More than 110 members attended the Greek Community of Melbourne's (GCM) 128th Annual General Meeting, held at the Andrianakos Centre at Alphington Grammar, to hear the Board of Management's report on the organisation's activities during the 2025 operating year.
The meeting heard updates from the Board of Management on a range of significant matters, including the successful conclusion of the long-standing compulsory acquisition of the Greenaway Street, Bulleen property. The settlement marks a historic milestone for the organisation following negotiations with the North-East Link Authority.
GCM President Bill Papastergiadis, who was joined on stage by executive colleagues A/Prof Marini Pirpiris, Manuel Tsirmiris, Anthea Sidiropoulos, Sophia Siachou, Vicki Kyritsis and Leonidas Vlahakis, reflected on another productive year for the Community, highlighting its extensive educational, cultural and community initiatives.
This included the news that work on the planned Church Hall renovations and the Andrianakos Cultural Centre in Prahran was imminent.
Mr Papastergiadis also outlined the Board's recent commitment to supporting Modern Greek at La Trobe University. He confirmed that the GCM would underwrite the $30,000 annual funding required to maintain the University's Advanced Greek major within its Greek Studies program while leading a broader community fundraising campaign to secure the program's future.
Treasurer Manuel Tsirmiris presented the audited financial report, noting that the accounts reflected the $6 million settlement negotiated from the North-East Link Authority. He explained that the inclusion of the settlement in the financial statements was required by the auditors and was consistent with standard accounting practice.
The meeting considered two items of general business.
The first motion called on the GCM to provide $90,000 in funding support for La Trobe University's Greek Studies program. Mr Papastergiadis reiterated the Board's recent commitment to underwrite the Advanced Greek major, noting that since announcing the initiative, the GCM had already received more than $7,000 in community pledges. Following discussion, the motion was withdrawn in recognition of the Board's actions already underway.
The second motion proposed that Classical (Ancient) Greek be made compulsory at Alphington Grammar.
Responding to the motion, Mr Papastergiadis outlined the Board's broader strategy to support Classical Greek education across Victoria. He informed members of a recent meeting with Xavier College and detailed the establishment of a committee comprising Professor James Tatoulis AM, Joseph Tsalanidis, John McClelland and other community representatives to advocate for the continuation of Classical Greek at the College.
He advised that the committee had prepared a comprehensive submission addressing key issues including teacher availability, Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) accreditation, the balance between Latin and Greek studies, the interests of Greek Community schools, and student enrolments.
Members were also informed of a second GCM committee working to develop a broader strategy for the rejuvenation of Classical Greek, with meetings being held at the Greek Centre.
Several members spoke passionately about the importance of preserving and strengthening Greek language education across all levels. Following discussion, the meeting encouraged the Board to continue its advocacy and strategic work in both Modern and Classical Greek education, and the second motion was subsequently withdrawn.
The strong attendance and constructive engagement throughout the meeting reflected the Community's ongoing commitment to supporting the Greek Community of Melbourne's educational, cultural and advocacy mission.
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