Victorian Premier calls for return of Parthenon Marbles at vibrant Antipodes Festival

·

A vibrant celebration of Hellenic culture filled Lonsdale Street on Saturday, February 22, as the Antipodes Festival reached its peak.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan took to the stage at 6.30 pm, delivering a passionate speech to a cheering crowd, many waving Greek flags. She called for the return of the Parthenon Marbles, sending a message to 10 Downing Street, London.

antipodes festival melbourne speeches
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan (left) with Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis. All photos copyright The Greek Herald.

“I’ve written to the British Prime Minister and called for the return of the Parthenon Marbles,” she announced, describing them as a “priceless treasure” and a “precious part of the Greek soul.”

She argued that the marbles, “stolen” from Greece, belong in their rightful place, completing the majesty of the Parthenon.

“I look forward to seeing one day at the Parthenon, those marbles where they truly belong,” Allan concluded, while acknowledging the replica at the Greek Centre on Lonsdale Street, created by Kostandinos Vousis and Panagiotis Vasilakis, as a tribute to both Greece and Melbourne’s Greek history.

“It’s an absolute privilege to join you here this evening for the Antipodes festival,” Allan declared, celebrating Greek culture, history, and contributions to the world, from philosophy and science to art, architecture, and the very principles of democracy.

Antipodes festival jacinta allan
All photos copyright The Greek Herald.

She emphasised the strength and resilience of the Greek diaspora, acknowledging Melbourne’s status as the third largest Greek city outside of Athens and Thessaloniki.

“Whether you’re born in Thornbury or Brunswick, Oakleigh or Lonsdale Street,” Allan stated, “the power of Greek culture and Greek communities is plain to see.”

Antipodes festival jacinta allan

She also warmly acknowledged the strong presence of Greek members within the Labor caucus, including Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos MP; Minister for Consumer Affairs and for Local Government, Nick Staikos MP; Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous MP; and Lee Tarlamis MP, alongside Nina Taylor MP.

Antipodes festival jacinta allan

The Premier also welcomed the new Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzoglou, and gave special recognition to Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, for his leadership and dedication.

Following her speech, Papastergiadis engaged in a brief conversation with the Premier, asking about a potential future visit to Greece, a question Ms Allan allowed the enthusiastic audience to answer for her, before stating, “Who am I to disagree?”

Earlier in the day, Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles MP, and Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Clare O’Neil MP attended the festival and participated in Greek dancing, while David Davis MP also visited the festival.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The Greek Herald finalists lead the way in 2025 Greek International Women Awards

The Greek Herald’s own Dimitra Skalkos and Andriana Simos are finalists in the 2025 Greek International Women Awards.

Football Victoria honours South Melbourne FC legend Michalis Mandalis

The new Football Victoria Chair Angela Williams paid tribute to former footballer and long-time South Melbourne FC legend Michalis Mandalis.

Greek Orthodox community in Liverpool raises $20,000 for McGrath Foundation

The spirit of faith, community and compassion was on full display at the “Splash of Pink” charity afternoon tea.

WWII-era rifle used in Croydon Park shooting sparks firearm law debate

A WWII-era M1 Carbine rifle has become the focus of investigations into the Croydon Park shooting. Read more here.

PASOK intensifies pressure for reopening of GNTO Office in Melbourne

Pressure on Greece's Ministry of Tourism to reopen the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) Office in Melbourne is intensifying.

You May Also Like

Dr. Nina Papalia awarded fellowship to examine impacts of child maltreatment

Dr. Papalia’s study is expected to provide new evidence about how child abuse is linked to youth re-victimisation and offending.

Time to vote! Lysicrates Prize 2020 online voting now open to the public

The Lysicrates Prize 2020 audience vote was held in Sydney on January 31, and people now have the opportunity to vote online for which play they want to see as winner.

From tragedy to triumph: Christina Vithoulkas becomes Australia’s first female para drifter

Vithoulkas never lost her love for extreme sports. Now 30, she has found the same thrill in drifting—a motorsport where cars slide sideways.