Labor pledged $1.8 million earlier this morning for an expansion of the Greek Centre Hub program in Melbourne.
Announced on Wednesday, this funding will see an upgrade in amenities and facilities at five key Greek community locations across Melbourne, including St Demetrios in Windsor and St Eleftherios in Brunswick if an Albanese Labor government is elected.
This funding acknowledges the integrality of the Greek community to our thriving multiculturalism in Victoria and will allow for the expansion of Greek Community of Melbourne’s cultural, educational and community programs as we emerge from the pandemic.
The Deputy Leader of the Australian Labor Party, Richard Marles MP, said this is an exciting announcement “for one of Melbourne’s most vibrant local communities.”
“Labor is committed to supporting communities which give back so much life and makeup of Melbourne’s rich culture,” Mr Marles said.
“This commitment from Labor once again echoes our commitment for a better future for all.”
The Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles MP, told The Greek Herald at the announcement that the Albanese government understands how important the upgrade of these Hubs are to keeping culture alive.
“This is a recognition of a couple of things: the significance of the Greek Australian community to Melbourne and to Australia, but also the role the community has played through difficult times,” Mr Giles said.
“[The role they’ve played] in keeping community members safe and connected but looking forward beyond the pandemic to understand how important it is that people can gather closer to home, whether it is for older citizens to enjoy each other’s company and speak the language, or for those educational and cultural activities that are so important to keep younger Greek Australians connected to culture.”
Bill Shorten MP, the Shadow Minister for the NDIS, said: “These community hubs played a vital role in the fight against COVID and will go on to provide fantastic cultural, educational and community programs.”
Labor candidate for Higgins, Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah, also said that “an Albanese Labor government will make sure that the community is able to extend their integral educational and cultural work for years to come.”
