Anger and frustration have erupted following the issuing of dozens of parking infringement notices to attendees of the St Charalambos Greek Festival in Templestowe on Sunday, February 15, with organisers accusing council officers of excessive enforcement during a major community event.
Around 100 festival-goers reportedly returned to their vehicles to find infringement notices on their windscreens, overshadowing what is normally a day of celebration for the local Greek Orthodox community.
Festival organisers said there had been prior discussions with Manningham City Council to manage parking issues raised by nearby residents in previous years.
Organiser Nick Xerakias told Nine News that council officers were expected to be present on the day, but enforcement went beyond what had been anticipated.
Mr Xerakias said there was no dispute over fines issued for blocking driveways or parking in clearly prohibited areas, such as corners. However, he said attendees were fined $122 for parking on nature strips, arguing that council officers had “exhausted their strictness” during the festival.
An urgent meeting has since been requested with the council in an effort to resolve the issue.
The controversy unfolded despite the presence of several elected officials at the event, including the Mayor of Manningham Jim Grivas, Deputy Mayor Deirdre Diamante, Councillor Isabella Eltaha, Federal MP Gabriell Ng and State MP Matthew Guy.
In a statement, Manningham City Council acknowledged the concerns raised but defended its approach, describing the festival as “an important annual event for the local Greek Orthodox community and the wider Manningham community, celebrating culture, faith, food and family.”
The council said it had worked closely with the parish and organising committee ahead of the event to improve parking arrangements, noting that signage was installed throughout surrounding streets reminding patrons not to park “on nature strips, across driveways or in ways that could compromise safety,” and advising that penalties would apply.
“These measures were put in place to help manage safety and access for residents, visitors and emergency services,” the statement said.
The council added: “We acknowledge the concerns raised by community members regarding parking infringements,” while reminding attendees that “any infringement issued is subject to a legislated review and appeals process available to all recipients.”
The council said it values its relationship with the parish and remains committed to working with organisers to support future community events.
