Shepparton’s Greek community is breathing a sigh of relief following the announcement made by the Victorian government that they would pledge $22 million towards the $100 million co-investment alongside Coca-Cola Amatil.
“Up to 2,700 jobs in the Goulburn Valley depend on SPC Ardmona and this co-investment secures these jobs which are vital to this region’s economy,” said Victorian Premier Denis Napthine.
However, the state opposition released a statement saying the government should have “acted sooner”.
“Denis Napthine had to be dragged kicking and screaming to follow Victorian Labor’s lead to support SPC Ardmona,” the statement said following the Victorian Government’s announcement of the financial aid.
“This news will relieve farmers, growers and workers but Denis Napthine should have acted sooner – he has no excuse.”
Paul Tsorbaris, who owns Australia Hotel in Shepparton spoke to Neos Kosmos minutes after the announcements and said he was “over the moon” with the decision.
“It is really good as SPC is the heart and soul of this town,” Mr Tsorbaris said. ” And 3000 people out of work in this community would have devastated this town.”
“Shepparton is built around SPC,” he explains, “and the town revolves around SCP. It’s one of the major sources of incomes for the community.”
Originally a farmer himself, Mr Tsobaris said he could “see the writing on the wall years ago” about the hardships the farmers would face in this area, and decided to pursue a career in the hospitality industry itself.
Peter Sfetas President, Greek Community of Shepparton, says that many of his community were devastated by the news of the possible closure. He says of the 1,500 Greek Australian’s in Shepparton and surrounding areas, many are farmers or have businesses that would ultimately be affected by the closure.
Mr Sfetas said since Coca-Cola Amatil bought SPC Ardoma, hardships began for the farmers of the area – and as bad as the situation was for the community as a whole – he believed they would not allow SPC to close.
“I think that Coca Cola is blackmailing the government to get money from them to close the factory, but I don’t believe they will close it,” Mr Sfetas said.
