The Antipodes Greek Festival, organised by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), has been recognised by the City of Melbourne as a Tier 1 event joining the ranks of international events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Australian Tennis Open.
Held in the heart of Melbourne's historic Greek precinct on Lonsdale Street, adorned in blue and white, the Festival has earned the prestigious classification having been transformed into one of the largest Greek festivals in the global diaspora.
Official Opening of the 36 Antipodes Festival
This year's event saw a gathering of community leaders, members of parliament, and media representatives, fostering an atmosphere conducive to cultural and diplomatic exchange. Ms. Anthea Sidiropoulos, Vice President of the GCM, and Leonidas Vlachakis, Chair of the GCM Cultural Committee, introduced the speakers.
The President of the GCM, Bill Papastergiadis, OAM, officially launched the Festival joined by esteemed guests including Ms Ingrid Stitt, Minister for Multicultural Affairs in Victoria, John Pesutto MP, leader of Victoria opposition, The Hon Andrew Giles, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services & Multicultural Affairs, His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis, The Consul General of Greece of Melbourne, Mr. Emmanuel Kakavelakis, Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Nicholas Reece, City of Melbourne, Ms Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission and Theo Zografos, liberal candidate for Chisholm.
