The Pammessinian Brotherhood of Melbourne ‘Papaflessas’ held the official launch of Melbourne’s newest Greek landmark: Kalamata Place, on Saturday 22 October attended by Athanasios Vasilopoulos, the Mayor of Kalamata.
The ceremony was officiated by former federal MP John Pandazopoulos and Bishop of Kerasounta performed an ‘agiasmo’.
The event which took place between 1 and 3.30pm on 2 Gooch Street Thornbury was also attended by Greece’s Minister of Defence, Nikos Hardalias. Councillor Emily Dimitriadis and Kat Theophanous MP were also present with the latter announcing that the state government has offered the Pammessinian Brotherhood $20,000 to renovate its headquarters.
The Papaflessas Committee, whose Thornbury headquarters are adjacent to the Kalamata Place alley, had proposed the name to Darebin Council last year as a way to recognise the Greek Community’s contribution to Darebin.
President of the Brotherhood, Stavros Gotsis gave the initial speech, bursting into tears while commemorating all the first generation Greek Australians that helped build the community and laid all the groundwork for future generations to thrive.
Deputy Minister Ged Kearney also touched on the historical importance of Kalamata Place, Thornbury in her address, followed by Aboriginal federal MP Sheena Watt and Chair of the Electoral Matters Committee, Lee Tarlamis MP.
The laneway was named with Darebin Council’s unanimous approval, with the support Mayor of Darebin Cr Lina Messina after a community consultation with stakeholders in Darebin.
“We had worked on this proposal for some time. We are grateful to all the Darebin Councillors for supporting this proposal, in particular we thank Cr Emily Dimitriadis and the mayor, Cr Lina Messina without whom this proposal would not have been considered”, Papaflessas President, Steve Gotsis said.
All photos: Con Deves
All photos: Con Deves
All photos: Con Deves
All photos: Con Deves
All photos: Con Deves
All photos: Con Deves
The main speaker at the event, the Mayor of Kalamata addressed the crowd sharing his feelings of gratitude and admiration for the dedication of the Greek diaspora in keeping and strengthening its ties with the motherland.
“The ceremony of the official launch of a Melbourne laneway, dedicated to our Kalamata, Kalamata Place, and the commemorative service for the Battle of Navarino as well as the huge presence of Greek Australians at the Αntipodes Festival is what has dominated my second day in Melbourne,” said Mayor Vasilopoulos.
“These expressions of love for our homeland and Kalamata specifically will follow me at every step. Kalamata’s arms will be forever open for Greeks and Australians through the collaborations built on many levels and sectors. On behalf of the residents of Kalamata, I thank you all!”
On Monday, 24 October the Mayor of Kalamata will travel to Adelaide and more specifically Kalamata’s sister-city West Torrent where he will meet with local Greek clubs and attend a dinner held by Mayor Michael Coxon.
