Both the Country Liberal Party (CLP) and Labor have pledged $5 million each towards the construction of a new Greek Orthodox community hub in Darwin, ahead of the upcoming federal election — a move welcomed by the St Savvas of Kalymnos Greek Orthodox Church.
The ambitious project, planned for Northcrest in Berrimah, will feature a new church, two event halls, education spaces and parking facilities.
Parish Priest Father Christos Tsoraklidis confirmed the initiative is already well underway, with the site secured, the concept design completed, and $12.5 million committed by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
The foundation stone is scheduled to be laid on May 18 by Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
Father Christos said news of the $5 million pledge by the CLP, first seen on candidate Lisa Bayliss’ social media, came as a joyful surprise.
“I didn’t know it was coming — I saw it first on Facebook, and I rejoiced,” Father Christos said.
“Then I thought to myself, Labor will match it. I expected something pre-election time; there are a lot of Greek people in the NT.”
Indeed, Labor’s sitting MP for Solomon, Luke Gosling, matched the $5 million commitment one week later, also announcing it via social media rather than through a formal press event or media release.
Gosling said the investment would support a “landmark facility for Northern Australia’s Greek Orthodox community.”
“This will be more than bricks and mortar — it will be a proud and lasting home for one of our Territory’s most vibrant communities,” he said.
“Labor backs community, culture, and connection. That’s why we’re supporting this project, which will serve generations of Territorians into the future.”
The federal funding from both parties will specifically support the construction of the community hub section, not the church itself.
According to the 2021 census, 4,271 Territorians are of Greek descent, but Father Christos noted the church community’s reach is far larger, with over 7,000 people passing through during this year’s Greek Easter celebrations.
“For decades the Greek community has been stalled, nothing has been done,” Father Christos said.
“Now is the time to start activities, projects and serving the people.
“This community hub is very exciting — it will mean people can get together, spend time happily, and educate themselves.”
The new facilities are intended to be shared with other cultural groups and have received backing from organisations including the Darwin Malayalee Association, the Non-Resident Nepali Association NT and the Sri Lankan Friendship Association Darwin.
The laying of the foundation stone by Archbishop Makarios will mark a historic milestone for the Greek Orthodox community in the Northern Territory.
