The Australian Association of Kastorians, known as ‘Kastoria’, commemorated the completion of their upgraded facilities last Sunday.

The association unveiled their newly renovated bathroom and kitchen facilities at the North Coburg premises, followed by lunch.

This revitalisation project commenced with a grant of $29,465 from the Victorian Government’s 2020-21 Multicultural Community Infrastructure Fund.

The Merri-bek City Council also provided $40,000 in funding through a Capital Works Partnership Grant in 2022, which was allocated for the construction of the new kitchen.

In addition to the grant contributions, the club made additional financial contributions, and its members devoted their time and effort on a voluntary basis to bring the renovation to fruition.

At the opening. Photo: Supplied

Effie Lalopoulos, president of the Australian Association of Kastorians, welcomed guests and members in attendance, expressing her gratitude to the Victorian government and the Merri-bek City Council for their generous funding, which enabled the renovation of the building facilities.

The club extended its gratitude to George Kouskouras, principal at Graphos Architects, for providing the renovation plans pro bono and to Kon Antoniadis, builder from Zeal Projects, for successfully completing the renovation within a tight budget.

Following the speeches, Mrs Lalopoulos, accompanied by Anthony Cianflone MLA and Cr Angelica Panopoulos, symbolically cut the ribbon, marking the official reopening of the club’s facilities.

Ms Lalopoulos addressing the guests. Photo: Supplied

Distinguished guests, including Anthony Cianflone MLA, state Labor Member for Pascoe Vale, and Council members Cr Angelica Panopoulos, Cr Sue Bolton, Cr Helen Pavlidis-Mihalakos, Cr Lambros Tapinos, and Cr Oscar Yildiz, were present.

The list of attendees also included John Pandazopoulos, former Victorian minister and a close friend and supporter of the association; Nick Koukouvitakis, secretary of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, George Kouskouras, Kon Antoniadis, and esteemed club members.

The renovation of the club’s facilities ensures that the Kastorians can continue preserve their language and culture for future generations. The committee members invested tremendous effort to enhance the club’s amenities, ensuring that patrons have access to a functional, inclusive, and secure space.

The renovation saw the recent cocktail party organised to showcase the renovation, with members encouraged to invite their children and grandchildren.

Celebrating the official reopening of ‘Kastoria’. Photo: Supplied

“This event sparked great enthusiasm, resulting in requests for future cocktail parties, and many attendees subsequently became members of the club,” Mrs Lalopoulos said.

Furthermore, the club’s upgraded facilities now enable educational lessons to be conducted. Funding secured from the Be Connected Network in 2022 facilitated digital device training sessions for seniors. The classes are taught by bilingual instructor Vicky Papazoglou.

Interested individuals, regardless of membership, can contact the club for more information on the classes or to access the function room which is available for hire.

For further information contact Mrs Effie Lalopoulos on 0419 589807 or by email at aakastoria@outlook.com.

Members and attendees at the recently refurbished club. Photo: Supplied