By Dr. Themistocles Kritikakos (Historian)

For more than 60 years, the Greek Australian community — many of whom migrated from the Laconia region — has been a cornerstone of Brunswick and the wider Merri-bek community in Melbourne’s inner city suburbs, shaping its social, economic, and cultural landscape. This is not a sentimental claim but an undeniable fact, etched into the very streets of the city.

And yet, recently, Merri-bek Council contemplated severing one of its most significant ties to that history: the Sister City relationship with Sparta, Greece, established in 1987 by Brunswick City Council.

A legacy worth preserving

My connection to this area is deeply personal, which is why I chose to write to councillors and attend the council meeting. My mother, Vasilia, from Kastellorizo, and my father, Christos, from Laconia, have lived in the area for over 60 years after migrating from Greece. I, along with my siblings, grew up in this community, and we have lived here our entire lives. We grew up in a household where only Greek was spoken, and this continues to be the case today.

My maternal grandparents arrived in Melbourne in the 1960s and settled in this area before returning to Greece in the 1980s. My uncles, aunts, and cousins on both sides of the family have all maintained strong ties to the area, living here at various times. My father, originally from Elos, a village near Sparta, ran a business in Brunswick for over 60 years, becoming a significant figure in the area and contributing to a city that now seemed to be overlooking its own history.

My mother, like many migrant women—Greeks, Italians, Vietnamese, Lebanese, Turkish, and others—worked in local factories, enduring conditions that would shock the modern sentimentalist. For them, however, it was a matter of survival and dignity. My maternal grandfather worked at the Brunswick brickworks—a physically demanding and dangerous job, like many other industrial roles undertaken by migrants. My parents, alongside other members of my family and the many Greek migrants who settled here, laboured relentlessly and made profound contributions—efforts that their descendants now carry forward. The vibrant, culturally diverse community we are proud to be part of today has been built on the enduring cultural and economic contributions of migrants who have shaped and strengthened the Merri-bek community over generations.

My fiancée, Nicky, who wrote to councillors in support of maintaining the relationship and attended the meeting with me, shares a similar connection. Her late grandfather, Sotirios (Sam) Mihelakos, also from Elos, played a pivotal role in establishing the Sister City relationship with Sparta, working alongside other members of the Pallaconian Brotherhood and her grandmother, Anastasia. He travelled to Sparta with Anastasia on their only trip back to Greece together in 1987 to help establish the Sister City relationship. Sam was a central figure in the local community, running a real estate business in Brunswick for over 60 years. He helped the residents of Merri-bek, including migrants, and served as a pillar of the Pallaconian Brotherhood. His efforts were instrumental in strengthening the cultural and historical ties that this relationship embodies.

The importance of this bond is undeniable. Walk down Sydney Road, and you will come across Sparta Place—a visible testament to the deep connection between this city and the homeland of many of its residents. There is also the statue of King Leonidas, a figure whose legacy embodies courage in the face of adversity. Commissioned as part of the original Memorandum of Understanding with Sparta, the statue stands not only as a tribute to ancient history but also bears an inscription that reads, “In memory of all those who have sacrificed their lives for freedom and democracy.” It serves as a site that reinforces the bonds between the people of Greece and Australia, including the shared experiences of Greek and Australian soldiers during World War II. This monument highlights the long-standing friendship between the two countries and provides recognition and a sense of belonging to Greek Australians.

A city that values multiculturalism

What was the rationale behind the proposed termination of Sister City relationships? The explanation offered was that some Sister City relationships lacked “sufficient communication” and had lapsed. However, the key issue is that the affected communities appeared to not be consulted before this recommendation was made. Recognising the contributions of Greek migrants and other migrant communities—who worked hard, established businesses, enriched local neighbourhoods, and helped shape the cultural landscape—must be a priority.

Merri-bek is also home to a strong Greek Orthodox community, supported by four churches: St Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church and St Eleftherios Greek Orthodox Church in Brunswick, The Presentation of Our Lord in Coburg and St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church in Fawkner. Greek language education is also nurtured in the area, with support from both the churches and local schools. Brunswick is home to Pronia, formerly known as The Australian Greek Welfare Society, which has historically provided essential services and support to the Greek community. To disregard this history would be to diminish the very principles of multiculturalism that the community has laboured to uphold.

The role of the Pallaconian Brotherhood

The Pallaconian Brotherhood, founded in 1961, is a key organisation within Melbourne’s Greek Australian community, particularly for those with roots in Laconia. The Brotherhood has worked to preserve the cultural heritage of its members through a variety of social, educational, and charitable initiatives. It has helped foster a sense of community and provided support to Greek Australians, including the elderly. Over the years, the organisation has played a key role in cultural activities that preserve the connection between Melbourne’s Greek community and Greece.

One of its most notable achievements was facilitating the establishment and continued support of the Sister City relationship between Brunswick and Sparta in 1987, thereby strengthening the historical and cultural ties between the two cities. In 1990, the Brotherhood purchased Laconian House at 253 Albert Street, Brunswick—a heritage-listed venue that now hosts events such as weddings and cultural seminars. One of its most memorable achievements was the unveiling of a statue of King Leonidas in Sparta Place on 29 November 2009.

The community responds

The proposed severance of the Sister City relationship was not only shocking, but also prompted a swift response from the local community. Greek Australian residents of Merri-bek, many of Laconian descent, along with the Pallaconian Brotherhood and its youth committee, swiftly mobilised to voice their concerns. Letters were sent, and many attended the meeting, ensuring that councillors were made aware of the strong opposition to the proposal.

In the end, the council voted unanimously to retain the relationship with Sparta. The amended motion, moved by Cr. Theodosis and seconded by Cr. Yildiz, received strong support, with speeches from Cr. Iwasaki and Cr. Bolton. This decision reflected the power of community involvement, prompting a response that recognised its significance.

Merri-bek’s Sister City relationships extend beyond Sparta, reflecting the area’s rich multicultural history. The ties with the Sicilian municipality of Solarino and the province of Messina recognise the deep roots and contributions of the Italian community, just as the connection with Çorum, Turkey, honours the contributions of Turkish, Kurdish, and Alevi Australians. These relationships are not mere formalities; they represent the lived histories of migrant communities who helped build Brunswick and the wider Merri-bek area.

Preserving these connections is not only about honouring the past but also about strengthening cultural and historical bonds for future generations. The need for ongoing recognition and respect for cultural heritage extends far beyond a single vote. It becomes critical whenever histories are overlooked or a community’s contributions are dismissed.

The Greek Australian community in Merri-bek has played a pivotal role in shaping the area, and their history and contributions deserve both recognition and preservation for future generations.