The completion of a long-awaited multi-function community theatre space at St Dimitrios in Windsor has been backed by a $1.23million commitment from Federal Labor to bring the project to life.
The announcement was made at the historic High Street location by Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs and Member for Bruce, Julian Hill, who was joined by the Member for Macnamara, Josh Burns, and Labor’s Candidate for Melbourne, Sarah Whitty.
The federal Labor politicians, currently on the campaign trail, were hosted by Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) President Bill Papastergiadis, Vice President Anthie Sidiropoulos, Board Member Helene Hiotis, and other members of the Greek Community.
Minister Hill said he was “delighted” to announce that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government “will support the redevelopment of St Dimitrios Hall — retaining its beauty and traditions while also making it fit for purpose in a growing and diverse community.”
“The Greek community in Windsor and its surrounding suburbs is part of the fabric of Melbourne, and community hubs like these are vital places for preserving and sharing linguistic and cultural heritage.”
The Federal Member for Macnamara, Josh Burns, focused on his “local community” and said what makes it “so special is our diversity.”
“The Greek community has called Macnamara home for decades, and they’ve generously welcomed us all to share in their incredible culture.”
GCM President Bill Papastergiadis welcomed Labor’s support as a fundamental building block of a “democratic and multicultural society.”
Speaking to Neos Kosmos, the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) said, “The investment by government was key to a functioning democratic and multicultural society. It is real investment by government in essential community infrastructure projects which reflect the everchanging intergenerational [nature] of the Greek Australian community.
“This type of support sets apart Australia from most countries. Governments encourage the creation of spaces for creative expression and development.”
Papastergiadis also told Neos Kosmos that the funding would allow the Community to expand collaborations with other groups — “not just among Greek organisations, but with Melbourne’s wider multicultural community.”
The funding will support the next stage of works at St Dimitrios Hall, aimed at transforming the incomplete hall next to the much-loved church into a modern, multi-functional community space.
The redeveloped venue will be capable of hosting events, meetings, performances, workshops, and other community-focused activities serving Melbourne’s southeast.
“This announcement has significant and far-reaching implications for the GCM’s ability to develop cultural offerings. It cements the GCM’s role as a leading provider in this dynamic and evolving space,” said Papastergiadis.
This next stage follows the ongoing refurbishment currently underway as part of the Federal Government’s infrastructure investment across the GCM’s four suburban community halls located in Yarraville, Brunswick, Thornbury, and Windsor.
Labor’s candidate for Melbourne, Sarah Whitty, was “pleased to see this investment coming to life with the completion of Stage 2.”
“The hall redevelopment means so much to the Greek community in Melbourne,” added Whitty.
GCM Vice President Anthie Sidiropoulos said she had seen “firsthand how these halls become spaces where community members feel safe and welcome.”
“They’re powerful platforms for delivering our cultural and community programs.”
Helene Hiotis, GCM Board Member, said that creating spaces that support the Community’s programs — “including early learning education, cultural expression, and performance — is a vital part of our vision for the Community’s educational and cultural development.”
