A Special General Meeting (SGM) of the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria (GOCMV) will be held this Sunday to consider proposed amendments to the articles of its constitution.

Although there has been recent polarising opinions amongst advocating members of the organisation regarding the proposed changes, there appears to be little interest amongst the wider membership.

Only a few members took up the task to suggest changes to articles of the constitution, and the number of those who participated in the recent open briefing of the Board of the Greek Community to the members regarding the proposed changes by the Board was also small.

The timing of the SGM has been queried by some members of the Community with many members of the currently in Greece or overseas, which is usual for this time of year.

The SGM will also take place on the day of major events for the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus, which may be challenging for some members to attend both events. The SGM will take place in the afternoon at 5pm.

In summary, the members who oppose the changes proposed by the Board have said the following:

“The proposed new Constitution completely changes the nature of GOCMV as we know it these 127 years of its life and operation.

The Board’s proposed changes will transform the GOCMV from a democratic membership community into something completely different and closed, removing all the rights that members have exercised over these 127 years of the organisation’s life and operation. The proposed Board changes will make the Community less inclusive, less representative and less transparent.”

These claims are categorically rejected by the Board.

Inner sources claim that members were given ample time to give input and make suggestions but few responded.

They also say that ultimately it is up to the members themselves to decide whether changes are accepted.

“On the one hand the opposition says we are taking away the power of the members to decide and on the other hand they are asking us to withdraw the proposed changes. This is contradictory. Don’t they have confidence in the members?” one anonymous Board member told Neos Kosmos.

For the changes to be passed they must be voted and accepted by 75 per cent of members attending the Special General Meeting to be held at 5pm on Sunday, 21 July 2024 at Alphington Grammar School.

GCM sources have stated that:

“The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) announced at the 2023 General Meeting that it will be undertaking a review of its Constitution. GCM invited its members to submit proposals. Upon the submission deadline it had received 6 proposals. It also invited members to meet with Board members to further discuss the proposed changes.

“In January of 2024, the Board appointed reputable lawyers Piper Alderman to assist and advise it on the constitutional review. Piper Alderman have a history in conducting such reviews with not for profit groups.

“Piper Alderman were tasked with presenting a modernised version of the existing Greek Community constitution taking into account changes to the law and obligations as dictated by the Corporation Act and its governing authority, the ACNC.

“Piper Alderman used the GCM constitution filed with the ACNC in drafting the modernised version proposed.

“A second document incorporating suggestions made by members was also prepared and submitted as a motion at the upcoming SGM.

“An information meeting attended by Ian Nathanial from Piper Alderman was held last Sunday (7th July).

“The SGM being held on 21 July is the result of an 18 month process which has included regular updates to members, a request by a member for a full membership database for the purpose of calling a meeting to discuss the constitution; calls for submissions; opportunities to meet with the Board; expert legal advice sought and received and finally the SGM to consider the specific motions that will install a modernised version of the GCM constitution and at the same time consider proposed changes to its operating rules – all of which will be considered and voted upon by the GCM membership.

“On the issue of the number of members required to hold an SGM, Piper Alderman used the number referenced in the constitution lodged with the ACNC – which refers to 200 members.”

In an advertisement placed in Thursday’s Neos Kosmos members who disagree say (translated):

“As concerned members, we have expressed these concerns in writing to the Board on several occasions about the fundamental changes that will occur in the governance of the GOCMV if the so-called ‘modernised’ constitutional changes are passed.

“Unfortunately, Board members chose to remain silent. At this last minute, we again call upon the GOCMV Board of Directors to DISMISS the so-called “modernised” Constitution and to CANCEL the Special General Assembly of this Sunday, July 21, 2024. This is required out of respect for the members and for the history of the Community.”