The late Nikolaos Andrianakos was a great friend, benefactor, long standing member and generous supporter of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) – a fact already evident in none other than the beloved Andrianakos Centre at Alphington Grammar.
In honour of the founder of the Milemaker Petroleum and Properties group and his commitment to the broader Greek community in Victoria, the Nikolaos Andrianakos Foundation (NAF) has agreed to a major financial contribution to support to an important GCM cultural project – the renovation of the St Dimitrios Church Hall in Prahran which will be transformed into the Nikolaos Andrianakos Cultural Centre (NACC) once completed.
The NACC will feature a multi-disciplined arts space that will house theatrical, musical and dance productions, church and community gatherings and exhibitions for many years to come.
The project is being designed by Billy Kavelaris and his team at KUD and is also funded by the Federal Government.
GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM was delighted by the family’s support of this key GCM’s project saying: “I still recall the coffee I had with the late Nikolaos Andrianakos some 15 years ago, where I asked him to support the construction of a new multipurpose hall at Alphington Grammar. It took just two seconds for Nikolaos to extend his hand and offer to help fund that project.”
“When I approached Theo last month, he too was immediate in his support of this exciting and well needed cultural initiative that we are building here in Prahran. We are expanding our cultural investment into the suburbs and broadening the reach of the GCM so that it resonates and responds to all Melburnians and their needs,” Mr Papastergiadis added.
Speaking on behalf of the family and the NAF, former GCM Vice President Theo Andrianakos said: “My father was one of the first members of the Greek diaspora to respond to the call to support the Greek Community of Melbourne, contributing a significant sum and backing the initiative led by Bill Papastergiadis.”
“His love for the Greek community was deep and sincere, as it was for many people of his generation who left their homeland to build a new life in Australia. My father came here completely alone. He had no parents, siblings, or other relatives by his side. His parents and brothers remained in Greece, while he embarked on the journey of migration on his own, facing its challenges with courage, perseverance, and dignity,” Theo added.
“Despite the hardships he experienced, he never forgot his roots. Whenever he was asked to support the Greek community in Melbourne, he never said “no.” He firmly believed in the importance of community, giving back, and preserving our Greek heritage.
“That is why I established this Foundation—to honour his memory and continue the work he began. It is a way of keeping alive the values he stood for and continuing his contribution to the community he loved so dearly.
“My father had a special passion for theatre, music, and every form of cultural expression that brought people together. When Bill approached me about becoming involved in this project, I did not hesitate for a moment. I accepted immediately, because I know with absolute certainty that if my father were here today, he would have said “yes” without a second thought.
“With great emotion and pride, I continue along the path he charted, with the aim of contributing to the Greek Community of Melbourne and ensuring that the name of my father, Nikolaos Andrianakos, remains forever associated with generosity, culture, and a deep love for Hellenism.”
Works on the St Dimitrios Hall project are due to commence later this year.
