A long-planned community hub for Darwin’s Greek Orthodox community is set to move forward, with funding pledged by Federal MP Luke Gosling expected to “soon become available” for the construction of a new community centre at the St Savvas of Kalymnos Greek Orthodox precinct in Northcrest.
In a message to parishioners, the St Savvas parish announced that the $5 million commitment made by Mr Gosling – and first reported by The Greek Herald in April 2025 – will allow the project to begin following Orthodox Easter.
The planned community centre will form part of the broader development of the St Savvas parish precinct in Darwin and is intended to serve both parish members and the wider community.
According to the parish, the new facility will provide spaces for gatherings, educational programs, cultural activities and community outreach as the Greek Orthodox community in the Northern Territory continues to grow.
“We give thanks to God for this blessing and for the many people who have supported this vision,” the statement said.
The parish also expressed its appreciation to Mr Gosling for supporting the project.
“In particular, we extend our sincere appreciation to Luke Gosling MP for his commitment to supporting the Greek Orthodox community and helping make this project possible,” the statement said.
The development follows earlier support from the Northern Territory Government, which granted the parish a 10,067-square-metre parcel of land in the Palmerston area of Darwin for the construction of the new St Savvas church complex.
Architectural plans for the parish were first unveiled in 2023. Until a permanent location is established, the community has been holding Divine Services at MacKillop Catholic College in Johnston.
The wider precinct is expected to include a church, event halls, auxiliary spaces and parking facilities. The federal funding is specifically allocated for the construction of the community centre and related site amenities, and will not be used to build the parish church itself.
Plans for the centre include a large reception hall with a commercial kitchen, a mid-sized function space capable of hosting around 80 to 120 people, and two smaller rooms designed for community meetings, educational programs and multipurpose activities.
Church leaders say the facility will be open to all community groups and will provide new infrastructure to support Darwin’s growing multicultural population.
Construction is expected to begin after Easter, with the parish promising to keep the community updated as the project progresses.
“We ask for your prayers as we embark on this exciting milestone in the life of our parish,” the statement said.
