The Greek Community of Melbourne is highly likely to recognise – and honour – former Greek Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou, who, at a particularly crucial juncture in its history, saved it.

The proposal, in the form of a resolution, to recognise the contribution of Andreas Papandreou was put forward by Kostas Karamarkos and seconded by Michalis Michail.

It will be discussed at the upcoming General Assembly of the Community, and the final decision will be made by its members.

However, it is highly likely to pass.

Bill Papasergiadis OAM, president of the Greek Community, when asked by Neos Kosmos said that he agrees.

“It is a fact that the Community was on the verge of bankruptcy and was saved thanks to the immediate and effective intervention of then Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou,” said Mr Papastergiadis, adding that he personally agrees.

“I hope the majority of members will agree and vote in favour of the proposed resolution,” he said.

The resolution submitted by Mr Karamarkos and Mr Michael is as follows:

To The Board of directors The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne & Victoria

In accordance with article 37 of the ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION of The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria we the undersigned move the following:

That the Annual General Meeting of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria (GOCMV) in view of:

a. the history of the organisation (GOCMV) and its links and relationship with our country-of-origin Greece

b. as an acknowledgement of historical awareness, as well as the preservation and perpetuation of the collective memory of our Greek-Australian community, which are necessary prerequisites for the formation and longevity of our ethnic identity in Australia and;

c. wishing to recognise and publicly acknowledge that after the constant efforts by the Boards of directors of the GOCMV under the presidency of George Fountas:

that the respective Greek Governments of 1994 and 2003, with the support of all political parties, provided financial assistance to the GOCMV to the amount of $7.4 AUD. An amount which in today’s prices, and taking into account the Australian real estate market and its annual returns, corresponds to approximately 40 million dollars, that is one third (1/3) of the total assets of the Greek Community of Melbourne and;

with specific reference to the following:

a) That in 1994, during the Prime Ministership of Andreas Papandreou, the GOCMV was provided by Greek State a grant of $4,750,000 AUD for the repayment of its loan debt to the National Australia Bank, which could not be serviced by the Community which at that time was in receivership

b) That in 2003, during the prime ministership of Costas Simitis, the GOCMV was granted a further $2,680,000 AUD to serve the needs of the necessary expansion of Alphington Grammar School

requests that the Board of Directors of the GOCMV immediately proceeds in naming a specific level or area of The Greek Centre located at 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne as the “Andreas Papandreou” floor or area, either this be the Mezzanine level, the library or any other area of significance within the Greek Centre.

Moved by Kostas Karamarkos

Seconded by: Michalis S. Michael