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Finding Faith and Friendship: The rise of Greek Orthodox Youth Groups in Australia

Evelyn Karatzas
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Finding Faith and Friendship: The rise of Greek Orthodox Youth Groups in Australia

Are you looking to meet like-minded people who have the same values and beliefs as you and follow the same faith?

Look no further than a Greek Orthodox youth group.

Located all over Australia, The Greek Herald has got the scoop on where you can join one, what exactly they are, why they are important and how can they benefit you.

According to Father Petros, the priest at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Canberra, a youth group is a fellowship made of young people who want to make new friends and establish deeper connections with their faith.

Father Petros holds ‘Parea,’ the Greek orthodox youth group in Canberra, which has been running for more than four years. In the last two years it has become more popular. 

“Every week, we gather here at Saint Nicholas, and we share one topic,” Father Petros told The Greek Herald.

“It is a good opportunity for young people to come together to discuss and ask questions not only about the topic, but about our faith in general. 

“It is important because we need to learn basic things about our faith. It’s like catechism.” 

Father Petros said Parea welcomes young people aged 17 to 35 to attend every second Tuesday at St Nicholas.

“We call it Parea because we like to keep it casual. I want young people to feel casual, to come along when they can and to not be afraid to ask questions. We all love Jesus Christ and it’s a beautiful thing to discover our faith,” he said.

“The most important thing about running the youth group is to encourage young people to come along and get to know each other and learn something at the same time.

“Everyone is always welcome too.”

Iliada Mantinaos.

Iliada Mantinaos, a 22-year-old from Canberra shared her thoughts on the importance of running and attending youth groups. She has been attending Parea for almost two years.

“I attend Parea because I am always intrigued on what Father Petros is going to talk about,” Iliada said.

“I always learn something new; I get to see my friends and I love going to church because it’s so beautiful and makes me feel so peaceful.”

Iliada revealed that by attending youth groups, they can provide you with so much valuable knowledge.

“Every week you learn something new about Orthodoxy, so there are so many things I have gotten out of Parea,” she said.

“I have learnt lots about fasting, forgiveness, reasoning behind why the church says/does things, and Father Petros is always happy to answer any question we have too.”

The university student revealed that attending youth groups is also “healthy for the soul.”

“When I’m stressed with uni work, I always feel better after going to Parea. It’s also a good opportunity to see friends and make new ones,” Iliada explained.

“People should come to Parea because you get so much out of it. It’s a good social outlet, and Father Petros is also the best, so it’s always good to see him and get his advice.”

In Sydney, there are also many youth groups that always have their doors open to new people. 

Dimi Galanopoulos, a regular attendee of the Kogarah Orthodox Youth (KOY) group, described the youth group as a “vibrant community centred around the teachings of Christ, the Saints, and the fundamental values of the Orthodox Church.”

“It serves as an enriching environment for youth who are eager to come closer to Christ and take their first steps in deepening their spirituality,” Dimi told The Greek Herald.

“It also provides a safe space for those who are striving to live a Christ-centred life or grow in their faith, surrounded by like-minded individuals who share similar values and beliefs. 

“Through various activities and discussions, the Youth Group aims to support and empower its members on their spiritual journeys, fostering a sense of community and belonging among young Orthodox Christians.”

KOY welcomes those aged 16 to 28. Dimi said she has been attending the youth group for just over two years, and has since gained so much value in attending and has deepened her understanding of Orthodox traditions.

“I find great joy in witnessing individuals deepen their faith and form lasting friendships centred around Christ through KOY,” she said.

“It’s truly inspiring to see how our shared beliefs can bring us together and enrich our lives in profound ways.”

Dimi said KOY meets every Tuesday at 7:30 pm. The youth group also holds an English Divine Liturgy, a Bible study and regular guest speakers.

As a proud member of KOY, Dimi said she encourages more people in Sydney to become a part a youth group.

“Attending groups like the KOY is crucial for young people, as it provides them with a supportive and nurturing environment to spiritually progress and grow. Beyond just spiritual development, these groups offer a space to form lifelong bonds through the church,” Dimi concluded.

Reviewing Anthony Buirchell’s ‘Spirited Away’: Historic threads of Crete’s prisoners of war

Christine Filippidis
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Reviewing Anthony Buirchell’s ‘Spirited Away’: Historic threads of Crete’s prisoners of war

From seasoned educator and author, Anthony Buirchell comes a historical fiction novel five years in the making, delivering nostalgic research that resurrects the spirits of the men who fought on Crete in 1941. 

