A multi-faceted community project will be gifted to the City of Melbourne on Sunday 27 November, 2016, during the festival for the 32nd anniversary celebrations of the Sister City relationship between Melbourne and Thessaloniki at Federation Square.
‘The White Tower Melbourne’ consists of the construction of a replica of the White Tower, Thessaloniki’s most famous landmark. Various groups in the community and the media have already been approached and have pledged their support for the project, an initiative of Thessaloniki Association ‘The White Tower’, established in 1961 by a handful of migrants in Melbourne.
The association has undergone a number of transformations during this time and has a long list of achievements, with the most significant being the catalyst in bringing the City of Thessaloniki and the City of Melbourne together to form a twinning of the cities on 19 March, 1984.
“Over the years this relationship has strengthened the very close bonds which already existed between Australia and Greece and has created an ideal cultural bridge between our two magnificent cities,” Christina Despoteris, vice president of the Thessaloniki Association said.
The White Tower, a monument and museum on the waterfront, has been Thessaloniki’s symbol since the 15th century because of its prominent position, long history and impressive architecture.
“Once constructed, the replica of The White Tower will be covered by crocheted white laurel flowers, the national flower of Greece, a symbol of highest status and an emblem of prosperity and fame. These flowers will be crocheted by members of the Greek community and the broader Australian community.
“This project will develop cross-cultural ties, teach the art of crochet – older ladies teaching their daughters and grand-daughters how to crochet, it will give the opportunity to older persons who may be isolated from the general community to mix with others and act as a get-together socially to have a cup of coffee and reminisce,” Ms Despoteris continued.
The project will be launched by Maria Vamvakinou MP on Sunday 14 August at 4.00 pm at 439 High Street Northcote.
The project’s facebook page is www.facebook.com/whitetowermelbourne