The Victorian Association of Argos Orestikon and District (Orestias) announced their very generous donation of one million dollars to the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, which was given as a result of the sale of their club premises in Hughesdale, Oakleigh.
“Orestias firmly believes that its own future like many other Hellenic associations would one day come to an end. It was important therefore to our founding members, and all of our members that the blood sweat and tears shared in the development of the association are not wasted.
“After much deliberation the association considers its future prospects, and the potential future of its Third and Fourth generation members will be best served as part of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria,” they said in a statement.
The Club will continue to operate within the new purposefully built Hellenic associations club floor, and the administration rooms within the Greek Community headquarters at Lonsdale Street Melbourne.
The Victorian Association of Argos Orestikon & District (Orestias) was formed in 1954. Over the years the association enjoyed great support and prosperity, to the degree where in 1994, thanks to the generosity and tremendous efforts of amazing individuals like Nikos Sikavitsas (President), Jim Megas (Secretary) and Costas Siskos (Treasurer), Vangelis Spyrou and many more inspiring and hardworking members, they finally had enough support to proceed with the purchase and extensive renovations of the new club house in Oakleigh.
This new home was host to many social and formal gatherings as well as many overseas and local dignitaries’ visitations.
Recently the new generation membership is declining, as a result the current executive including the new president - Leonidas Ouzounis, Jim Megas and Costas Siskos together in discussions with Harry Patras, Chris Sikavitsas and Bill Papastergiadis were able to offer a new possibility and revive the Club, it’s future and the future of the next generations, which aims to keep alive the rich and proud cultural Hellenic diversity and spirit. The current board includes Messrs Vasilliou, Genitsiadis, Dernikos and Partalis.
"We thank the Argos Association for its generous donation. Mr Ouzounis, Mr Megas, Mr Siskos and all of the board are true visionaries. They have put the future of all Greeks in Melbourne ahead of themselves. The donation represents everything that is noble in our community,” said Bill Papastergiadis.
“This Association is writing history not only in Melbourne but globally in the Greek Diaspora. Future generations will look at Mr Ouzouris and his board as the true leaders in our vibrant community. History remembers those who are bold and decisive,” he added.
