The Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, will be honoring the opening of the “Lonsdale Festival” with his presence. The Lonsdale festival is one of the greatest Greek and International Festivals of Melbourne and is organized by the Greek Community on the weekend of February 8-9.
In addition to Mr. Abbott, the Premier of Victoria, Mr. Denis Napthine, the mayor of Melbourne, Mr. Robert Doyle and representatives of the federal and state opposition will be present.
“Mr. Abbott’s presence at our Community’s Festival reflects positively on our organization and on the Australian Government’s commitment to the contribution of the Greeks in the multicultural Australia,” stated the Greek Community president, Mr. Vasilis Papastergiadis.
“This is the third year that Mr. Abbott is present at the opening of our Festival and the first time as a Prime Minister. Mr. Abbott’s presence and the presence of the other Ministers of the government, grants us the opportunity to further develop and strengthen the relationship between the Greek Community and the federal government. It is our goal to take advantage of these events in order to highlight the cultural significance of the Greeks in this country, as well as the continuing of the dialogue on other important issues,” he continues.
It is worth mentioning that there is continuous support to the Greek Community Culture Centre, as the federal government has given an additional donation of 455,000 Australian dollars.