The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) expresses its support and deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the devastating firestorm that hit the outskirts of Athens in the Rafina area.

The GCM President, Bill Papastergiadis spoke to the Junior Foreign Minister Terence Quick to express the GCM’s and the broader Greek community’s shock at the devastation and speed of the damaging fires and to offer support to the Greek State in whatever way it sought appropriate.

Mr Quick promised to come back to the GCM with details on how the diasporic communities can assist but noted that the immediate focus in Greece was on confirming the losses and the damage and identifying the greatest needs.

Mr Papastergiadis undertook to meet up with State and Federal representatives to seek support for Greece noting that the Australian Government had offered to support the Greek State in whatever way it saw necessary.

Mr Papastergiadis also spoke with the Ambassador for the Hellenic Republic Ms Ekaterina Xagoraris who accepted his sentiments and support and also encouraged support for the Greek State in a considered and measured manner.

The GCM has commenced the process of reaching out to other community organisations and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese to seek a coordinated Australian response.

‘Our Community is once again shocked at the devastating loss in Attiki and sends our deepest heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of these fires. The Australian Greek community stands with its Greek brethren and will do everything it can to assist where requested’ said Papastergiadis.