Through the lost and found, and a devoted quest for truth driven by his own generational roots, Buirchell’s approach allows for pivotal perspectives to guide readers in a time of “supreme sacrifice” and “genuine humanity.”

Investigation meets sensitive curation in all 24 chapters, as the book’s cover casts an intense yet fading imagery of armed, allied soldiers on the battlefields of WWII – just some of the 151 Prisoners Of War (POWs) who became Spirited Away.

Buirchell begs the question on all our lips, “who were these men?” with part of the answer lying in a cupboard for eight decades written in the form of 125 signatures on a pair of “forgotten, hand-stitched” canvas shorts, featured inside – “a researcher’s treasure trove.” 

Written under a pseudonym, researcher and finder of the shorts, Andrew Jones’  theories on what exactly transpired in this turbulent “Tymbakion story” could only be made possible by two things; the masterful tailoring of Private Albert “Bert” Edward Chamberlain; and the “breakthroughs” from families, including that of Vic Peterson, who’s “scrap paper” notes turned determining diary entries act as the “only first-hand account” of “Lamsdorf’s Stalag VIII-B”.

Vic Peterson.

Buirchell’s father himself, William Roy “Bonnie” Buirchell who only briefly escaped enslaving incarceration, is also central to deciphering what was witnessed across the fragmented and “windswept” south coast of the island. 

Readers will be stationed “behind the wire” as they learn to endure the “brainwashing” tactics of “Nazi Germany,” Mussolini’s Axis, the “pretence of Stockholm Syndrome,” malaria induced mosquito bites, burying bodies in gruelling heat, all while avoiding the “kaleidoscope” of devastatingly invasive “Operation Mercury” strafes.

In addition, the “shrunken stomachs” digesting menacing threats to “work or be shot” further engage with audiences sense of survival, as each page exposes “shocking truths” of a “heinous” covert airfield built off of the rubble of a nearby town – certainly “not for the faint hearted.”

Imagining the POWs lives pre-war provides respite to the tent-dwelling, traumatising journey for many Allies of the ANZAC countries and UK across North Africa through Greece, who saw their “baptism of fire” amid burning olive trees, still searching after months for home in the stars above.

The author arms audiences with a patriotic backbone while emboldening the essence of “magnanimous hospitality” and “philoxenia” from the local Cretan people, whose greatest ammunition was undoubtedly their unwavering altruism, even as “their world collapsed around them.”

Working as the front line of the unfolding narrative, each surrendering wound and echo of the Maori “Haka” war cry is tended to with formidable camaraderie and inevitable bonding amongst the atmospheric and “magnetic waters” of Souda Bay.

Historical references to WWI treaties, the 2/11th Australian Battalion, political ties with Winston Churchill, the “Long March,” and the incorporation of book excerpts including from “To War Without a Gun” and “We Band of Brothers” build an unabridged ambience, where “real champions” and “real heroes” could be just as recognised as a white flag of truce.  

Threading it all together, Buirchell’s poignant and examining style emphasises the significance of how time passes in a period of “breathtaking bravery” that most might not even know about unless recorded, making space for absence to become presence.

He dedicates an entire component of the book to census figures, specialised notes, and individual profiles at the end, listing the recruits from their “Date of Birth”, “Rank”, and “POW number” through to “Date of Capture”, while opening a line to the public for help with filling in any gaps where there is missing information. 

As the calendar approaches April 25th each year, a commemoration like no other prepares to take place in Australia, New Zealand and Tonga, among other islands, known as Anzac Day. Buirchell’s goal is similar, through honouring these now veterans in the form of written remembrance. 

His purpose – to find the truth; to honour, and to remember the last men to leave Crete that served.

“Many a tear” will forever be shed for those who did not come home “but remained in the hearts of those here.” Many a tear will forever be shed for the land and souls of Crete, which once appeared, and still resiliently appear today, as one, united. 

For those who wish to pay tribute to a family member and share information please visit: www.prisonersofwarcrete.com or email: jumper11@live.com. Please also take the time to explore the Returned Soldiers League (RSL).

The Andonaros family’s Big Fat Greek Easter gathering in Canberra

Evelyn Karatzas
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The Andonaros family’s Big Fat Greek Easter gathering in Canberra

Have you ever watched the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3?

Well on Sunday, April 20, my family from Canberra, Queanbeyan, Batemans Bay, Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia came together for our very own big, fat, Greek Easter reunion. 

