It seems a long way from the mud slinging and bitterness that engulfed the election of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne, Victoria in January. Six months have passed and the team led by the GOCMV President Bill Papastergiadis is according to him working, “methodically at achieving results.”
When speaking to Neos Kosmos Mr Papastergiadis said that is was a “very busy period” and pointed to the Community’s involvement in advocating for Modern Greek to be included into the National Curriculum; the $6.5million building development of Alphington Grammar school and the “over 40 successful cultural and arts events including the Antipodes Glendi.”
Mr Papastergiadis was particularly proud that the “GOCMV is now the largest provider of the Greek language in the after-hours ethnic schools.”
Yet almost a year and four months since Premier John Brumby promised $2 million towards the development of a cultural centre for Greek culture, heritage and language no plans have been released publicly outlining its development.
This is the same cultural centre that the premier pledged state funding towards in the faith that it would enable “all Victorians as well as interstate and international visitors to experience and learn more about the contributions that Hellenism has made.”
In 2009 there was debate over the controversial proposal to build a $23 million ‘Hellenic Tower’ housing the centre, which saw the opposition faction Community Transparency fiercely opposing the development on the basis of what they believed was financial unfeasibility.
Whilst Mr Papastergiadis would not confirm whether he would push ahead with the tower, he emphasised his commitment to the development of a cultural centre which would reinforce Lonsdale Street as the “Hellenic heart of Melbourne”.
He highlighted that the centre would advance the wider Greek community’s understanding of their language, heritage and contemporary culture, as well as be an iconic community and cultural facility within the Lonsdale Street precinct.
“The necessary planning and preparation is happening as we speak,” he said.
“The how, when and where components of the projects will be fleshed out in the near future.”
Pushed on how the cultural centre would be sustained, Mr Papastergiadis said the Community was forecasting “a strong budget surplus,” as they were deriving better rent from assets and the 2010 Antipodes Glendi was “very successful.”
Community Transparency  spokesperson, Con Dikeos alleges that a core pledge of Mr Papastergiadis’ his election was the construction of the tower.
“Mr Papastergiardis needs to come out and articulate whether the tower project will go ahead,” he said.
VMC Chairperson George Lekakis said that the $2 million offer was based on a two year time frame upon which the GOCMV “has the responsibility to show that work is ready to proceed.”
“What we have is a proposal in place and we expect the community to fulfil the conditions of the extension of the grant to them,” he said.
He added,”Bill (Papastergiadis) has approached other levels of government for support of the project” which is one of the conditions of the grant. Mr Lekakis also stressed that, “the GOCMV has the responsibility to show that work is ready to proceed.
“They need finances, approvals and other levels of government support.”
Mr Papastergiadis has been in discussions with relevant government figures, and said he would announce a progress report and project timeline subsequently.
The GOCMV have until March next year to submit a proposal.