Councillor Katerine Theodosis has today called on fellow Merri-Bek Councillors to save Sparta’s Sister City Status ahead of a vote this Wednesday, 9 April 2025.
Merri-Bek Council has recently reviewed its Sister City relationships and council officers have recommended ending Merri-Bek’s long standing relationship with Sparta, Greece.
This is despite Merri-Bek being home to thousands of Greek migrants who have called Merri-Bek home for generations, and the city having its very own “Sparta Place” off Sydney Rd in Brunswick.
Far from simply symbolic, the Sister City Status supports local community groups to host international events and programs, maintain important cultural connections and cement Melbourne’s status as an international city.
Cr Theodosis said, “Merri-Bek has been a Sister City of Sparta for nearly 40 years, and is home to a proud and thriving Greek community.”
“Whilst our city has changed a lot over the years, the presence and contributions of our Greek Australian community remains strong,” she added.
“Ending this partnership would jeopardise important cultural, economic and historical ties between our two proud communities.”
President of the Pallaconian Brotherhood of Victoria, Chris Paikopoulos said “the relationship between our cities arose from the Australian Diggers who, after being protected by Spartans during WWII, sponsored Spartans to move to Australia and make Melbourne their home.”
“It costs council zero to have this relationship, but to us as Greek Australians it means a lot. It allows us to host a range of events and activities for Greek Australians and the broader community here in Merri-Bek,” Mr Paikopoulos said.
Merri-Bek Council will vote on whether to accept the Council Officer’s recommendation to end the Sister City partnership at their Wednesday meeting.
