Merri-bek City Council has greenlit public consultation for the naming of Kastoria Lane, a project set to transform a once-neglected alleyway into a vibrant community hub. This move, opening for public feedback in April or May this year, honours the Australian Association of Kastorians’ enduring legacy and their spirited drive to revitalise their cultural hub.
A Merri-bek council spokesperson confirmed this news to The Greek Herald.
“The proposal to name a small section of the right-of-way between 217 and 219 Elizabeth Street in North Coburg as Kastoria Lane is currently underway. This initiative aligns with Council’s broader commitment to recognising and celebrating the contributions of culturally significant communities, such as the Kastorian Association, to our city’s heritage,” the spokesperson said.
The proposal, initially tabled in September 2023, faced hurdles with Geographic Names Victoria (GNV).
“The name, Kastoria Lane, initially didn’t meet GNV’s naming principles,” the council revealed. “However, in July 2024, GNV provided in-principle support for its use, subject to the following conditions: the laneway must be named after the association, not the commercial bus company, and the association must provide its support.”
At the heart of this story is Effie Lalopoulos, an 80-year-old dynamo who, in 2019, spearheaded the campaign to save the Kastoria Club.
“We’ll absolutely secure the necessary support,” Lalopoulos asserted. “I urge Coburg’s Greek community, particularly those familiar with the club, to rally behind this during the consultation.”
Lalopoulos, a seasoned campaigner, recalls her tenacious battle to safeguard the building.
“We needed 80 signatures, and I gathered them, one by one, sometimes with koulourakia trays and soft drinks,” she recounted.
Since then, the club has flourished. Strategic tenancies and a recently paved pathway, deterring fly-tipping and enhancing accessibility, have ensured its sustainability. A 2023 refurbishment, featuring a revamped kitchen and bathroom, further elevated the space.
“We owe a great deal to Lambros Tapinos during his mayoral term,” Lalopoulos acknowledged.
John Pandazopoulos, a long-time advocate, also lent his government expertise.
“We’ve been instrumental in streamlining their operations, securing grants, and envisioning future partnerships,” Pandazopoulos told The Greek Herald, adding that for the naming he leaned on his experience with the naming of Kalamata Place.
“This two-storey building, vital for accessibility, is a testament to our collective effort.”
For the 65-year-old club, a Coburg fixture since 1988, Kastoria Lane marks another milestone.
“We were a 28-year-old club when we found this old Coburg warehouse,” Lalopoulos reminisced, referencing historical articles from the club’s now defunct Kastoria News.
The club’s archives, brimming with letters from former Prime Minister Bob Hawke and records of countless community events, paint a vivid portrait of its rich history.
“I was a young mum then, and now I have three children, eight grandchildren, and a great-grandchild,” she shared, adding her excitement that the moment has come for the naming of the lane.
Plans for beautification are now underway to create a dynamic community space.
“I want to engage the youth in the transformation, provided they continue to remain involved after the rejuvenation! We’re planning another youth-filled cocktail party, and, of course, the elders must continue their Sunday lunches – it’s their lifeline,” she emphasised.
Dimitra Panagiotidis, another Club stalwart, highlighted Lalopoulos’ unwavering dedication.
“Effie wakes me up in the middle of the night with her big dreams! I tell her to go back to sleep and we will discuss in the morning,” she said.
Panagiotidis tends to the garden and prepares culinary delights: papoutsakia for council guests, traditional cod and skordalia for Greek Independence Day, and more.
“We’re even considering cooking classes in our refurbished kitchen,” she revealed.
She could also teach gardening, judging from her vibrant petunias and violets adorning the little garden at the back.
“It’s lovely now, but just wait until we have our Kastoria Lane,” Lalopoulos concluded.
Beyond the laneway’s naming, the club envisions a range of initiatives. Kastoria Lane symbolises more than just a name; it represents a community’s resilience and a commitment to a thriving future.
