Federal Minister for Housing and local member for Hotham, Clare O’Neil, returned to her home turf to announce the funding alongside Julian Hill, the Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs.
Together, they visited Sts Anargiri Church to share details of the funding: $4 million will go towards the construction of a contemporary Cultural and Language Enrichment Centre next to St Anargiri Greek Orthodox Church, with an additional $500,000 allocated for further works on the site.
O’Neil highlighted the significance of the project , “This new centre will reflect the rich Greek heritage that thrives in our south-east Melbourne community — and beyond — creating a vibrant, multi-purpose hub in Hotham.”
“Oakleigh is the heart of Melbourne’s Greek community, where I consistently see both young and older generations coming together to celebrate culture and tradition. However, there’s a real need for a dedicated space to support these activities.”
The ministers were welcomed by students in traditional Greek dress, as well as, the parish priest, Father Kakavas, and leaders of the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Oakleigh.
The minister who lives cheek to jowl with Greeks in her electorate, praised “Greek Australian culture,” saying it has “enriched this country so much.”
She added that the Cultural and Language Enrichment Centre will “strengthen community bonds across generations and serve as a cultural centrepiece for both Hotham and the broader city.”
The centre aims to enhance the area’s unique Greek Australian character, as a space where people can gather, connect, and continue evolving a culture that spans first-generation migrants through to second, third, and fourth generations.
Minister Hill spoke about the importance of language in maintaining diaspora identity, drawing on his own Melbourne childhood:
“Growing up in Melbourne, it was just a fact of life that you couldn’t play with your Greek friends some weekends because they were at Greek school,” he recalled.
“So many young Australian Greek kids have spent weeknights and weekends at language schools, learning their family’s language and culture — and making Australia a better, richer country in the process.”
O’Neil said the Albanese Government’s election commitment would also help combat social isolation while celebrating cultural identity.
“I couldn’t be prouder to be in a position to deliver this critical cultural facility — a home for this wonderful community that has always been so hospitable and welcoming.”
Oakleigh hosts cultural events, some of the largest Orthodox Easter services, and the iconic and growing Oakleigh Glendi festival – yet it lacks a permanent space for community gatherings, social connection, and creative development.
The two Albanese Labor ministers also took the time to light a candle in St Anargiri Greek Orthodox Church.