Held at the Hellenic Club of Canberra at 12:30pm, we welcomed 97 people… and that’s only from my pappou Yianni Andonaros’ paternal side!

Me, my brother Yianni, cousin Hugo and yiayia Dora and pappou Yianni.
The three Paul Andonaros’.

The Andonaros Family Reunion was a day full of love, laughter, music, food, pride, and emotions. Aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins from across five generations came together in the one room—it was amazing.

Our Easter kicked off with a buffet featuring lamb, spanakopita, salads, calamari, souvlakia, pastitsio and patates. Relatives also brought homemade sweets, including baklava, ekmek, tsoureki, koulourakia, melomakarona and more.

Tables were adorned with red eggs for cracking, and the room was filled with beautiful pictures of our family near and far. At the heart of it all, was our big family tree.

Cousins- Phoebe, Nikola, Angelina, Georgia, Demi, Karissa, Thea, Olivia, Connie and baby Elias.
My great theio Harry, theia Vicky, theia Belinda and theio Paul Andonaros and their kids.
Some of the boy cousins.

Reunion in the making

The reunion was sparked by a conversation between my theia Maria Frilingos, and my theia Christina Metohianakis, aiming to reconnect family across Australia.

“This resulted in me sending a message in early December of 2024 to your mum (Chrisoula) and my sisters (Lisa and Chrisoula), theia Christina (QLD), theia Teresa and theia Kathy to see whether they thought a family reunion at Easter would be a good idea, especially since they were on the same year this year,” Maria told me.

“Everyone was in, and we started adding family members to the chat.”

The organising committee – (left to right – Lisa, Christina A, CHristina M, Chrisoula M, Chrisoula K, Maria and Kathy).

An organising committee then formed involving Maria Frilingos, Lisa Andonaros, Chrisoula Mamatas, my mum Chrisoula Karatzas, Christina Metohianakis, Christina Apostolidis, and Kathy Kambouris. 

“We started planning where we’d host it, what type of things we should do, but most importantly how we would speak with our parents, aunties and uncles, to find out about our family history and build a family tree,” Maria said. 

“Each person had a role.”

Theia Lisa handled the slideshow and venue, Theia Kathy made invites, Theia Christina M. took photos, Theia Chrisoula was MC, Theia Christina A. liaised with the Adelaide families, my mum gathered family details from Greece, and theia Maria was the secretariat, keeping things on track.

The photo wall.
The grandparents and Andonaros siblings table.

The event

The reunion featured speeches from my theia Chrisoula, a heartfelt presentation by my theia Lisa with videos of relatives in Australia and Greece, and music by my theio George Apostolidis.

After lunch, my cousins Olivia Kambouris and Eleni Metallinos announced a surprise performance of the Limnian dance ‘Kehagias’, inviting all the cousins on the dance floor. The faces of all our family members watching us were priceless.

This day served as a reminder to never forget where we came from, and the sacrifices those before us made to give us a better life.

Cousins James (SA) and Johnny (ACT).
My theia Lisa, theia Maria and theia Christina M.
Me and my cousins Angelina Mamatas and Olivia Kambouris.
My great theio Jim (Dimitri) Andonaros (left) and pappou John (Yianni) Andonaros (right).

Finally reuniting 

What started as an idea between a few family members turned into an unforgettable event.

“The emotion we all felt hearing about our family history and seeing the joy in our parents’ storytelling was priceless,” Maria said.

“I have loved every minute of this journey and I have no doubt everyone that came felt exactly the same. I hope it is something we will continue as our family continues to grow.”

Theia Christina M. said, “Greek Easter was the catalyst for bringing us all together.” 

“The importance of this time within the Greek Orthodox community is fundamental to the way we have all been brought up,” she said.

“It made sense to all of us to tie this important religious time together with our reunion.”

Hopefully this reunion is the first of many to come.

Oakleigh Grammar’s Tim Hines named a ‘Rising Star’ in Australia

The Greek Herald
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Oakleigh Grammar’s Tim Hines named a ‘Rising Star’ in Australia

Tim Hines, an English teacher at Oakleigh Grammar, has been recognised as one of the best educators in Australia under 35 in The Educator’s annual Rising Stars & School Leadership Awards for 2025.

With close to 100 different nominees for the awards, candidates were judged on their leadership, innovation and achievement in their education careers to date. 

After just three years into his teaching career, Tim has displayed remarkable leadership in his teaching and learning, as well as his development of student agency.

