A Sunday morning car crash outside Geelong’s Greek Orthodox Community Hall damaged property and postponed a fundraiser for a young girl with a rare genetic disorder.
The crash occurred around 8.30am, just before the start of the fundraising event in support of the Children’s Tumour Foundation. The fundraiser was organised to support seven-year-old Alexandra Luburic, who is living with neurofibromatosis—a rare genetic disorder that causes tumours to form on nerves throughout the body.Emergency services were called to the Hellenic Orthodox Community Church on Taliska Avenue in Hamlyn Heights after a car crashed into the wall of the community event hall, shattering windows and causing structural damage. According to reports, a parishioner accidentally shifted the vehicle into drive instead of park.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Paramedics assessed the elderly male driver at the scene, but he did not require hospitalisation. No one was trapped inside the vehicle or the building.
CFA, police, and SES crews arrived shortly after 10am to secure the area.
Worshippers at the adjacent Dormition of the Theotokos Church only realised when emergency vehicles arrived at the scene.
President of the Geelong Greek Orthodox Community, Andrew Alexander, described the event as “an unfortunate incident that could have had a far worse outcome,” speaking to Neos Kosmos.
He said that a board meeting was held on Wednesday, May 28, to assess the damage and plan a recovery strategy.
“We are awaiting the engineer’s report and the council’s decision on the use of unaffected parts of the building. That process could take a few weeks,” he said.
Despite the setback, the community’s generosity did not waver.
Food that could not be stored was donated to Outpost Homeless Shelter Inc., which provides meals, clothing, and essentials to Geelong’s more vulnerable population.
The fundraiser has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 8 at 12pm at Elcho Park Hall.
Alexandra’s journey has been supported by the Children’s Tumour Foundation, which played a key role in helping her access a life-changing treatment that once cost $7,000 a month. Thanks to the Foundation’s advocacy, the treatment is now listed on the Federal Government’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), easing the financial burden on her family. Beyond medical support, the Foundation offers holistic care that enables Alexandra to continue her treatment while enjoying everyday activities—like playing football with her peers.
