The official opening of Oakleigh Grammar’s impressive N. P. Nikolakakis Centre of Academic Excellence was inaugurated in the presence of dignitaries and crowds on Sunday, 7 May.
The event took place on the grounds of Oakleigh Grammar and along Clapham Road, which was closed to traffic to accommodate food stalls and various other activities, while there were also free events and activities for children, food and stalls and live entertainment.
Among others, the Archbishop of Australia Makarios, the Federal Minister for Home Affairs, Clare Ellen O’Neil, the State Minister for Tourism, Sport, Major Events and Creative Industries, Steve Dimopoulos, the Consul General Emmanuel Kakavelakis were in attendance.
This year, marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh and Environs and the 40th anniversary of its “flagship” educational institution, Oakleigh Grammar School.
The official opening was followed by a large Community Festival, supported by the Victorian government, and earlier in the day Archbishop Makarios had presided at the Sunday service at Sts Anargyri Church.
Chris Damatopoulos, chairman of Oakleigh Grammar’s Board of Trustees, said the event was “a way of giving back to our vibrant and supportive wider community”.
*More extensive coverage and photos to follow.
