Umbrellas were up on Lonsdale Street on Sunday as showers swept through the Antipodes Festival, but the rain didn’t deter Liberal politicians.
After Labor figures appeared the day before, the Opposition took the stage mid-afternoon, just after the community awards and before singer Konstantina Touni fired up the crowd for a late-night fiesta. They arrived during a lull, addressing a rain-speckled, half-full audience and were warmly greeted by Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) President Bill Papastergiadis and members of the GCM board.
Leading the delegation was Jess Wilson, Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, joined by David Davis, Bev McArthur, Nicole Werner, Rachel Westaway, Wendy Lovell and Evan Mulholland. They were joined by Manningham Mayor Jim Grivas.
Melbourne at its best
Wilson praised what she called “Melbourne at its best”.
“This quarter of the CBD is always a hive of activity, but even more so when this festival is on,” she said.
“From family businesses to the arts to education, Greek Victorians make their mark every single day. Our city and our state are more vibrant and dynamic because of what you bring.
“Your famous Greek hospitality has helped make Melbourne a global city when it comes to food and culture.”
With Victoria heading towards an election year, she added: “We stand with you. Whether it’s small business, the arts, sport or the economy, we will continue to back you.”
Wilson noted the strong Greek presence in her electorate and said she looked forward to celebrating Greek Easter with the community.
Mulholland opened with a warm “Kalispera Ellines,” reflecting on his own migrant roots.
“I’m half Italian on my mum’s side, from Calabria, and my family came out in the 1950s, just like many of the yiayias and pappous here today,” he said.
“They worked six, seven days a week in markets and small businesses. This festival is an ode to those generations who sacrificed so much so we could be here today.”
The Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs said events like Antipodes ensure culture “never whittles away from generation to generation”.
He also struck a political note: “We support small business. We want Victoria to thrive. And we don’t like increases to taxes.”
Davis, a veteran of about 20 Antipodes festivals, said the Greek community had “firm friends in the Liberal Party”.
“People who respect family, respect business and like low taxes,” he said.
Asked what he liked most about the festival, Davis said: “It’s about building friendships and making sure that’s reflected in policy.”
Walkabout and warm welcomes
During the walkabout, Wilson was warmly received. Festivalgoers pressed forward with selfies and gifts. Mati charms were handed over “for protection during the election”, along with mugs and football jerseys from clubs along the strip.
Asked which team she backed, Wilson smiled but wouldn’t say.
“I’m holding out for the souvlaki,” she laughed. Though she has never visited Greece, she said she’s attended the festival before. “If I could eat one food for the rest of my life, it would be Greek food, especially a good Greek salad.”
GCM Vice President Leonidas Vlahakis volunteered his time at the festival, as he does every year, and said visits to Antipodes are more substantial than a “photo op”.
“I flatly reject this,” he said, pointing to their participation as “a sign of respect for, and acknowledgment of, the tremendous contribution that the Greek community has made to this wonderful town and country” for well over a century.
“They say openly, and with much justification, that we are a beacon; a shining example of how one can wholeheartedly embrace the ethos of a new land while still celebrating one’s progenitors’ enormous accomplishments,” he said.
“I respectfully refer to the political class as ‘they’ because the Greek Community is proudly apolitical, and Antipodes 2026 is a tremendous case in point. To have leaders of all major parties, state and federal, as well as local representatives of all political persuasions, speaks to the appreciation they have for the tremendous work that has been done, and that will continue to be done.”
At the GCM stall, some tired and weary board members joked about planting the idea in visiting politicians’ minds for a public holiday the day after the festival.
Awards before the politics
Earlier, community awards recognised Jenny Iliou for her long service teaching at the Greek Community of Melbourne’s language schools and dance classes. Stylianos Koukouvitakis was honoured for decades of service as a board member and treasurer following the acquisition of Alphington Grammar. Leon Argyropoulos was also recognised for his contribution.
By 6pm, just after the politicians departed, the streets were heaving again. The rain didn’t matter. Dancing resumed, and Touni’s music carried the festival late into the night.
