The Greek Community of Melbourne has entered the year 2018 with a diverse program of activities, an ambitious plan for the Greek Centre for Contemporary Culture and with new school campuses and programs.

In particular, the cultural program of the GCM includes, among others, the hosting of the main Greek festivals in Melbourne, such as the Lonsdale Street Greek Festival and the Greek Film Festival, a series of new innovative cultural projects and activities, the commencement of the art gallery on the first floor of the Greek Centre and the Greek Library and the launch of Greek Cinema Club.

The Greek Centre, GCM’s new multi-storey building, will host in 2018 a series of major festivals, such as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, conferences, exhibitions, musical events, as well as the successful series of the Greek History and Culture Seminars. The Greek Centre will also host the information seminars and lectures of the Hellenic Medical Society of Australia.

In the area of education, new campuses of the Language and Culture School will open in three outer suburbs and new wings with classes and offices will commence operation at the Alphington Grammar School (AGS).

“Alphington Grammar School (AGS) is one of the jewels of the Greek Community’s programming,” said Marinis Pirpiris, Chairperson of the AGS Board. “My heartfelt congratulations go out to all our students, teaching staff and principal for yet another successful year of impressive results. Our students may be confident that their AGS experience continues to provide them with the knowledge, skills and attributes required for every success in a culturally diverse global workspace. The construction of our new Front Entrance Building and our new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics wing will further enhance our students’ educational experience as they aspire to excellence.”

He also commended on the reinstatement works at the Evagelismos church:
“The Evagelismos reinstatement will be one of the most important projects which the GOCMV has undertaken. I am proud to be a part of such a progressive, hardworking and cohesive group who continue to impress me with their dedication to this wonderful project, which will reinstate one of Australia’s most important Greek Orthodox landmarks.”

At the same time, the GCM is expected to continue its interventions and initiatives to address various issues concerning both its members and the Greek community in general.

The President of the GCM, Mr.BIll Papastergiadis  , stated that when the Greek Centre was built, the Board decided to dedicate several floors to culture and education, not only for the Greek community but also for all the Australians.” One of the floors will be transformed to an art gallery, with a section devoted to the history of the GCM, and another section to exhibition rooms for local and international artists," he said.

Mr Papastergiadis also spoke about the GCM library and the agreement with the National Library of Greece. The library will also display books from the global Greek diaspora.

He also noted the launch of the Club for Organisations, especially for first the generation, where their members can meet. "The first organisation to benefit is Argos Orestiko, after the impressive $ 1 million donation they made to the GCM last year. The Club will also be used by other organizations that offer significant support to the Community," he said.

Papastergiadis also emphasised that today the GCM is more than ever open to other community organizations and cooperates with them. "We need to evolve and be innovative - this is the only way to attract new members and keep up with our society. I think the GCM has proved that it is ready to re-invent itself and address the needs of our community," he said.

Mr. Theodoros Markos, Vice President and Coordinator of Education of the Community, pointed out the emphasis given to education by the GCM Board of Directors, which is evident from the rich educational programs offered by the GCM.

"Education continues to be our priority," he said. "Our interest in this area is not limited to the GCM. We believe we have the responsibility to support all educational issues concerning the Greeks of Victoria. We collaborate with the relevant governmental bodies on issues such as the teaching of Greek language in public schools, the future of Greek Programs at universities, and we have an excellent relationship with the Education Office of the Greek Consulate and the Greek Ministry for Education. "

GCM PROGRAM FOR 2018

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
• Opening of gallery at Greek Centre (level 1)
• Opening of library on L12
• Opening of club with Argos Orestikon as first club members
• Hosting of Comedy Festival at Greek Centre
• Storytelling Festival
• 31ST Lonsdale Street Greek Festival
The 31st Lonsdale Street Greek Festival will be headlined by international folk musician Giannis Haroulis, who will perform a free outdoor concert on Saturday 10 February at sunset.
10-11 February 2018, Lonsdale Street, City

• LA21 - Athina in the 21st century
A digital and photographic exhibition by Greek-Australian and Athenian photographers exploring how the Euro, the Olympics, the financial crisis & the refugee issue have changed the Greek capital. 3 March, 2018, Greek Centre
• Rebetiko Festival at the Greek Centre
Series of off shoot events including a special Live at the Greek, Ian Nagowski Talk and Student Event.
2 – 6 March 2018, Greek Centre
• To Dentro (Greece)
One man play performed by Nikos Magdalinos.
8-11 March 2018, Greek Centre
• Greek Cinema Club: Regular film screenings at the Greek Centre
• Flavours of Greece. Greek Centre.
• 25th Greek Film Festival: October at Palace Cinemas
• Live at the Greek: Fortnightly music program at the Greek Centre, May – December.
• Christiana Aloneftis concert at the 45 Downstairs.

EDUCATION
• The opening of new school campuses in growth suburbs of Melbourne
• School holiday programs throughout the year to further develop children’s attachment with Greek language and culture.
• Theatre workshops to continue throughout the year.
• Professional development programs delivered with the assistance of Flinders university Greek department.
• Cultural and social functions Including movie and music nights.
• Ongoing discussions with the Victorian government and other relevant stakeholders regarding the future of the Greek language in the state of Victoria.
• 2018 history and culture public seminar series

Alphington Grammar School
• Celebrations of days of national celebration,
• philanthropic Mother’s Day high tea and Father’s Day breakfast,
• opening of the New Front Entrance Building,
• commencement of the new Science, Technology and Engineering Wing Building Project,
• commencement of the Primary school refurbishment initiative and
• the Global Gateways program - a five week study tour of the cultures of China, Cyprus, Crete and Greece OR a two week study tour of Central Australia including Coober Pedy, Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs. Two groups have chosen the big trip about 40 in each group. Shanghai, Beijing, Suzhou for a comparison on traditional and modern China commercial lifestyles etc , then Cyprus to visit both halves and get an understanding of its historical journey ,cultural diversity etc They are also visiting our entwining sister school The First High School of Voula for the second time and they are also due to visit us here in March this year . We are also visiting the Larissa Music school who visited us in Melbourne last year. Both groups will do the Samarian Gorge hike and also visit Meteora, Thessaloniki and all the cultural sites across the mainland finishing up in Athens !!

HMSA Events
• A raft of Public lectures on a range of medical topics
• Research symposium where aspiring Greek Australian researchers present their work
• Doctors educational dinners and continual professional development.

Evangelismos Church
• Opening of the church for modified services
• Fundraising dinner for the Evangelismos internal fit out
• Launch of the Evangelismos fundraising drive for the extension to the church

More information: www.greekcommunity.com.au