The Liberal Party has pledged to provide a $5 million funding package to the Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh & Districts for the construction of a new community hub and a car park.

Approximately 13,000 persons of Greek background are estimated to call the Monash area home. The Liberals Candidate for Oakleigh, Jim Grivokostopoulos, said the funding is necessary to ensure the growing needs of the local community are met with “resources to share and celebrate their culture and positive contributions they have had and continue to have.”

The election promise makes reference to the need for a dedicated car park to ease congestion on nearby streets and particularly around Oakleigh Grammar, where members of the community have reportedly requested the creation of drop-off and pick-up areas.

Security upgrades and an aquatic centre are also on the cards, according to the funding pledge.

Member for Southern Metropolitan Region, David Davis, said this commitment will go towards a much-needed facility for the local population.

“The Greek community make a wonderful contribution to Victoria’s culture and this commitment by the Liberals and Nationals will continue to support them,” Mr Davis said.

Considered a safe seat for Labor since taking it over from the Liberal party in 1999, the seat of Oakleigh is currently held by Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events and Minister for Creative Industries.

Other declared candidates for Oakleigh are independents Parashos Kioupelis and Dominique Murphy, Edward Sok for Family First Victoria, Loraine Fabb for the Animal Justice Party, Hsiang-Han Hsieh for the Australian Greens and Anthony Charles Jacobs for the Freedom Party of Victoria.

The Victorian State election will be held on Saturday 26 November.