Labour Pledges $310,000 for Cultural Space Development at Russell Street Precinct.
Melbourne, April 16, 2025—The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) is set to expand its cultural and community presence in the city’s historic Greek precinct further following a major funding commitment from the Albanese Labor Government.
A re-elected Labour Government has pledged $310,000 towards the fit-out of two key GCM cultural spaces—the Greek Centre HUB at 272 Russell Street and the new Multi Arts Community (MAC) Space at 274 Russell Street. These spaces will significantly enhance the technical and creative capacity of the GCM’s growing cultural program, offering vital infrastructure to support arts and community events in the heart of Melbourne.
GCM has also successfully secured a long-term lease at 274 Russell Street for a symbolic $1 per year within the Iglu development. The new MAC Space sits adjacent to GCM’s flagship building, creating a vibrant cluster of Hellenic-focused venues across three street frontages on Russell Street.
The MAC Space will host various programs, including spoken word events, comedy performances, multimedia installations, exhibitions, and community workshops. It will also serve as a platform for emerging multicultural artists, strongly focusing on grassroots cultural development.
Meanwhile, the Greek Centre HUB at 272 Russell Street continues to operate as a central home for GCM’s Archive and Historical Centre. It includes workshop and performance areas, which are currently active during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM welcomed the announcement, noting its significance in bolstering the community’s cultural legacy.
“Expanding our cultural and educational footprint has always been a priority. With our fully leased 15-storey cultural centre already acting as a vertical Hellenic precinct, this new space at 274 Russell represents another key milestone,” he said.
“It’s now three Hellenic-focused shopfronts under GCM’s stewardship, right in the heart of the city. The Labor Party’s support demonstrates a strong recognition of the cultural and historical importance of Melbourne’s Greek community.”
Papastergiadis added that the funding is a long-term investment in the community’s infrastructure:
“These grants go beyond any single board or leadership term. They strengthen the foundations laid by those who came before us. We thank the Albanese Government, and we’re grateful to welcome Ged Kearney and Sarah Witty today for this announcement.”
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney, speaking at the event, praised the enduring influence of Melbourne’s Greek community:
“Melbourne’s identity is deeply connected to Greece. Visiting the Greek Centre HUB and the MAC Space, you can truly feel how alive this culture is—its impact is both visible and inspiring.”
Sarah Witty, Labour’s candidate for the seat of Melbourne, echoed that sentiment:
“The Greek Community plays a vital role in Melbourne’s cultural life. I’m proud that a returned Albanese Government would support the continued growth of their presence in our city.”
Also present were GCM Board Members and Cultural Committee representatives Dr. Spiz Demetriou, Tass Sgardelis, and Jeana Vithoulkas, who guided guests through the newly developed spaces and the GCM Archive Centre. Historian Juliana Charpandithou highlighted priceless historical items, including the GCM’s first minute book and baptismal register.
Reflecting on the announcement, Cultural Committee member Tass Sgardelis noted:
“I’m immensely proud to be part of an organisation that continues to strengthen Greek cultural life in Melbourne. Government support like this is essential to nurturing grassroots multiculturalism and building more vibrant, inclusive communities.”