Principal Mark Robertson praised Tim for “quickly distinguishing himself as a dedicated professional who cultivates a culture of trust and innovation, empowering his students to take greater ownership and authorship of their own learning.” 

Tim’s dedication to continuous development of teaching practices and elevating student outcomes makes him a worthy recipient of the award.

Oakleigh Grammar is proud of its commitment to fostering the development of brilliant young teachers and looks forward to the continued contributions to the School and its students by all of its passionate teachers.

Hundreds of community-language teachers to attend annual conference at Sydney University

The Greek Herald
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Hundreds of community-language teachers to attend annual conference at Sydney University

Around 700 teachers, representing the 297 community language schools across the state that teach 61 community languages, will attend their annual conference organised by NSW Federation of Community Language Schools on Saturday 26th of April.

The conference at Sydney University will follow the inspiring theme: ‘Stronger Together and Making a Difference for Community Languages.’

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early learning, Prue Car, has sent a video message to the conference in which she expressed her pride in backing the work of the Federation to be as wide-reaching as possible.

“In 2024 the Government boosted support for the eligible community language schools with an extra $100 per student to ease the load on families and to support the Federation’s work even further,” she said.

“The new funding will help ensure students can maintain connection to their heritage and alleviate some of the costs that parents face in supporting their children’s language education.”

Describing the Federation as “a powerhouse” the Deputy Premier said: “The impact that you have across the state cannot be understated.

“I have seen first-hand – kids learning, laughing, proudly learning, switching between languages and sharing in the joy of being understood. That’s what your schools give.

“You help kids stay connected to who they are, keeping language alive in homes and hearts for generations.

“The NSW Government is so pleased to be backing your work and thanks you for everything you do to help kids hold onto a vital part of themselves.”

The CEO of the Federation, Michael Christodoulou AM, said today: “After last year’s wonderful success, we’re absolutely thrilled to bring back this highly anticipated event!” 

“This year will be packed with even more opportunities for language educators and school management committees to connect with top-notch expert presenters and explore the latest trends and innovations in language teaching and learning,” Mr Christodoulou added.

“We’ve prepared a fantastic lineup of renowned international and local speakers aimed specifically at community language teachers.

“I thank the Deputy Premier for her video message. We very much appreciate her time, her thoughtful words, her support and her sincerity expressed in that message which all participants will hear at the conference.”

Nationwide workshop prepares students and teachers for Greek Language Certification

The Greek Herald
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Nationwide workshop prepares students and teachers for Greek Language Certification

An online professional development workshop was recently held for Greek language teachers, students preparing for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek, and their parents. 

The event was co-organised by the Macquarie University Greek Language Examination Centre and the Sydney Institute for Community Language Education (SICLE) at the University of Sydney.

Held as part of an annual initiative, the workshop aimed to provide essential training, guidance, and resources to educators, exam candidates, and their families in preparation for the upcoming Greek language exams in May. 

More than 60 participants from across Australia joined the online session, reflecting the strong national interest in Greek language learning and certification.

Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Head of the Greek Language Examination Centre and Lecturer in Global Cultures and Languages in the School of International Studies at Macquarie University, delivered a thorough and insightful presentation.

She focused on effective preparation strategies and the structure and style of the exams, providing valuable guidance for both teachers and students. 

Dr Koromvokis was joined by Ms Tserentzoulia, Assistant at the Greek Examination Centre, and Mr Dagopoulos, representative of the Centre for the Greek Language in Thessaloniki, who also contributed to the discussion and responded to questions from participants. Katerina Vetsikas, Project Officer (Greek Curriculum) of the Sydney Institute for Community Languages Education (SICLE) coordinated the workshop. 

This year, Macquarie University will host the Certificate of Attainment in Greek exams from 20 – 22 May 2025. As the largest examination centre in the Southern Hemisphere for this certificate, Macquarie will welcome over 100 candidates—a record number.

More information for Greek Language Examination Centre of the School of International Studies at Macquarie University in the following link: https://www.mq.edu.au/faculty-of-arts/schools/school-of-international-studies/engage-with-us/greek-language-examination-centre

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew meets Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn

The Greek Herald
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Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew meets Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew received Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn and her delegation on Tuesday, April 22, for a warm and cordial meeting at the Patriarchate.

Their discussion focused on the work of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, with particular emphasis on the role of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Australia. Both leaders also paid tribute to the late Pope Francis, praising his significant contributions to the Christian world.

Photo: Nikos Papachristou.

