MEDIA RELEASE: Labor Will Invest $10 Million to Build Greek Cultural Precinct

04 May 2022

THE HON ANDREW GILES MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS, SHADOW MINISTER FOR CITIES AND URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE, SHADOW MINISTER ASSISTING FOR IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP
MEMBER FOR SCULLIN

GED KEARNEY MP
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND AGEING
MEMBER FOR COOPER

MARIA VAMVAKINOU MP
MEMBER FOR CALWELL

 

An Albanese Labor Government will commit $10 million to create a Greek Cultural Precinct at the Holy Monastery of Axion Estin in Northcote.

This redevelopment stands to be a model for how we can preserve, harness, and celebrate culture, history and language for diaspora communities across Australia.

Labor and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese’s grand vision for the redevelopment will include a gallery, amphitheatre and bilingual early learning and education centre – which will help preserve and teach Greek culture and history.

Decades have passed from the major wave of Greek migration after WWII. However, we know Greek culture continues to thrive in Melbourne. This precinct will ensure the Greek community’s ongoing contribution to multiculturalism can continue to be shared by all within the broader Australian community.

The project will be shovel ready in 2023, with the aim of completion to coincide with the 100 year anniversary of the Australian Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in 2024.

An Albanese Labor Government will work together with multicultural and faith communities to ensure we keep Australia’s unique multiculturalism alive for generations to come.

Quotes attributable to Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles: 

“The team that Anthony Albanese leads have been listening to the local Greek community and are committed to delivering on important infrastructure that will serve as an important example for how we preserve and celebrate the culture of our many diasporas.

“Melbourne is a truly multicultural society and Labor is proud to play our part in supporting the local community in sharing and celebrating our diversity.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Cooper Ged Kearney:

“The Greek community has given us so many things – from democracy to Socrates and spanikopita. Cooper has been home to the Greek community for generations and it’s wonderful to have a space that celebrates their contributions, culture and leadership.”

“This project brings together Greek history and culture and its future. It will be a space to gather, to learn, to contribute and to celebrate all things Greek.”

Quotes attributable to  Member for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou:

“This is an exciting project that is coming to fruition almost three decades after the idea of a cultural precinct on the grounds of the historic monastery was first envisaged.

“Australia’s unique multiculturalism, as shaped by our migration history, gifts our country a wealth of diverse cultural inheritance. Our commitment will bring this together for the benefit of all communities.”

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