The Federal Liberal Party has announced a $1.6 million commitment to support a range of Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) projects designed to improve the organisation’s ability to expand its cultural offering, should they win the upcoming election.
The commitment was revealed at an event at the Greek Centre on Easter Monday, which was attended by Shadow Minister for Housing, NDIS and Social Services Michael Sukkar, Member for Menzies Keith Wolahan, candidate for Chisholm Dr Katie Allen, and candidate for Hotham Harmick Singh Matharu.
The announcement included a commitment to fund the fit-out and completion of the Community’s Multi-Arts Community Space, which also entails extending the fit-out and technical capabilities of the HUB on Russell Street and completing the St Dimitrios multi-function community theatre space in Windsor.
The $1.6 million commitment across the three projects will enhance the GCM’s community outreach and enable the further development of programs.
GCM President Bill Papastergiadis praised the announcement made by the Liberal Party members that would greatly aid the organisation’s operations.
“Our organisation spans many electorates here in Melbourne and Victoria, and this announcement supports important initiatives in culture, education, and, most importantly, infrastructure — which will benefit generations to come,” he said in a media release.
Papastergiadis further thanked the Liberal Party members for their attendance and commitment, noting:
“Their support has spanned multiple election cycles and campaigns, so this is not a one-off. This bipartisan support is proof that Australia is a thriving, cosmopolitan, multicultural society that values diversity.”
Sukkar, who announced the support, considered it an honour to reveal the commitment that will aid the GCM in its great work.
“This is a hub of activity. The number of people who come through these doors, enjoy the space, and most importantly, feel that sense of community — that’s what you embody here,” he said.
“So, we see this as a great investment… That sense of family, entrepreneurialism, and a tight-knit community. And I think Easter Monday is as good a day as any to make this announcement, given how meaningful this day is for your community.”
Wolahan highlighted the importance of the commitment as a way of giving back to the Hellenic community.
“Many of my staff and volunteers are Greek, and they’re out there campaigning hard. Having this Centre here means a lot to many people — so it’s important that this commitment has been made,” the MP for Menzies said.
Dr Allen echoed this sentiment, adding:
“Having represented the electorate of Higgins, which has a large Greek population, and now as the candidate for Chisholm, I’m delighted that this Greek Cultural Centre is receiving the infrastructure boost it needs.”
Matharu, the candidate for Hotham (which also features a strong Greek community presence), elaborated on his view that “organisations like the Greek Community of Melbourne and their facilities are vital to the wellbeing of all communities in Australia”.
“It’s heartening to see the contribution of the Greek community and the foundations they’ve laid, which have greatly enriched the Australian way of life,” he said.
The GCM recently announced it had secured a long-term lease for a token $1 per year at the 274 Russell Street Iglu development, from which it will deliver a public cultural space.
The latest commitment would fast-track the technical fit-out of both Russell Street spaces, enabling more cultural and community projects to launch sooner.
The Mult-Arts Centre (MAC) will host various programs that range from spoken word presentations and comedy to immersive multimedia, exhibitions, and community events, celebrating emerging multicultural artists and supporting a number of community initiatives.
The HUB at 272 Russell St houses the GCM’s Archive and Historical Centre and features a ground-level meeting, workshop, and performance space — currently in use as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
The works at St Dimitrios Hall would continue from the current refurbishment, which is part of the Federal Government’s infrastructure investment across the GCM’s four suburban community halls in Yarraville, Brunswick, Thornbury, and Windsor.
Other attendees at the announcement were GCM Board members Nick Koukouvitakis, Associate Professor Marinis Pirpiris, Dr Jim Bossinakis, Dr Spiz Demetriou, and Michael Karamitos, along with a visiting delegation from Wellington, New Zealand.
