30 November 2025

Undeterred by the inclement weather, around 100 Merri-bek residents and parishioners of St Basil’s Greek Orthodox Church turned out on Sunday afternoon to voice concern over a proposed council development that may remove their car park and diminish access to the church.

The Merri-bek Council proposal could close off Staley Street, where the historic church has stood for generations.

Neos Kosmos first reported on the issue in late October, when the council purchased land on Sydney Road near the church, which it proposes to transform into a public park.

The possible removal of up to 30 parking spaces and the closure of Staley Street, according to Father Ephraim, would “cause enormous problems for our parishioners.”

At the meeting, many said that they were not opposed to the proposal for a public park, but “amplified their concerns that the proposed park may result in the closure of Staley Street and the car park”.

Most of the Greek parishioners and locals who came to voice their concerns were in their 70s and 80s and have lived in Brunswick since their arrival in Australia.

They were asked by the organisers of the protest to indicate their preference for one of three options for a park.

“Overwhelmingly, people chose to both develop a park, keep the the carpark, and the street open,” Deputy Mayor Councillor Helen Politis told Neos Kosmos.

“A united voice of the 100 attendees was clear that a park and parking can coexist, and that meeting everyone’s needs is possible,” she said.

“Overwhelmingly, people chose to both develop a park, keep the the carpark, and the street open,” Helen Politis – Merri-bek Deputy Mayor.

One advocate, who spoke on grounds of anonymity, told Neos Kosmos that parishioners are up against “keyboard warriors, activists, producing online submissions in favour street and car park closure”.

Father Ephrahim said that if the street is closed to traffic, “people simply won’t be able to access the church easily”.

Father Ephraim warns that losing up to 30 parking spaces and closing Staley Street would “cause enormous problems for our parishioners.” Photo: Supplied

Former Federal Member for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou, who attended the meeting, said the issue “is not about the emotional response of a group of residents, who don’t want to lose their car park to park and bike park and the closure of Hope Street.

“This is not about pitting one group against the other. It’s about working towards a consensus model where all residents are accommodated. Priority of consideration must be given to the needs of residents in the City of Merr-beck. The long-standing car park that serves the recreational, commercial and faith needs of residents,” she said.

She added that the closure of a residential street will have a “far reaching impact on residents and their surrounds”.

“We all love parks, but we don’t all ride bikes, and most of us drive cars. Parking is a major issue of concern and needs to be addressed, which is why I urge a collective approach to building a consensus model that leaves no one behind.”

Councillor Politis, told Neos Kosmos that, “Everyone’s needs must be met.

“The elderly, the traders, the medical and allied health precinct in Blyth St all rely on parking. Access to be able to trade, shop, and worship is essential to a healthy community.

“I am a Councillor in a Council with a mission to lead and leave no one behind. The development of this park presents the opportunity to demonstrate that.”