralambos, and expressed “great appreciation” to the” local MP, Matthew Guy, for this election funding commitment.”

Principal Mark Robertson and Jim Grivokostopoulos talking to Oakleigh Grammar students. Photo: Con Deves

Earlier this week Mr Guy with Jim Grivokostopoulos, Liberal Party candidate for Oakleigh, recently visited Oakleigh Grammar, hosted by Principal Mark Robertson, to meet students, staff, the school chaplain and members of the board.

Ably led by students, the duo toured the school, meeting and chatting to students in classrooms, the library and in the playground and talked about assisting the school realise its future plans.

“Thank you to Oakleigh Grammar for hosting both myself and Matthew with a tour of the School,” said Mr Grivokostopoulos. “It was great to speak to Fr Stavros, Principal Mark Robertson and the OG Board on future planned developments of the school and the positive impact it will have not only on the students but the whole community at large,” he concluded.