Greek community calls on Merri-Bek Council to protect Sister City ties with Sparta

·

Councillor Katerine Theodosis has today called on fellow Merri-Bek Councillors to save Sparta’s Sister City Status ahead of a vote this Wednesday, 9 April 2025. 

Merri-Bek Council has recently reviewed its Sister City relationships and council officers have recommended ending Merri-Bek’s long standing relationship with Sparta, Greece. 

This is despite Merri-Bek being home to thousands of Greek migrants who have called Merri-Bek home for generations, and the city having its very own “Sparta Place” off Sydney Rd in Brunswick. 

Far from simply symbolic, the Sister City Status supports local community groups to host international events and programs, maintain important cultural connections and cement Melbourne’s status as an international city.

Cr Theodosis said, “Merri-Bek has been a Sister City of Sparta for nearly 40 years, and is home to a proud and thriving Greek community.”

“Whilst our city has changed a lot over the years, the presence and contributions of our Greek Australian community remains strong,” she added.

“Ending this partnership would jeopardise important cultural, economic and historical ties between our two proud communities.” 

President of the Pallaconian Brotherhood of Victoria, Chris Paikopoulos said “the relationship between our cities arose from the Australian Diggers who, after being protected by Spartans during WWII, sponsored Spartans to move to Australia and make Melbourne their home.”  

“It costs council zero to have this relationship, but to us as Greek Australians it means a lot. It allows us to host a range of events and activities for Greek Australians and the broader community here in Merri-Bek,” Mr Paikopoulos said. 

Merri-Bek Council will vote on whether to accept the Council Officer’s recommendation to end the Sister City partnership at their Wednesday meeting. 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Missile strikes escalate as Trump urges Iran and Israel to ‘make a deal’

Israel and Iran exchanged missile strikes for a third consecutive day, intensifying a deadly conflict that has left hundreds dead.

Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria announces date for 2025 Board Elections

The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria has announced its 2025 Board elections will be held on Sunday, June 29.

How younger Greek Australians are redefining mental health conversations

Conversations once hidden in the shadows are now in the spotlight, bringing mental health to the forefront.

NSW urged to act on worsening elder abuse crisis

A new report from Relationships Australia NSW (RANSW) reveals that 15% of elderly Australians are currently experiencing abuse.

More civil war-era mass graves found beneath Greek city park

Another grim discovery has surfaced in Greece, where 14 bodies believed to be victims of civil war-era executions have been unearthed.

You May Also Like

Greek footballers unite with young talents and legends at Lambert Park

On Sunday, young students from the Football Brilliance Academy held training sessions in the presence of Greek football royalty.

Tsitsipas to face Djokovic in Paris Olympics quarterfinal

Stefanos Tsitsipas (No. 12) securing a 0-2 (5-7, 1-6) win over Argentine Sebastian Baez (No. 18) qualified to advance in the men's singles.

Stefanos Tsitsipas books quarterfinal spot in Paris Masters

No.7 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas has reached the quarterfinal of the Paris Masters after surging past Alexander Zverev in straight sets.