The federal government has delivered a huge sign of support to the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW with a promise of $4.5 million if re-elected.
Federal Minister Tony Burke announced on Thursday night at a Greek Festival of Sydney in Marrickville Library the government’s intention to provide significant funds with the purpose of creating a Hellenic historical and cultural centre at its current premises in Lakemba.
Burke, the Minister for Home Affairs, Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, the Arts, and Cyber Security, expressed that their support for the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW covers two items relating to its location.
“First of all, we want to make sure they are secure and so there is $143,000 for a security upgrade,” he told Neos Kosmos.
“Secondly, we want to upgrade the premises themselves. We want that Centre to be a real home of Hellenic culture.”
He stressed his belief that Sydney deserves such a centre as what currently exists in Melbourne.
“We don’t have something like that in Sydney and so we are making a commitment for the election of $4.5 million,” Burke said.
The minister noted the funds would be used to develop the current site to help it in its mission of sharing and preserving the Hellenic culture, particularly its stories in relation to Australia.
“Now, there will also be space where you can have gallery space, where there can be places for storytelling. The Hellenic stories go back so far and, importantly for Australia, you have that migration story as well.”
Harry Danalis, the GOC NSW President, praised Burke and the federal government for the pledge which would assist immensely in dramatically transforming the current building into a historical and cultural centre.
“This means it will expand and include a lot of spaces such as a library, an exhibition room containing a lot of ancient artwork which it has gathered since 1898, a room to hold events, a restaurant and other rooms which we will meet a lot of the needs of our members,” he said.
Danalis specified it will go towards an expansion of their current club in Lakemba and interior renovation, along with cameras and other security measures to protect the people using the building.
“Of course, it is a pledge and it depends on whether the government will be re-elected and that will be determined by the voters,” he said.
Burke’s announcement, which came right before the start of a talk on Leonard Cohen’s life and music on Hydra, concluded with a comment referencing the Parthenon Sculptures.
“As Australia’s Arts Minister, I am often involved in the returns where either museums or collectors have taken items which turn out to have not been properly acquired,” he said in his speech.
“Those stolen objects should be returned whether you are a museum in Australia or whether you a museum in Britain. Stolen objects that are not properly held should be returned.”
The event also featured notable attendees in Sophie Cotsis, NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, and for Work Health and Safety, and Deputy Mayor for Inner West Council Mat Howard.
