TWO sites in Oakleigh have been short-listed for a memorial dedicated to one of the suburb’s best loved identities, the late Greek Orthodox priest, Fr Nicholas Moutafis.
Either Warrawee Park or Eaton Mall will be chosen as the site for a memorial to Fr Moutafis.
He is most fondly remembered as a spiritual leader of the Saint Anargiri Greek Orthodox Church in Hughesdale, and for his work with the Oakleigh Greek Orthodox College. He died in June last year.
A committee has been set up by Monash Council to consider a permanent venue to honour Fr Moutafis for his work in Oakleigh.
Several community petitions have been tabled at council meetings in support of a memorial.
The committee, which includes councillors Paul Klisaris and Felicity Smith, council officers, members of the Greek community and Oakleigh MP Ann Barker, discussed the memorial’s cost, design and location at its first meeting. After the meeting, Cr Klisaris said the group decided the memorial should incorporate “peace, harmony and multiculturalism”.
“Fr Moutafis is the driving force and inspiration behind it, but it’s also about the community.” Cr Klisaris said.
Memorial funds have not yet been allocated but could come from community groups, the State Government and local businesses.
