Sydney’s Greek Festival Gets $500,000

The New South Wales government has donated $50,000 to the Greek Orthodox Community to assist in staging the annual 2013 Greek Festival of Sydney.

Celebrating the Greek identity and its influence on Australian culture, the event is one of New South Wales’ most dynamic cultural festivals. It will be held March 16-17 at Darling Harbour, followed by six weeks of theatrical performances, exhibitions, concerts, lectures, folkloric activities, music and cross cultural activities taking place at various locations throughout Sydney.

Harry Danalis, President and Nia Karteris Vice-President, of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW were formally presented with the check at the office of Victor Dominello MP, Minister for Citizenship and Communities.

“The dedication to social cohesion and harmony acknowledged through this financial contribution to the Greek Community reinforces the huge stamp of approval for multiculturalism by the NSW state government,” said Karteris. “This $50,000 goes a long way in assisting to produce an event that costs the Greek Community of NSW in excess of a quarter of a million dollars. We couldn’t be more grateful for the state government’s support,” added Danalis.

Dominello said the Greek Festival of Sydney is a wonderful example of the benefits of multiculturalism in NSW. “The NSW Government is happy to support this event, which is so popular not only with Greek Australians, but the wider NSW community as well, because it highlights the colour, vitality, energy and enterprise that multicultural communities bring to our great state,” he said.

“Multiculturalism is one our state’s greatest assets and has strengthened our social fabric and enhanced peoples’ ability to quickly participate in Australian society,” he added. More information is available by contacting Dimitra Lafazanos at (02) 9750 0440 / 0405 533 480 or at greekfestival@goc.com.au