The Andrews administration has promised a grant of $ 2.5 million to the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) for a new centre for seniors and young people, if Andrews is re-elected in the forthcoming state elections, according to the website of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria.
The grant would be the largest to the GCM from the Australian government in the 121-year history of the organization.
The announcement was made by Minister for Families, Children and Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos, along with Minister for Trade & Investment Phillip Dalidakis and Labor Party MP Steve Dimopoulos in a special event at the Greek Centre in Melbourne.
“The Daniel Andrews government will provide $2.5 million to the GCM to create a centre for seniors and young people, providing the services our aged community needs and the new generations as well, because it is very important to retain connections with their heritage and culture,” Mikakos said. “Our government has supported many projects of the GCM including the Greek Centre,” she added.
Minister Mikakos noted that this funding is in addition to the $ 370,000 for the installation of the Greek Centre Parthenon frieze, and it has also increased the funding for the Lonsdale Street Festival.
“It is a significant commitment of our government because we want to support the GCM in its future endeavours,” she said.
Minister Dalidakis congratulated the Greek Community of Melbourne for its work and praised Minister Mikakos for her contribution to the Greek community in general.
“I just want to pay tribute to Ms Mikakos. This grant is the result of her efforts. I want to make sure that the community pays respect to the job Jenny has done and thank her,” he said.
GCM President Bill Papastergiadis thanked the Daniel Andrews government for promising the generous grant.
“It is with these grants we were able to build the foundations of this Community which is only a small part in the cosmopolitan Melbourne, in the society, the community that we all are living and embrace and make it a beautiful place,” he said.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
