Antipodes Festival in Melbourne became a vibrant celebration of Hellenism and Greek heritage on Saturday on, drawing thousands to the heart of the city. The two-day event was attended the first day by high-profile Australian politicians who expressed their admiration for the Greek community and its contributions to Victoria.
Federal Minister for Housing Clare O’Neil, who represents an electorate with a significant Greek population, emphasized the integral role of the Greek diaspora in shaping Melbourne’s identity.
“I cannot imagine Melbourne without the Greeks,” O’Neil said. She also showcased her deep connection to the culture by joining in a lively performance of the Zorba dance on stage, energizing the crowd.
She was joined by Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles and Federal Labor MP Peter Khalil, both of whom engaged with festivalgoers and took to the stage to dance alongside the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis, and Treasurer Marinis Pirpiris.
Later in the day, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan visited Lonsdale Street, accompanied by Greek Australian ministers Steve Dimopoulos and Nick Staikos, along with Assistant Ministers Lee Tarlamis and Kat Theophanous. The Greek Consul General in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzaglou, Bishop Evmenios, and other dignitaries were also present.
In her address, Allan highlighted the profound influence of Greece on global civilisation and the enduring contributions of the Greek Australian community to Victoria.
“It is a great privilege to join you at the 37th Antipodes Festival to celebrate Greek culture and history here in Australia,” Allan said.
“From Macedonia to the shores of Cyprus, and here in Melbourne—Greece has shaped the world. Its gifts to humanity include philosophy, science, arts, architecture, and, of course, the foundations of democracy.”
Acknowledging the resilience and pride of the Greek diaspora, she added:
“Though your homeland may be far away, the spirit of your ancestors lives on in each of you and in this great city that you helped build. Melbourne has been recognised as one of the world’s great Greek cities. Whether in Thornbury, Brunswick, Oakleigh, or Lonsdale Street, the strength of Greek culture and community is unmistakable.”
Allan also expressed her hope for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece but, for now, took solace in the replica displayed in Lonsdale Street, calling it a tribute to both Greek history and Melbourne’s Greek community.
“So today, I want to end by saying thank you. Thank you to all of you who have helped make our state what it is today. Long live Greece! Long live Australia!”
Allan also extended her gratitude to Greek Community President Bill Papastergiadis for his leadership and dedication to strengthening Melbourne’s Greek community.
In response, Papastergiadis thanked the Victorian Premier for her participation in the festival, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the Greek community and the state government.
“The partnership with the state government is critical to the success of the festival. It’s one of Australia’s largest festivals that brings us together through song, dance food and friendship. Our contribution to the makeup of this city is substantial and the presence of so many political leaders exemplifies this. We hope our festival encourages the Government to continues to support multiculturalism and I encouraged the Premier to make it a priority to visit Greece.”
The festival continues today, Sunday, with Victorian Liberal Party leader Brad Battin and his colleagues also expected to attend in spite of the heavy afternoon rain.
