By Christine Filippidis
Labor has committed $310,000 to the fit out of the Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) cultural programs spaces at 272 and 274 Russell Street, if re-elected.
The Greek Centre HUB (272 Russell St) and the new Multi Arts Community (MAC) Space at 274 Russell Street, will provide much needed technical capacity for use by the extensive GCM cultural program.
The GCM is delighted to announce that it was successful in securing a long-term lease for a token $1 per year at the 274 Russell Street Iglu development from which to deliver a public programs cultural space, that is located next to its 272 Russell Street Greek Centre HUB.
Housing programs that range from spoken word presentations and comedy, immersive multimedia programs, exhibitions and community events, the MAC is designed to celebrate emerging multicultural artists and to support community programs and events.
The HUB at 272 Russell, houses the GCM’s Archive and Historical Centre, and a ground level meeting, workshop and performance space as is currently underway as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
President of the GCM Bill Papastergiadis OAM said, “expanding our cultural and educational footprint is ongoing. In particular, with the fully leased 15 storey cultural centre which acts as a vertical Hellenic precinct in the heart of the city, we are delighted to announce that our Hellenic presence has now expanded onto Russell Street with the successful tender for the space at 274 Russell.”
Mr Papastergiadis added, “this effectively represents three shop fronts along Russell St that have a Hellenic focus, and which the GCM has control of. Recognising and supporting the historical significance of Lonsdale St is part of the aims of the GCM. With the recognition by Government of our Antipodes Festival as a tier 1 event and the continuous educational and cultural programs offered at our 15-storey cultural centre, we are excited by this announcement by the Labor Party to support the GCM’s further city projects.”
Mr Papastergiadis said, “These grants are investments in the infrastructure of our community and last beyond the tenure of any board. We are building on the work of past boards by adding to the GCM’s construction program footprint. We thank the Albanese Labor Government and welcome Ged Kearney and Sarah Witty here today to deliver the good news.”
Speaking at the announcement, the Hon Ged Kearney, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health in the Albanese Government said: “Melbourne’s identity, culture and history is intimately intertwined with Greece, with many Greek Australians living in my electorate of Cooper. I’m proud the Albanese Labor Government is honouring this community with this investment. Visiting the Greek Centre HUB and the Multi Arts Community Space was just great. You can feel how alive the culture is and literally see the impact on our community – it’s inspiring!”
Labor’s candidate for the seat of Melbourne Sarah Witty, who also attended the announcement, said: “Melbourne’s Greek Community are an important part of the fabric of this great city, and I am proud that a returned Albanese Government would help to enhance their cultural footprint on our city.”
Joining Ms Kearney and Ms Witty at the announcement was Mr Papastergiadis, GCM Cultural Committee members Dr Spiz Demetriou, Tass Sgardelis, Jeana Vithoulkas and Greek Centre Director Jorge Menidis who led their guests through the MAC and Hub, including a visit to the GCM’s Archive Centre where GCM historian Juliana Charpandithou talked about some of the GCM’s most precious archives including its first minute book and baptism register.
GCM Cultural Committee member Mr Sgardelis reflected on the announcement: “I am immensely proud to be part of an organisation that is able to strengthen and support Greek community cultural activities in the heart of Melbourne. Ongoing government support is absolutely vital in enabling grassroots multiculturalism to flourish to build more vibrant communities.”
