The Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra (GOCCC) has officially opened a newly refurbished community hall behind St Nicholas Church in Kingston, made possible through a collaboration with St Basil’s NSW/ACT.
What was once the site of the old aged care facility owned by St Basil’s has now been transformed into a vibrant, multi-use space serving both the local Greek community and broader residents in the Australian Capital Territory.
John Loukadellis, President of the GOCCC, said the restoration had been a major boost to the community, giving members a proper place to gather for coffee and sweets after church, instead of having to sit in marquees in Canberra’s cold winters.
Mr Loukadellis praised St Basil’s for their role in helping to restore the site and said the partnership was fostering stronger ties between the organisations.
The updated hall, complete with a community-donated kitchen, stove, fridge and freezer, is now used weekly by over 100 parishioners after Sunday services. But beyond social gatherings, the facility also plays a central role in the delivery of vital aged care services.
From Monday to Friday, St Basil’s is now using the site as a base to consult with the local community and provide their Support at Home programme – including Home Care Packages designed to support older people in maintaining independence and wellbeing in their own homes.
Mr Loukadellis noted that while the GOCCC still plans to build a permanent community hall in the near future, the refurbished facility offered by St Basil’s has provided a much-needed interim solution.
