The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) is set to expand its cultural presence in the heart of the city, following a $310,000 election commitment from the Albanese Labor government towards the fit-out of two key cultural spaces at 272 and 274 Russell Street.
The funding will support the development of the Greek Centre HUB at 272 Russell Street and the newly acquired Multi Arts Community (MAC) Space next door at 274 Russell Street. In a media release the GCM says it will boost capacity to host a wide array of cultural programs including exhibitions, spoken word presentations, comedy, immersive multimedia events and community gatherings.
GCM president Bill Papastergiadis celebrated the announcement, highlighting the strategic importance of the two venues.
“Expanding our cultural and educational footprint is ongoing. In particular, with the fully leased 15-storey cultural centre which acts as a vertical Hellenic precinct in the heart of the city, we are delighted to announce that our Hellenic presence has now expanded onto Russell Street with the successful tender for the space at 274 Russell. This effectively represents three shop fronts along Russell Street that have a Hellenic focus, and which the GCM has control of,” he said.
Papastergiadis also emphasised the cultural and historical relevance of the project.
“Recognising and supporting the historical significance of Lonsdale Street is part of the aims of the GCM. With the recognition by government of our Antipodes Festival as a Tier 1 event and the continuous educational and cultural programs offered at our 15-storey cultural centre, we are excited by this announcement by the Labor Party to support the GCM’s further city projects,” he added.
The GCM secured a long-term lease at 274 Russell Street within the Iglu development, paying just $1 a year to deliver the MAC public programs space next to its existing Greek Centre HUB. The HUB currently houses the GCM’s Archive and Historical Centre and also features a versatile ground-level area used for meetings, workshops and performances, such as the recent Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
“These grants are investments in the infrastructure of our community and last beyond the tenure of any board. We are building on the work of past boards by adding to the GCM’s construction program footprint,” Papastergiadis said.
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, the Hon Ged Kearney MP, joined the GCM for the announcement.
“Melbourne’s identity, culture and history is intimately intertwined with Greece, with many Greek-Australians living in my electorate of Cooper. I’m proud the Albanese Labor government is honouring this community with this investment,” Kearney said.
“Visiting the Greek Centre HUB and the Multi Arts Community Space was just great. You can feel how alive the culture is and literally see the impact on our community – it’s inspiring!”
Labor’s candidate for the seat of Melbourne, Sarah Witty, also attended the event and reaffirmed her party’s commitment to multicultural Melbourne.
“Melbourne’s Greek Community are an important part of the fabric of this great city and I am proud that a returned Albanese Government would help to enhance their cultural footprint on our city,” she said.
Board members of the GCM, including Papastergiadis, alongside Cultural Committee members Dr Spiz Demetriou, Tass Sgardelis, and Jeana Vithoulkas, gave their guests a tour of the MAC and HUB, including a visit to the Archive Centre. GCM historian Juliana Charpandithou shared stories from the organisation’s most treasured historical documents, such as its first minute book and baptism register.
Reflecting on the announcement, Sgardelis said: “I am immensely proud to be part of an organisation that is able to strengthen and support Greek community cultural activities in the heart of Melbourne. Ongoing government support is absolutely vital in enabling grassroots multiculturalism to flourish to build more vibrant communities.”
