Melbourne’s deputy lord mayor paid a visit to the Greek Centre last Friday, where he met with the Greek Community of Melbourne president Bill Papastergiadis and Jorge Menidis, president of the Greek Quarter Precinct and director of the Greek Centre.
During the meeting, Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, who shares Greek heritage, discussed several important topics concerning the Greek Community and Precinct.
These included the upcoming Antipodes Festival, the five-year plan for the Greek Quarter Business Precinct, and the city’s transition to a new normal following the pandemic.
“It’s always great to catch up with Bill and Jorge at the Greek Community Centre on Lonsdale Street – so I was delighted to drop in on them recently,” Cr Reece stated, expressing his enthusiasm and stressing the significance of supporting the Greek Centre, “especially during this time of reconnecting and celebrating the city’s rich cultural history after years of border closures and lockdowns”.
Cr Reece also highlighted the importance of festivals and events for Melbourne and the CBD, emphasising the increased funding support for city events in the recent City of Melbourne budget.
“For Melbourne and the CBD, festivals and events are going to be more important than ever. That’s why in the recent City of Melbourne recent budget we increased our funding support for city events. “Bill and Jorge have some big plans and big names coming to Melbourne for the Antipodes Festival and we want to get behind that,” he added.
“On a personal level I really appreciate all the work the Centre does for the Greek community across Melbourne. My daughters love learning Greek and to hear the language being spoken in our family home is very special,” Cr Reese said expressing his gratitude for the Greek Community Centre’s efforts in serving the Greek community across Melbourne.
As a token of appreciation, Mr Papastergiadis and Mr Menidis presented Cr Reece with a copy of the Greek Community’s recently published history, thanking him for taking the time to visit the Centre.
Mr. Papastergiadis emphasized the strong relationship between the Greek Community and the City of Melbourne, praising officials like Cr Nicholas Reece for their commitment to a diverse and vibrant Melbourne.