For two years, Dr John Martino and the Oakleigh Art Trail committee have been chasing a dream – one they know could transform the streets of Oakleigh into “a living museum of Greek Australian history.” But what began as a bold cultural vision has since turned into a frustrating wild goose chase, a waiting game.
Dr Martino is a driving force behind the project.
“I’ve spent countless hours in meetings, preparing proposals, following up with offices, and waiting. I thought the vision was clear, the support is there – but it’s been a ‘constant runaround’ despite the promises we received,” he told The Greek Herald.
The plan? To create an Oakleigh Art Trail along Portman Street, featuring 12 vibrant murals with QR codes in both Greek and English. The trail would weave together stories of migration, resilience, and community pride – a powerful artistic tribute to the Greek Australian contribution to Melbourne. With technology and heritage at its heart, the interactive trail, benchmarked at $300,000, promised to become a drawcard for both locals and cultural tourists.
Originally, Dr Martino had envisioned the project in Lonsdale Street and had held initial meetings in the area. But the process veered from its course following a conversation with local MP Steve Dimopoulos, Victoria’s then-Minister for Creative Industries and current Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, and Outdoor Recreation.
“Steve loved the idea when he heard about it and wanted to bring the project to his electorate,” Dr Martino recalled. “He told me, ‘Johnny, let’s take this to Oakleigh, you know that’s where many Greeks of Melbourne live.’ That’s when I thought, why not bring Little Athens to life in Oakleigh? Why not make it Big Athens?”
The project ticks all the boxes – community engagement, business benefits, tourism potential, artistic value, and multicultural significance. It was designed to be funded by the Community Support Fund (CSF), aligning with its cultural and economic development goals. The Greek Herald has seen a copy of the business case requested and initially approved by Mr Dimopoulos’ office.
Yet, despite enthusiasm from the Minister with promises of support, the Oakleigh Art Trail has stalled. Mr Dimopoulos’ office has told the team to show persistence and keep an eye out for future funding opportunities at all government levels.
“We had Dimopoulos’ backing and were told that the funding would come from the CSF. Now we’re being told to go elsewhere,” Dr Martino said.
In response, Mr Dimopoulos told The Greek Herald his support remains unchanged – though he acknowledged the funding challenges.
“Yes, I have previously and continue to be supportive of this project, which I believe would further enhance the already amazing Oakleigh precinct,” he said.
“While significant funding is needed to bring this project to fruition, I would hope in the future that there is a pathway for that funding to be delivered. I encourage the team to work with Creative Victoria and Monash Council to see what opportunities may be available in coming years.”
The Greek Herald has sent Mr Dimopoulos’ office follow-up questions regarding the endorsement of the business case by his office and whether it had been submitted to the CSF.
Monash Council supported the Oakleigh Art Trail in a letter dated 20 February 2023, where Monash Council’s then-Art and Libraries Manager Karina Lamb wrote “the project will add a welcome dimension to our position as a cultural destination.”
Monash Council Mayor Paul Klisaris, however, distanced Council’s direct involvement.
“Monash Council is not the funding body nor the organiser for the proposed Oakleigh Art Trail,” Mayor Klisaris stated. “Council staff have communicated with the organiser of the proposed project about how our organisation can assist, including providing advisory support or through existing grant funding opportunities. To date, this advice has not been acted upon.”
The Council highlighted the Arts and Cultural Projects category under its Community Grants Program, which recently delivered $2.4 million in cash and in-kind support.
Still, for Dr Martino and his team, hopes are pinned on CSF funding to be activated for this project bearing in mind it fulfils the necessary requirements.
As Dr Martino puts it: “This is more than just art on a wall – it’s our story, told proudly and publicly, for all generations to experience. It’s about giving Greek Australian history a permanent place in the public eye. It’s about honouring a community and telling stories that matter. The longer we wait, the more opportunities we miss.”
