Kastoria Lane in Coburg to be transformed into a locale of hidden Hellenism
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
A corner of Coburg is set for a colourful transformation as the Kastoria Club collaborates with Yitonia on a new public art project that celebrates Greek Australian heritage, community and continuity.
Over the past few months, the two organisations have been quietly working on plans to reimagine the laneway ‘Kastoria Lane’ beside the club in North Coburg as a vibrant mural titled Hidden Hellenism: Kastoria Lane.
The artwork will feature imagery of the club’s members, moments from its long history, and scenes from the city of Kastoria in northern Greece — from its lake to churches.
More than a visual statement, the mural aims to act as what organisers describe as “a bridge between generations” — connecting the stories of post-war migrants with younger Greek Australians finding new ways to express their identity.
“This mural is first and foremost about the members of the club — their origins, their roots, and where they came from,” Dean Kotsianis of Yitonia tells Neos Kosmos.
“A lot of the imagery will be of Kastoria — that’s what they remember, that’s what they brought with them. But it’s also about their achievements here in Australia — the families, the businesses, the contributions they’ve made. It’s a story that ties all of that together in one visual space.”
The project builds on Yitonia’s recent success with the “Hidden Hellenism” mural series in Footscray, and represents a new phase in how Melbourne’s Greek clubs are reclaiming their spaces through art and community collaboration.
Dean says Greek clubs have always been social hubs but now maybe they can become creative hubs too.
Bringing in youth with “a very Melbourne thing” — using art to tell our community stories.
He explains they spent many Sundays at the club, consulting with the elderly and their families.
Peter Giasoumi, also from Yitonia, says they shared stories, photos, and artefacts with them.
“It’s been really good to hear their stories because you get a different perspective on what times were like,” he says.
The project will have both social and visual impact.
“It’s going to beautify the streetscape and make that laneway so much more inviting,” Peter says.
“What we’ve been really impressed with is since going to the club from May is it’s a really dynamic group of people that are energetic, they love the club, they want to revive the club and bring on a new generation.”
That goal resonates deeply with Stacey Goulas, daughter of Kastoria Club president Eletheria Lalopoulos, who remains a driving force behind the club’s community spirit.
“It’s the dream of the committee to keep the club going for as long as they can,” Stacey says.
“They want to bring young people in — the next generation. Mum wants to leave a legacy for the Kastoria Club.
“There’s definitely a resurgence of Greek pride again and the need to preserve our parents’ story before they leave.
“It’s important for us to show our grandchildren the Greeks came here and they did contribute successfully to the development of the community here – so that’s my passion.”
For many of the older members, the mural has already become a source of excitement and pride.
Dean, Peter and Stacey all say that the members were “overjoyed” and “enthused” to share their stories, especially when seeing younger people in the club that they can spend the day with.
They see the renewed energy around the club, and that gives them hope for the future.
The mural, designed by artist Anthony Despotellis, will be officially inaugurated on 30 November with a community celebration featuring music and hospitality.
“It’s been a pleasure designing the mural by spending time at the club, talking with the members about their stories and sharing meals,” Anthony said.
“I hope the final painting will glow as much as the warmth the club has shown us.”
As the walls of the Kastoria Club’s laneway come to life, so too does a living archive of Greek Australian history.
An online donor box has been set up to help gather donations.
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
