The annual Moonee Valley ‘Una Faccia Una Razza’ Greek-Italian festival was held on Sunday, October 28 at Saint Dimitrios parish in Moonee Ponds, Victoria.
Thousands of visitors of both communities joined in the festivities which featured a Tarantella dancing workshop, Apollo Rising – a fusion Greek-Italian band, the musical stylings of Pantelis Krestas and Kalliroi, as well as traditional dance performances by the Pan-Macedonian Association of Victoria, the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne, Pegasus Dance School, the Kalymnian Brotherhood, and Panagia Soumela Whittlesea.
Dean Kalimniou’s Black Sea Icon Exhibition, held at the Festival and featuring over sixty icons, was attended by more than 1,000 people of diverse backgrounds including members of the Russian, Ukrainian and Lebanese communities.
Among the guests at the Festival were Federal National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Minister Bill Shorten; Federal MP for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou; State Member for Essendon, Danny Pearson; Labor Candidate for Maribyrnong, Jo Briskey; Mayor of Moonee Valley, Pierce Tyson; and Victorian Multicultural Commissioner and President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis.
In his address, Minister Shorten praised the manner in which two established ethnic communities, the Greeks and the Italians, have collaborated seamlessly over many years to create a convivial and vibrant community within the City of Moonee Valley, highlighting parish priest Father John Frangos’ contribution to maintaining and enhancing intercultural cohesion.
Minister Shorten also highlighted Mr Papastergiadis’ intrinsic leadership role in positioning the Greek community in Melbourne as a key stakeholder and pioneer in fostering multiculturalism and tolerance in Victoria, outlining his multi-faceted and tireless commitment to promoting the interests of that community.
In turn, Mr Papastergiadis expressed the thanks of the entire Greek community for Minister Shorten’s tireless advocacy in the field of Industrial Affairs and the NDIS. He highlighted the close friendship forged between the Minister, not only with the Greeks of his electorate in Maribyrnong but also with the Greek community it its totality, stating that the bonds forged between Minister Shorten and the Greek community will endure for life.
Mr Papastergiadis went on to praise the organising committee for their efforts in putting together such a nuanced and stereotype-defying festival, pledging his support for all cultural activities that further the cause of Hellenism and multiculturalism.
