The Greek Community of NSW will build a state-of-the-art cultural centre

Φωτογραφία: (L to R) President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Australia Haris Danalis, Assistant Secretary Christos Gravanis, Treasurer Christos Belerhas, Vice President and President of the Festival Ourania (Nia) Karteri and Secretary Michael Tsilimos Photo: Supplied

The Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales plans to build a state-of-the-art Greek cultural centre.

Founded on 29 May, 1898, the Community is Australia’s oldest parochial organisation with a history of 123 years. The first is the Greek Community of Melbourne, which was founded just a year earlier.

Speaking to Neos Kosmos, the Secretary General of the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales, Michael Tsilimos, said that the creation of a Cultural Center has been discussed in the community for years.

“The Board has made the decision with the aim of continuing our work in favor of teaching Greek in Australia, of preserving and disseminating our traditions, of our integration into Australian society, of strengthening the policy of multiculturalism, but also strengthening the ties with our motherland, the provisions of care for our elderly as well as the undertaking initiatives for youth and the strengthening of cultural initiatives such as the Greek Sydney Festival and the Greek Film Festival,” Mr Tsilimos said.

“The Cultural Center will be the legacy we will leave to the next generations,” he continued.

Mr Tsilimos noted that the Cultural Center will be erected on the Community-owned plot of land in Sydney’s Lakemba suburb.

“This is a plot of 5,400 square meters and our goal is to create a state-of-the-art Cultural Center that will have everything: meeting rooms, event rooms, theater and screening room, exhibition hall and space for our archives.”

The total cost of the project is yet to be finalised.

“It is too early to know,” Mr Tsilimos said.

“Our community has a few million dollars in the bank, has an annual income of 800,000 from its real estate and owes nothing.”

neoskosmos.com