The Greek Community of Melbourne’s Board of Management (GCM) has commenced a comprehensive review of its Articles of Association, commonly known as the Constitution. The GCM is actively seeking valuable input from its members.
The GMC agreed at the last AGM to review the decades old constitution, so as to bring up to date with current changes in society.
There were calls from members to change aspects of the constitution to reflect the secular, multi faith and cross cultural composition of the contemporary Greek Australian community.
The Community, the second oldest in Australia established in 1897 has roots in the Greek Community of Alexandria-Egypt – made of early Greek Diaspora.
The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne, Victoria in its current form was incorporated in 1938. However, its articles have not changed to reflect the diversity of today’s Greek Australian community,
For example, article 4 states that the Community be “confined to Greeks and to persons born of Greek parents, or having a Greek mother or father”
It goes further by confining members to “the descendants of such persons who are adherents to the teachings of the Greek Orthodox denomination and are of the age of 18 years or over.”
However, the Greek community now is multi-generational, secular, culturally diverse as well as, multi-faith.
Many third generation Greek/heritage Victorians also have other heritages, mirroring a contemporary multicultural Australia.
A number of members at the last AGM, called to have the diversity in families, and other social structures, reflected in the Community’s constitution.
All members are encouraged to participate in the review process by accessing the current Articles of Association in both English and Greek languages via a this online link provided by the Community.
The GCM requests that submissions from its members to be made in writing. Members can submit their suggestions and feedback through email to info@greekcommunity.com.au or send physical copies via traditional mail to: The Secretary, Greek Community of Melbourne, Level 3, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne Vic 3000.
