At a meeting on Wednesday night, Councillor Katerine Theodosis moved for the continuation of Merri-bek’s sister city relationship with Sparta after council officers recommended ceasing the relationship following an internal review.
Merri-Bek has been a Sister City of Sparta for nearly 40 years and is home to a thriving Greek community.
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.
Addressing the council meeting, Councillor Theodosis spoke of her own Greek heritage and the importance of keeping the Sister City status for cultural, economic and historical ties.
“I myself am the very proud daughter of two Greek Migrants who moved to our city in the 1970s,” Cr Theodosis told council.
“These migrants worked hard, many in factories, to contribute to building the Merri-bek we know and love today.
“It doesn’t cost the council anything, but the return is substantial – particularly from our community organisations who have strong ties to Sparta.”
Following her impassioned speech, Cr Theodosis’ motion was supported unanimously, meaning the Sister City relationship will continue for many years to come.
Cr Theodosis thanked the many community members who showed up to support her motion and the continued relationship between Merri-Bek and Sparta.
