Jacinta Allan reaffirms strong ties with Greek Community in Melbourne
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
Premier Jacinta Allan met with Bill Papastergiadis, the president of the Greek Community of Melbourne, (GCM). The discussion according to a press statement from the GCM, was “genuinely warm” and “friendly”.
A range of issues relevant to the Greek community and all Victorians were discussed. Allan was accompanied at the meeting by government politicians, Nick Staikos, Kat Theophanous, and Lee Tarlamis.
According to the statement the Victorian premier Allan emphasised that “growing up in Bendigo was no barrier to her understanding the significance of Greeks in Victoria and said that her close friend, and neighbours were Greek.
The discussion took in issues important to Greek Diaspora in Victoria such as, Greek language maintenance, arts and culture, business and the economy, welfare and sports.
In statement to Neos Kosmos premier Allan said, “Greek culture is such a key part of Melbourne and Victoria’s identity.”
The premier also underscored the good relationship with the Greek community.
“Our relationship with the Greek community is more than a partnership; it’s a true friendship. We’ve accomplished a lot together, and we’ll keep building on that.
“It was a pleasure to meet with Bill to discuss the Greek community and how we can work together to bring Greek culture to Melbourne, through events, festivals, and educational programs,” said the Victorian premier.
Papastergiadis told Neos Kosmos that the premier’s announcement a fortnight ago to name 6,000 roads, parks, and public spaces after multicultural Victorians was an important initiative.
“It is a way of acknowledging our wonderful diversity is one of the defining characteristics of our state,” said Papastergiadis.
“This announcement demonstrates, in concrete terms, how our multifaceted identity in Victoria is being recognised so that our place in it will be recorded for generations to come.
“Symbols are an important part of how we and those around us perceive our place in this world.”
The premier committed to attend the Antipodes Festival in 2025, and said “it was a highlight of Melbourne’s rich cultural calendar.”
Papastergiadis gave Allan an outline of the GCM’s education program, and emphasised the importance of language preservation read the GCM statement.
He highlighted the community’s commitment to this cause, and pointed to the infrastructure projects planned for Alphington Grammar and the other two Greek grammar schools—St. John’s and Oakleigh Grammar.
Papastergiadis said that “the Greek Community has a friend in the Premier.”
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
