The Pontian Community of Melbourne and Victoria celebrated their 20th anniversary with a dinner dance event.
The celebration, which took place on Saturday 30 June, acknowledged the two decades the organisation has supported and represented the Pontian community. The member for Mitcham, Dee Ryall, presented a speech at the even on behalf of the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, Nicholas Kotsiras. She described how the continuing success of the Pontian community is “testament to the hard work and dedication” that the organisation’s members and volunteers.
“Together, you have built a group that not only supports its members, but also benefits the local community as well,” she said.
Ms Ryall noted the success that the community organisation has enjoyed with its popular dance classes and its tavern nights, both of which are open to the general public.
“On behalf of the Victorian Government, I congratulate the Pontian Community of Melbourne and Victoria’s past and present members and volunteers, who have contributed so willingly and ably over the past 20 years,” the MP said to an audience of members and leaders of the local Pontian community.
Ms Ryall also outlined the importance cultural groups provides Victoria’s multicultural communities “with a vital link to the culture and traditions of their past”, as well as encouraging “future generations to maintain pride in their heritage and identity”.
The Pontian Community of Melbourne and Victoria was established in 1992. Their offices are located at 345 Victoria Street, Brunswick, Melbourne.