Statue rebuffed

THE Berwick community has lashed out at a Greek organisation for backflipping on its support for the statue of Spiridon Louis.
Representatives from 12 community groups have written a joint letter to the Australian Hellenic Organisation in Support of the Olympic Spirit and Ideal (AHOSOSI) over concerns they are now supporting the High Street location.
Last February, City of Casey Councillor Mick Moreland moved a motion to erect the statue of the Greek Olympian next to a statue of Edwin Flack in High Street.
The motion was in direct opposition to community wishes and a decision made by council in February last year to put the statue in Edwin Flack Reserve after a long debate.
The Berwick community believe the statue has little relevance to High Street and if it must be erected, should be placed in Edwin Flack Reserve with other Olympic memorabilia.
The joint letter alleges the AHOSOSI agreed to the Edwin Flack Reserve location in a meeting between council, community representatives and the Greek organisation in October 2011 but the organisation has now changed its tune.
“Why, after making the statement above, the AHOSOSI wishes to see a statue forced upon a community where it is not wanted and has no meaning by agreeing that the Louis statue to be placed in High Street, is beyond comprehension,” the letter said.
“You have been fully informed of the strength of feeling and vigorous objections to this proposal which has only increased with time.”
The $39,000 statue is to be partially funded by the State Government through a multicultural grant of $25,000 and the Greek organisation has committed to the remaining $14,000.
“It therefore stands to reason that your organisation has the power to dictate the position of this statue,” the letter reads.
“Without AHOSOSI meeting the balance of funds required to complete this statue it cannot come to fruition.”
The letter also urges the AHOSOSI to find another location ‘elsewhere in the City of Casey or other municipality if necessary’ if the organisation has now deemed Edwin Flack Reserve unacceptable.
A representative from AHOSOSI could not be contacted for comment.