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Support for Greeks in Melbourne during the CODIV-19 pandemic |
The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) has over the past few weeks focussed on developing a coordinated response for Greek citizens without Australian rights navigating the COVID19 pandemic alongside the response to its own affairs. In doing so, the GCM has been in close consultation with the Victorian and Australian Governments, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, professional groups and various community organisations and community advocates. A summary of these meetings and their outcomes follows.
The Minister undertook to look at the GCM’s proposals in the unprecedented time. Â APPEAL TO THE GREEK STATE The GCM has written to the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis raising the issue of Greek citizens in Australia on short term visas. Further, the GCM President spoke to the Greek Minster of the Interior, Mr Theodorikakos with whom he also raised the plight of these people noting that they have fallen through the cracks of Australia’s efforts to support its citizens. Mr Theodorikakos said that he was very concerned with the plight of any Greek citizen and whilst thanking the Australia Greek community for its efforts noted that anyone who required assistance should make immediate contact with the Foreign Ministry of Greece or the Greek Consulates and the Embassy of Greece in Australia. Also, Mr Papastergiadis discussed the issue with the Debuty Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece Mr Kostas Vlasis.
The GCM President spoke in person with the Greek Orthodox Primate of Australia, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios and with the Northcote District’s Archiepiscopal Reverend Evmenios. The GCM supports the Archdiocese actions at this time including its social relief program in the Northcote District. Specifically, the GCM supports the call for donations of goods (food, clothing and hygiene products) at the following locations: • Holy Monastery of Action ("Axion Estin") - 7 Hartington St, Northcote. Further, anyone wishing to make a financial contribution can do so via a bank transfer to the following account: Account Name: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia,
Specifically, the GCM would like to highlight the efforts of Pontiaki Estia, Merimna Pontian Ladies Association, the Pancretan Federation, and the Pallaconian Brotherhood. These organisations are calling for the donation of food, clothing, and hygiene products. Any individual or organisation seeking to help can contact Litsa Athansiadis (0421 804 968) and or Tony Tsourdalakis (0419 856 736).
Specifically Mr Theodoros Giourtis (0403 620 952) care package drive and the ongoing work being done by E.N.A. who you can contact via their facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/283369125428601/
The GCM would like to announce that as of Thursday 16 April the GCM will offer a free HELPLINE service from its HQ with the aim of directing community members but in particular Greek citizens accordingly during this crisis. The service will operate from 9AM to 5PM offering a conduit for all the various programs to be accordingly promoted to the people who will be most in need. Simply call on 03 9662 2722 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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