By Bill Roumeliotis
The Palesviaki Enosis of Melbourne and Victoria flipped a page in its history books on Sunday, 18 February.
In the presence of about 100 members and in a united atmosphere, the President of the Palesviaki, Yiannis Karanikolas, announced their property at Bayswater had been sold for $6.8 million.
In his speech to members, Mr Karanikolas first thanked the Lesvian lawyer Peter Mitrakas for the difficult work he undertook in negotiating the sale.
Mr Karanikolas added that the sale of the property was an emotional moment in the Association’s history. The club had been a gathering place and entertainment venue for Melbourne’s Lesvian community for about 43 years, but the area and the age of the venue were financially loss-making.
The President said the club only managed to survive thanks to the hard work of the Committee and volunteers.
Mr Karanikolas said the multi-million dollar funds from the property can help build a modern building that can satisfy the demands of the members and friends of the club, and ensure it has a future for the next 100 years.
Mr Karanikolas said that by the end of April the sale of the property will be completed and then the finding and purchase of a new building will begin.
The announcement of the sale brought satisfaction and was applauded by all members present.