During the recent visit of Prime Minister Mr Scott Morrison at the Greek Centre, honouring plaques were presented to businessman Mr Greg Kaias and Mr Jim Sarris, head of Delphi Bank, in appreciation to their financial contribution towards the development of The Kaias Education Level and The Delphi Bank Mezzanine Level.

The plaques were presented by the Prime Minister Mr Scott Morrison and the President of the Greek Community Mr Bill Papastergiadis.

“I particularly thank those that were just honoured here for their very genuine contributions, for realizing all of this and keeping it happening,” Prime Minister Morrison said.

“It is the ongoing contribution and support from the Greek community itself, those that have done incredibly well here and understand that that comes with a responsibility of investing back in the community, that’s the nature of the culture. So, congratulations.”

General Manager of the Delphi Bank Mr Jim Sarris speaking about Delphi Bank’s support to the Greek Community said:
“Our customers and community are at the core of Delphi Bank’s ethos. It is important that everything we do is personalised, and about fostering relationships with them. Our support of the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria has always and will continue to be an extension of this – a way for us to give back to the community that has long-supported us.”

“At Delphi Bank, we don’t simply support the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria – we are part of it. Many of our employees are of Hellenic-decent, as are their families and friends. The same can be said for our customers. Therefore, we place great significance on the continued health and prosperity of our community and its many festivals, events and initiatives, so that many generations to follow can continue to enjoy their Hellenic culture and heritage in Australia.”

“The Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria has always invested in what is important to first, second and third generation Greek migrants to Australia, and it is important that they continue to play a mentor-role to new migrant groups based on the strong pillars we have built in our community. On behalf of Delphi Bank, we seek to continue to be advocates of the many great initiatives in place that support these strong ties to our culture and heritage such as Greek and English language programs.”

Mr Greg Kaias congratulated the GCM Board for the “great work they do”: "I would like to congratulate the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis and the members of the Board, for building the Greek Centre and for the great work they do as a leading Greek organisation,” he said.

“It is my pleasure to be involved and assist with their exceptional projects that benefit the Greek community as a whole. I am very pleased with the activities and future programs of the GCM, which I believe will benefit our future generations."
GCM President Bill Papastergiadis said that “when our 15 storey Greek Cultural Centre was being concepted, a number of prominent Greeks and organisations stood up to make this Centre a reality.”

“Greg Kaias and the Delphi Bank stood tall and backed this vision with significant donations. Their support was critical to the success of this project. More importantly, Greg Kaias and the Delphi Bank were true pioneers in identifying the importance of this project when the Centre was only a mooted idea.

Since the construction of the 15 storey centre, it has become a global icon in the Greek diaspora. It has rejuvenated our community and reset our organisation.

Our community has been founded on the support of benefactors throughout its 120 years. Without the support of many people either through donating their time or financial support, then our organisation would not be here. The announcements with the Prime Minister is one example of this support for our organisation.

We are proud to have beside us the generous benefactors, Greg Kaias and the Delphi Bank. We acknowledge their leadership in our community and we are all better for having them support the Greek Community of Melbourne.

Prime Minister Morrison was very specific in his comments in thanking the benefactors for their support. He acknowledged the importance of their role and thanked them”