Liberal Party supports GCM’s cultural programs with $1.6 million commitment

The Federal Liberal Party has committed to supporting a range of Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) projects designed to enhance the organisation’s ability to expand its cultural offering, should they win the upcoming election.

At an announcement held at the Greek Centre, attended by Shadow Minister for Housing, NDIS and Social Services Michael Sukkar, Member for Menzies Keith Wolahan, candidate for Chisholm Dr Katie Allen, and candidate for Hotham Harmick Singh Matharu, a commitment was made to fund the fit-out and completion of the Community’s Multi-Arts Community Space. This includes extending the fit-out and technical capabilities of the HUB on Russell Street and completing the St Dimitrios multi-function community theatre space in Windsor.

The $1.6 million commitment across the three projects will enhance the GCM’s community outreach and enable the further development of programs.

The GCM recently announced it had secured a long-term lease for a token $1 per year at the 274 Russell Street Iglu development, from which it will deliver a public cultural space. Located next to its existing 272 Russell Street Greek Centre HUB, this will provide a combined street frontage equivalent to three shopfronts.

This latest commitment would fast-track the technical fit-out of both Russell Street spaces, enabling more cultural and community projects to launch sooner.

Housing programs that range from spoken word presentations and comedy to immersive multimedia, exhibitions, and community events, the MAC (Multi-Arts Centre) is designed to celebrate emerging multicultural artists and support a variety of community initiatives.

The HUB at 272 Russell houses the GCM’s Archive and Historical Centre and features a ground-level meeting, workshop, and performance space — currently in use as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

The works at St Dimitrios Hall would continue from the current refurbishment, which is part of the Federal Government’s infrastructure investment across the GCM’s four suburban community halls in Yarraville, Brunswick, Thornbury, and Windsor.

President of the GCM Bill Papastergiadis OAM said: “It’s great that today we meet at the Greek Centre with some of the leading members of the Liberal Party and members of Parliament, who made a terrific announcement for the Greek Community of Melbourne.”

“Our organisation spans many electorates here in Melbourne and Victoria, and this announcement supports important initiatives in culture, education, and, most importantly, infrastructure — which will benefit generations to come. We want to thank Michael Sukkar, Keith Wolahan, Katie Allen, and Harmick Singh Matharu for their support. Their support has spanned multiple election cycles and campaigns, so this is not a one-off. This bipartisan support is proof that Australia is a thriving, cosmopolitan, multicultural society that values diversity,” Mr Papastergiadis added.

Announcing the support, Mr Sukkar said: “It’s a great honour to be here to announce a range of projects and upgrades. We know that the Greek Community of Melbourne punches above its weight in virtually every way, which is a great credit to Bill and his committee.”

“This is a hub of activity. The number of people who come through these doors, enjoy the space, and most importantly, feel that sense of community — that’s what you embody here. So, we see this as a great investment… That sense of family, entrepreneurialism, and a tight-knit community. And I think Easter Monday is as good a day as any to make this announcement, given how meaningful this day is for your community,” Mr Sukkar said.

MP for Menzies Mr Wolahan said: “I’m really proud of this announcement. This is such an amazing community. Many of my staff and volunteers are Greek, and they’re out there campaigning hard. Having this Centre here means a lot to many people — so it’s important that this commitment has been made.”

Candidate for Chisholm Dr Allen was equally enthusiastic and supportive.

“It’s been great to be here today. The Greek community is a much-loved, multicultural part of Melbourne. As we know, Melbourne has the third-largest Greek population in the world, and Greeks are part of the fabric of this city,” Dr Allen said.

“Having represented the electorate of Higgins, which has a large Greek population, and now as the candidate for Chisholm, I’m delighted that this Greek Cultural Centre is receiving the infrastructure boost it needs. This will help preserve the heartbeat of Greek multiculturalism, which is such an essential part of vibrant Melbourne.”

Finally, the candidate for Hotham, that features a strong Greek community presence, Mr Matharu said: “It’s an absolute honour to be here for this announcement. Earlier today I was discussing how organisations like the Greek Community of Melbourne and their facilities are vital to the wellbeing of all communities in Australia. It’s heartening to see the contribution of the Greek community and the foundations they’ve laid, which have greatly enriched the Australian way of life.”

Also attending the announcement on Easter Monday were Greek Community Board members Nick Koukouvitakis, Assoc. Prof. Marinis Pirpiris, Dr Jim Bossinakis, Dr Spiz Demetriou, and Michael Karamitos, along with a visiting delegation from Wellington, New Zealand.