The meeting was attended by Simeon Beckett, husband of the Governor-General; Australian Ambassador to Ankara, Miles Armitage; Consul General in Istanbul, Tony Huber; and members of Mostyn’s staff.

Representing the Patriarchate were Metropolitan Elder Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Metropolitan Maximos of Sylivria, and the Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Director of the Patriarchal Office.

Australian Hellenic Council seeks answers over UNESCO Greek Language Day vote

The Greek Herald
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Australian Hellenic Council seeks answers over UNESCO Greek Language Day vote

The Australian Hellenic Council (AHC) has written to Australia’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador Greer Alblas, requesting an explanation for the government’s decision not to support the recent proposal to designate 9 February as UNESCO World Greek Language Day.

The historic vote, which took place in mid-April 2025, saw 87 UNESCO member states—including major global players such as China, Germany, Egypt, Argentina, India, Italy, and South Korea—co-sponsoring the proposal. Despite this broad international support, Australia abstained from endorsing the initiative, prompting concern among the Greek Australian community.

In a formal letter dated 22 April 2025, signed by AHC President Peter Stefanidis and Secretary Dean Kalimniou, the Council expressed its surprise and disappointment at the Australian government’s stance, especially considering the country’s significant Greek-speaking population and the longstanding contribution of Hellenism to Australian society.

“We note with surprise, given the large population of Greek-speaking people in Australia, their long presence within our country which goes back over one hundred years, and the fact that Greek is one of nine Australian priority languages, that Australia did not support the proposal and did not vote in favour of its adoption,” the letter states.

The AHC has asked Ambassador Alblas to provide clarity on the reasoning behind Australia’s decision and is awaiting a response.

The outcome has sparked broader debate within the Greek Australian community, with many questioning how a language formally recognised as a priority in national policy could be overlooked in such a globally significant forum.

‘A disgrace’: Professor Tamis responds to Australia’s World Greek Language Day snub

Anastasios Tamis
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‘A disgrace’: Professor Tamis responds to Australia’s World Greek Language Day snub

The Australian Government, through its Permanent Representative to UNESCO, refused last week to vote in favour of recognising 9 February as an International Day for the Greek Language. Via its representative, Australia declined to join the other members of UNESCO’s Executive Board in acknowledging the uniqueness of the Greek language within global civilisation.

Despite significant efforts by Greece’s Permanent Ambassador to UNESCO, Georgios Koumoutsakos, and Greek diplomacy more broadly, the Australian Government refused to co-sign the initiative along with 87 (a record number) of proposing countries — a group that notably included the United States.

Mr Koumoutsakos, I can confidently say, presented Australia’s Permanent Representative with arguments of particular relevance and sensitivity to Australia itself.

Australia’s decision not to support the recognition of an International Day for the Greek Language is a disgrace and an insult to Hellenism in Australia, a community that plays a leading role in the country’s economic and cultural affairs.

The Australian Government’s refusal to support this proposal — one that directly concerns the Greek ethnic minority, a group with significant contributions to Australia — is especially provocative and offensive, given that Greek has been officially recognised as one of the ten Priority Languages in Australia since 1987. Even more so, when 87 UNESCO member states had already expressed their support.

Under pressure, Australia’s Permanent Representative eventually agreed not to vote against the proposal, as did a few others for various reasons. As a result, the motion passed unanimously.

This is a major achievement, and everyone must understand the historical significance of this decision. Among other things, it is particularly important for the Greek Diaspora and the preservation of cultural identity, of which language is the most immediate and accessible component.

But this is not simply about another language being endorsed. It is about the unparalleled nature of the Greek language and its profound cultural contribution to humanity — something Australia refused to acknowledge.

It concerns the recognition of this truth, which all 195 United Nations member states — in other words, every country on the planet — are expected to affirm unanimously.

Unfortunately, Hellenism has yet to fully grasp the importance of this global recognition. 

The Greek language, once studied and taught in countries with a strong Greek diaspora and strong philhellenic sentiments, will from 2026 be celebrated with events, cultural activities and competitions dedicated to our language in countries across the globe — helping make foreigners and non-Greek speakers initiates and sharers of its value.

*Professor Anastasios M. Tamis taught at Universities in Australia and abroad, was the creator and founding director of the Dardalis Archives of the Hellenic Diaspora and is currently the President of the Australian Institute of Macedonian Studies (AIMS).

