Melbourne, Australia, renowned for its cultural diversity and dynamic social fabric, has earned a unique distinction as the city boasting the world’s third largest Greek population, outside of Greece and Cyprus. This vibrant community, numbering approximately 173,598 according to the 2016 Australian census, constitutes a significant 3.87% of Greater Melbourne’s population and is characterized by its strong adherence to Hellenic language and values, with 88% of Greek Australians speaking Greek and 91% being members of the Greek Orthodox Church.
This community’s profound connection to its homeland is underlined by Melbourne’s status as a sister city to Thessaloniki, Greece’s cultural hub. This transnational relationship not only fosters cultural exchange but also contributes substantially to the economy, with interactions between Greece and Australia generating over $800 million in activity annually, along with an additional $700 million in investments.
In Melbourne, the Greek influence is pervasive and extends to education, where three Greek Australian day schools and dozens of after-hours ‘Greek schools’. The city’s commitment to preserving Greek heritage is visible in its aged care and welfare societies, community organizations, and cultural events like the annual Antipodes Festival, which attracts over 100,000 visitors in 2020 with its celebration of Greek culture through food, music, and entertainment.
Furthermore, Melbourne’s Greeks have left an indelible mark on the city’s architecture. The Eureka Tower, Melbourne’s tallest building, was designed by Greek Australian Nonda Katsalidis. Additionally, many of Melbourne’s landmarks feature prominent Greek designs including Parliament House, the Shrine of Remembrance and the State Library. The NGV Contemporary gallery, expected to complete by 2025, the winning design is that of Greek Australian architect Angelo Candalepas.
Entertainment and sports are significant unifiers for Melbourne’s Greek community, with events like the Greek Film Festival begin in 1993 and various Greek sporting clubs providing common ground for engagement and celebration. Soccer clubs with Greek affiliations and the presence of Greek athletes in major tournaments like the Australian Open, including the Australian Open which brings Stefanos Tsitsipas, Nick Kyrgios, Maria Sakkari, Thanasi Kokkinakis and Michail Pervolarakis among others to Melbourne.
The Greek Orthodox Church holds a pivotal role, operating 35 churches and two monasteries in Melbourne and forming the backbone of the spiritual and community life.
Relevant articles:
– Greeks of Melbourne, Feb 21, 2021