A growing membership, major wins and a healthy dose of dialogue marked the Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Held on Sunday, June 15 at Alphington Grammar, the AGM proved far more than a routine procedural affair. Drawing a crowd of around 200 members, what began as a standard agenda quickly evolved into an open floor of discussion, with finances, governance transparency, and strategic direction taking centre stage.
The meeting was a platform for sharp questioning and celebration of milestone achievements – hallmarks of an engaged diaspora whose membership has nearly doubled to 1,536 and growing.
Upcoming elections for the board were also discussed, due to take place on Sunday, June 29.
Diplomatic wins, cultural expansion
GCM Secretary Nick Koukouvitakis opened the meeting in Greek, outlining key achievements and milestones. Among them were high-level diplomatic engagements with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and top government officials, as well as strengthened relationships locally, including Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece and Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas.
GCM President Bill Papastergiadis proudly referenced praise from Greece’s former Secretary General for Greeks Abroad, John Chrysoulakis, who labelled the GCM “the most active and engaged diaspora community” in the world.
Cultural initiatives are thriving. The Antipodes Festival received additional funding, the Greek Film Festival remains a crowd favourite, and community book fairs continue to draw strong support. Education was another standout: Alphington Grammar has doubled its student enrolment from 500 to 1,000 over the past decade – testament to the GCM’s long-term investment in learning. Meanwhile, 40 students recently toured Northern Greece under the community’s educational outreach programs.
Positive financial momentum and questions
President Mr Papastergiadis highlighted major financial gains, earning applause.
“We have reduced our debt from $2.3 million, which – if you speak to practically every organisation during COVID – they all incurred significant debt issues,” he said.
“Our debt increased during that period. Within a year we have now brought it to $836,000, excluding depreciation and interest. I think it is an amazing result in the space of a year.”
Associate Professor Marinis Pirpiris, GCM Treasurer, outlined how this was done.
“We looked at the increased operational costs and tried to bring them down into line with our income. We looked at transition to new service models in term of significant restructuring within the organisation to be able to do things more efficiently, and we looked at our ability to really find new ways and new income sources and whether that was related to new ways to utilise our buildings, our rental increases post COVID,” he said.
While acknowledging the progress, community members raised a number of questions.
Loan figures drew attention. At the end of 2023, the loan to Bendigo Bank stood at $2.15 million, rising to $2.8 million in 2024 following a $650,000 redraw.
A question was directly addressed to Pirpiris, asking, “Can you guarantee this organisation can pay its bills for the next six months without needing to sell assets or do something drastic?”
Pirpiris confirmed that the GCM was in a good financial position for the next six months and would not need to redraw or sell assets.
Asset management
When queries on asset sales were raised to the Board, Papastergiadis was emphatic: “We’re not selling assets – no bricks and mortar. We have not recently sold any assets.”
He explained that the only previous sales had enabled the transformation of a vacant building, valued at $3.5 million by the bank, into a vibrant community hub now worth $40 million – achieved with minimal debt. The statement was met with enthusiastic applause.
Unfulfilled Federal grant
For the third consecutive year, the unresolved issue of a $2.5 million Federal grant pledged in 2019 for the Russell Street hub was raised.
Pirpiris confirmed the funding was scrapped.
“When the government changed, they looked at all funding to community groups. They had a difficult financial situation and pulled the funding on a lot of groups. That $2.5 million has not arrived and is unlikely to arrive,” he explained. “We haven’t changed. The government changed.”
Festival and staff support
Pirpiris reaffirmed the GCM’s dedication to festivals. “These festivals are a very important part of the community… we’re committed to continuing to produce them at the same quality,” he said.
He also highlighted growing investment in education and human resources: “Our Greek schools are performing better than they ever have. Our staff are more supported than ever.”
Democratic engagement and membership
With over 21 nominations submitted for the Board of Management, the GCM confirmed that elections will be announced – currently slated for Sunday, June 29th, 9am to 8pm, at Alphington Grammar. Member Manolis Starakis suggested two candidates withdraw to avoid the cost of holding an election, but Papastergiadis disagreed: “I don’t think that is an issue.”
The diverse candidate pool includes both long-serving board members like Papastergiadis and Pirpiris, as well as new members like Sophia Siachos, currently Chair of Victoria’s Greek National Day Parade.
A motion was proposed to reward long-term membership contributions – suggesting that members who pay for two years in advance receive four years of financial membership status. The motion was supported in principle and will be formally considered at the next general meeting due to constitutional implications.
Also discussed was a motion calling for the automatic reinstatement of members who had fallen behind in fees over the past two years to ensure broad participation. It was accepted as a practical solution.
Unity
Papastergiadis ended on a unifying note. “We are all trying to be happy, with a good vibe,” he said. “Because all of us, whether you agree or disagree, we all want the same.”
Everyone agreed, reflecting a collective commitment to the community’s future.
For full financials and reports, visit:
📄 Audited Annual Report
📄 Summary Report and AGM Notice
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
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