Elections for the new Board of Directors of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) will be held on Sunday, June 29 2025, from 9 am to 8 pm at Alphington Grammar.
Over 200 members attended the GCM Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, Sunday June 15, at the Andrianakos Centre of Alphington Grammar— the school owned and operated by the GCM.
The meeting was orderly, and generally positive with members applauding during the president’s and treasurer’s reports.
Two questions arose from the floor, both relating to the Community’s finances. Reports were delivered by GCM President Bill Papastergiadis and Treasurer Associate Professor Marinis Pirpiris.
Papastergiadis opened by thanking board members, staff, teachers, and volunteers, noting that GCM’s membership has grown from 900 to around 1,800—a 50 per cent increase since the pandemic.
He outlined key initiatives of the past year, including the inaugural Greek Cultural Tour, which he described as “the first of its kind initiated by the GCM with the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” Over 40 students participated in the tour of Northern Greece. “It was a fantastic program, fully supported by the Greek government—important because the youth are our future,” he said.
The president also emphasised the GCM’s growing diplomatic reach. “We met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the President of the Hellenic Republic, and various ministers,” he said. He added that the GCM now acts as a bridge between Australian and Greek political leaders, maintaining strong relationships across all levels of government, including with Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece and Victorian minister for health Mary-Anne Thomas.
“Greece’s former Secretary General for Greeks Abroad, John Chrysoulakis said publicly that we are the most active and engaged diaspora community across the whole Hellenic diaspora world,” said Papastergiadis.
He went on to highlight the success of GCM programs and events, such as the Antipodes Festival, the Greek Film Festival, the book fairs which featured over 50 authors, and the expansion of the Greek language schools. Alphington Grammar was another point of pride, having grown from 500 to over 1,000 students in the past decade. The president’s report was met with applause from the members.
Financial report: deficit narrows, assets remain strong
Treasurer A/Prof Pirpiris presented the financial report, stating the GCM is in a “stable financial position.” The Community reported a $1.6 million loss for the 2024 financial year—a 47 per cent improvement on the $2.9 million deficit recorded in 2023. He attributed the shortfall to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a post-pandemic surge in activity, and increased investments in education, particularly staffing.
“There were two Antipodes festivals in one year, and we’ve modernised our curriculum and brought in experienced educators,” he said, adding that increased teacher and staff salaries accounted for much of the spending.
He reiterated that despite the deficit, the GCM remains financially sound, with assets valued at over $120 million and strong liquidity.
Responding to a question from member Theo Markos about the unfulfilled $2.6 million federal grant promised by the former Morrison Government for a cultural hub in Lonsdale Street, A/Prof Pirpiris pointed out that the commitment lapsed with the change in government. Markos, while acknowledging the treasurer’s response, expressed ongoing concerns about financial stability and asked if asset sales or staff cuts were on the table.
Both Pirpiris and Papastergiadis firmly denied this. “There will be no asset sales or staff or service reductions,” the treasurer said, with Papastergiadis noting that the current federal Labor Government has committed $1.9 million.
The treasurer also highlighted the need for capital works across GCM’s five churches, describing them as essential cultural hubs.
The treasurer also confirmed that revenue from programs such as Antipodes increased by 14 per cent, and that the GCM continues to diversify its income through grants and initiatives.
Elections confirmed and membership expanded
Given the need for an election, a nine-person Electoral Committee was elected during the AGM and immediately convened to appoint Kostas Tsoubakos as its chair. Elections for the new GCM board will be held on Sunday 29 June—15 days after the AGM, just in time with constitutional requirements.
There are 21 nominees contesting 19 board positions, with the existing board running and an additional three.
The AGM also approved a proposal allowing members with lapsed subscriptions over the past three years to renew and vote in the upcoming elections.
The meeting closed with broad support for the work of the current board and the outlook for the organisation’s future. Both the president and treasurer underscored the GCM’s resilience, diversified programs, and continuing role as a vital institution for the Greek Australian community.