Liberal Party supports GCM’s cultural programs with $1.6 million commitment

The Greek Herald
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Liberal Party supports GCM’s cultural programs with $1.6 million commitment

The Federal Liberal Party has committed to supporting a range of Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) projects designed to enhance the organisation’s ability to expand its cultural offering, should they win the upcoming election.

At an announcement held at the Greek Centre, attended by Shadow Minister for Housing, NDIS and Social Services Michael Sukkar, Member for Menzies Keith Wolahan, candidate for Chisholm Dr Katie Allen, and candidate for Hotham Harmick Singh Matharu, a commitment was made to fund the fit-out and completion of the Community’s Multi-Arts Community Space. This includes extending the fit-out and technical capabilities of the HUB on Russell Street and completing the St Dimitrios multi-function community theatre space in Windsor.

The $1.6 million commitment across the three projects will enhance the GCM’s community outreach and enable the further development of programs.

The GCM recently announced it had secured a long-term lease for a token $1 per year at the 274 Russell Street Iglu development, from which it will deliver a public cultural space. Located next to its existing 272 Russell Street Greek Centre HUB, this will provide a combined street frontage equivalent to three shopfronts.

This latest commitment would fast-track the technical fit-out of both Russell Street spaces, enabling more cultural and community projects to launch sooner.

Housing programs that range from spoken word presentations and comedy to immersive multimedia, exhibitions, and community events, the MAC (Multi-Arts Centre) is designed to celebrate emerging multicultural artists and support a variety of community initiatives.

The HUB at 272 Russell houses the GCM’s Archive and Historical Centre and features a ground-level meeting, workshop, and performance space — currently in use as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

The works at St Dimitrios Hall would continue from the current refurbishment, which is part of the Federal Government’s infrastructure investment across the GCM’s four suburban community halls in Yarraville, Brunswick, Thornbury, and Windsor.

President of the GCM Bill Papastergiadis OAM said: “It’s great that today we meet at the Greek Centre with some of the leading members of the Liberal Party and members of Parliament, who made a terrific announcement for the Greek Community of Melbourne.”

“Our organisation spans many electorates here in Melbourne and Victoria, and this announcement supports important initiatives in culture, education, and, most importantly, infrastructure — which will benefit generations to come. We want to thank Michael Sukkar, Keith Wolahan, Katie Allen, and Harmick Singh Matharu for their support. Their support has spanned multiple election cycles and campaigns, so this is not a one-off. This bipartisan support is proof that Australia is a thriving, cosmopolitan, multicultural society that values diversity,” Mr Papastergiadis added.

Announcing the support, Mr Sukkar said: “It’s a great honour to be here to announce a range of projects and upgrades. We know that the Greek Community of Melbourne punches above its weight in virtually every way, which is a great credit to Bill and his committee.”

“This is a hub of activity. The number of people who come through these doors, enjoy the space, and most importantly, feel that sense of community — that’s what you embody here. So, we see this as a great investment… That sense of family, entrepreneurialism, and a tight-knit community. And I think Easter Monday is as good a day as any to make this announcement, given how meaningful this day is for your community,” Mr Sukkar said.

MP for Menzies Mr Wolahan said: “I’m really proud of this announcement. This is such an amazing community. Many of my staff and volunteers are Greek, and they’re out there campaigning hard. Having this Centre here means a lot to many people — so it’s important that this commitment has been made.”

Candidate for Chisholm Dr Allen was equally enthusiastic and supportive.

“It’s been great to be here today. The Greek community is a much-loved, multicultural part of Melbourne. As we know, Melbourne has the third-largest Greek population in the world, and Greeks are part of the fabric of this city,” Dr Allen said.

“Having represented the electorate of Higgins, which has a large Greek population, and now as the candidate for Chisholm, I’m delighted that this Greek Cultural Centre is receiving the infrastructure boost it needs. This will help preserve the heartbeat of Greek multiculturalism, which is such an essential part of vibrant Melbourne.”

Finally, the candidate for Hotham, that features a strong Greek community presence, Mr Matharu said: “It’s an absolute honour to be here for this announcement. Earlier today I was discussing how organisations like the Greek Community of Melbourne and their facilities are vital to the wellbeing of all communities in Australia. It’s heartening to see the contribution of the Greek community and the foundations they’ve laid, which have greatly enriched the Australian way of life.”

Also attending the announcement on Easter Monday were Greek Community Board members Nick Koukouvitakis, Assoc. Prof. Marinis Pirpiris, Dr Jim Bossinakis, Dr Spiz Demetriou, and Michael Karamitos, along with a visiting delegation from Wellington, New Zealand.

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