Matt Thistlethwaite (Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for the Republic) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Cazzie Club is back in Kingsford. On 15 May, I was proud to attend the official opening of the new cultural centre, the Castellorizian. The Governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley, helped cut the ribbon with Archbishop Makarios, the current archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church of Australia. He was there to bless the Castellorizian Association's new centre. I'm proud that this cultural hub is in our community, devoted to the traditions of Greek Australians from Castellorizio Island. Castellorizians first started settling in Australia in the late 19th century, with the New South Wales association formed in 1924. Many of the migrants from Castellorizio settled in our area, an important part of the cultural fabric of our community, reflected in the fact that Randwick City and the island of Castellorizio are sister cities.

The new cultural centre focuses on helping preserve the stories of first generation migrants who helped shape our nation. Last month we saw the opening night of the Nifes Kores Ginekes exhibition at the Castellorizian, about traditional dress. It's part of the 39th Greek Festival of Sydney. The Castellorizian Association of New South Wales History and Archives Committee proudly showcased the myths, charm and origins of the distinctive dresses of the island. I commend the efforts of George Pizanis, the President of the Castellorizian Association of New South Wales, as well as the work of the board of directors on the opening of this landmark cultural centre in our community.