Melbourne’s northern suburb Coburg will now have a Kastoria Lane, paying homage to the large northern Greek immigrant population that settled there in the post-war period.
Once a hub for a working-class immigrant community, Coburg—like many of Melbourne’s inner suburbs—has undergone rapid gentrification in recent years. Coffee shops, trendy restaurants, artists, academics, professionals, university students, and both old and new immigrants now coexist in what has become a highly sought-after area.
All the more reason to remember those who shaped Coburg into what it is today.
Eletheria Lalopoulos, president of the Australian Association of Kastorians, and the committee hosted a luncheon on Sunday, March 16, at the Kastoria Club, to thank everyone involved that helped make it possible.
“Naming the lane to Kastoria Lane is so very important as it will be reminder that the Greeks who lived in the area and help develop and grow the wonderful suburb that is Coburg,” said Stacey Goulas, daughter of Eletheria Lalopoulos to Neos Kosmos.
Goulas said, “It was important to recognise the large Kastorian population that lived there.”
The event was attended by several Meri-Bek councillors and former Victorian Minister John Pandazopoulos, to whom special thanks were extended for their contributions.
Despite the inclement weather, around 60 people, including members of the Kastoria Club gathered.Along with Eletheria Lalopoulos and Stacey Goulas, councilors Oscar Yildiz, Katerine Theodossis, former mayor Lambros Topinos, and Dean Kotsianis of Yitonia spoke.They all stressed the importance of the Greek community and its contribution to Melbourne’s social, cultural and economic growth.
Kotsianis said there was a need to engage younger Greeks in the community while Goulas said, “It’s important to recognise the tireless efforts of the Club, both past and present, who raised funds, and bought the building in 1988.”
She said the Club became a place where “mostly Greek migrants got together, had meals together, played cards and had a safe place to have talks and reminisce.”
Goulas said the club plans to “beautify the lane with the help of Yitonia by commissioning a mural” featuring notable Kastorians, as well as scenes from the town of Kastoria and its landmarks.
The idea is similar to the “Hidden Hellenism of Footscray” mural on Yewers Street, which features key Greek cultural images that pay homage to the historic Greek presence in the suburb.Lalopoulos, a founding member of the club in 1988, Goulas said “pushed really hard” to rename the lane.
“I’m particularly proud of my mother who – with limited education and poor English and an enthusiastic personality – but with sheer will power managed to attract the attention of Council who in turn approved much need funds and support to the club.”
Goulas said the Club’s building was in poor condition, but her mother “turned it around, renovated it to a high standard, and managed to rent out two rooms to bring in more money to the club.”
“Her enthusiasm, determination, and ability to bring people together have made this dream a reality. She’s transformed the club into what it is today and has ensured that future generations will remember the Greek community’s role in building this great city.”
The lane, located between 217 and 219 Elizabeth Street in North Coburg, will now serve as a reminder of the contributions of the Greek community, especially the large Kastorian population that helped shape the suburb.
“It is important to recognise the Greek community who help built the wonderful multicultural society that has become Coburg. Their efforts should be remembered by future generations,” Goulas said.
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