Statue saga to rest

By Lilly O’Gorman and Lia Bichel
CASEY council finally decided on a home for the statue of Spiridon Louis, and it’s not in Berwick’s High Street centre median.
Much to the relief of hundreds of residents, the six-month statue saga has finally drawn to a close and the Greek Olympian will instead be placed at Edwin Flack Reserve.
At last week’s council meeting, mayor Sam Aziz presented a petition with 369 signatures appealing for the council not to go ahead with its original decision to place Spiridon Louis alongside the statue of fellow Olympian and Berwick icon Edwin Flack.
Cr Aziz asked that it be moved to Edwin Flack Reserve in Berwick and that a special plaque be placed at the foot of the statue with the wording to be discussed in consultation with The Australian Hellenic Organisation in Support of the Olympic Spirit and Ideal.
Edrington Ward councillor Simon Curtis also handed in a joint letter with five signatures opposing the statue’s placement.
He said a lot of work had been done to fight the council’s original decision and thanked Cr Aziz for his support.
“Your assistance at the final hours is great,” Cr Curtis said.
President of the Residents, Ratepayers and Friends of Berwick Village Annette Aldersea organised a community meeting last week to gather signatures regarding the statue, which packed out the Berwick RSL sub-branch hall.
Ms Aldersea said the decision was an excellent outcome for all involved.
“We are very pleased,” she said.
“The statue will still have a place in Berwick but at the more appropriate location of the Edwin Flack Reserve.
“The High Street median can be kept for the commemoration of people that have relevance and important links to Berwick.
“It has been solved the best way possible for the council, for residents, and for (The Australian Hellenic Organisation in Support of the Olympic Spirit and Ideal).”
Spiridon Louis won the 1896 Olympic marathon, which Flack also competed in.
Gembrook MP Brad Battin announced on Monday 29 August last year that the Victorian Government had approved a $25,000 grant for the statue to be built in High Street.