Peter Adamis Abalinx 
4 February 2017
Everybody likes a beer and I am no different. Mind you although I would drink when I was younger, life somehow was able to demonstrate to me that too much cannot always be a good thing no matter how seductive it may have been. Some years ago when I gave presentation to the Australian Lakonians of Melbourne on leadership amongst other matters, I demonstrated how beer glasses when structured as a pyramid, could become could support a peak body. The concepts that I envisaged was a strong peak body surrounded by equally representation of smaller Greek Lakonian communities. I demonstrated using whatever materials I had on hand and to explain the positive aspects and reasons for the continuation of smaller communities.
A copy of the article maybe downloaded by clicking on: A PYRAMID OF BEER GLASSES
I coined it the pyramid of beer glasses. The concept was based on a pyramid of supporting of glass pillars supporting each other. Should one weaken or crack the others would have to take on the burden. Therefore it was important that all pillars remained strong, resistant to stones, hold fluid and gleam in the sun. After all was not glass transparent. The demonstration achieved its aims and enabled others to see the positive benefits of maintaining community pillars that supported the peak body without losing its identity and representation. Whether the Australian Greek community can visualize such a concept is another matter for them to decide on what is the best course of action.
Like the pyramid that is made of many building blocks, the same concept should apply to the Australian Greek communities. The Greek Orthodox community may be seem as a peak body in the future and yet it has loose alliances with other Australian Hellenic communities that can support and feed into the peak body the necessary resources. The Greek Orthodox Community building in Melbourne is but one example. It took guts, determination, foresight and great courage to build the Hellenic building in Lonsdale Street against much opposition. Those who opposed the construction of the building are same group of individuals who are now opposing the redevelopment and sale of parts of the Bulleen property. They are the same ones who were once against each other and now have combined to throw stones at glass structures that gleam in the sun.
If any individual believes that the way to go is to have one peak body representing Australians of Greek heritage without the pillars of support from the other Australian Greek community organisations, then I must add that I am of the belief they are on the wrong track. With regards to Bill Papastergiadis and his team, I say support them all the way with their vision for the future. Those who had years of leadership in the Victorian Greek Orthodox Community had ample opportunities to create mega structures and other related infrastructures but lacked the courage, foresight and the tenacity to create something for the future.
I am referring to the likes of those who live in the past and had visions of grandeur and yet failed to do anything constructive. Today we have one of these groups going around in Oakleigh telling anyone who wants to listen to sabotage the meeting on Sunday. While the other group is busy destroying the Lakonian community by stealth. These individuals who believe that they are old “KARAVANES” at the game of political guerrilla infighting are in for a shock and will soon be a relegated to the past and forgotten as fools and lacking vision. It is time for a new era to begin and it must happen now, not later. I say leave the past to historians and researchers.
Other communities are beginning to realise that if they are not active and constructive they may lose all of their holdings and assets as one recently defunct Greek community found out recently when the Government stepped in and took over all the assets. These groups have for many years sought to bring down anyone who they viewed as threats to their position and still driven by jealousy, envy, greed, status, power and influence. All of which means absolutely nothing when you are covered by three metres of soil. History is full of such “wannabee something’s”.
The Australian Hellenic community is no different to any other community and it is acknowledged by all that it has woven itself well into the fabric of Australian society. In fact one could say that it is a bright and passionate coloured thread that has constructively contribute to the Australian way of life without losing its identity. Yes, one must admit that they are a passionate community imbued with a romantic and ancient past that they have somehow integrated within an Australian environment. However, having said this, does not immune them from natural decay and the negativity that comes with all organisations if they don’t have the natural resources that make an organisation strong, viable and competitive. Such organisations to survive need to be innovative and learning organisations with the ability to evolve and develop with changing environments.
Its time people within the Australian Hellenic community woke up to the fact that we need to move forward no matter the cost, the risk and the problems we face. Let us leave a legacy that will endure the ages. If the English, Italians, Vietnamese, Germans, Scots, Welsh, Chinese, and the Irish can do, then why cannot we who are of Greek heritage emulate them? After all, are we not all Australians? Everyone must put aside their silly little differences and make this nation we call home Australia a better place and leave behind something we can all be proud of. If the Parthenon has stood the ravages of time, imagine what we can do here in Australia. I encourage everyone who is a member to get off their backside and go and support Bill Papastergiadis and his team tomorrow at Alphington Grammar.
Peter Adamis is a Journalist/Social Media Commentator and writer. He is a retired Australian military serviceman and an Industry organisational & Occupational (OHS) & Training Consultant whose interests are within the parameters of domestic and international political spectrum. He is an avid blogger and contributes to domestic and international community news media outlets as well as to local and Ethnic News. He holds a Bachelor of Adult Learning & Development (Monash), Grad Dip Occupational Health & Safety, (Monash), Dip. Training & Assessment, Dip Public Administration, and Dip Frontline Management. Website: abalinx.com Contact via Email: [email protected] or via Mobile: 0409965538