Six weeks after bold plans to transform the resources of the Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria were thrown out by its membership, the organisation’s AGM took place on Sunday.

Far-reaching plans submitted by the current board, which involved selling off the community’s existing Lygon Street premises and relocating to a newly-renovated historic building close-by, whilst simultaneously reducing the organisation’s $1.5 million debt, were resoundingly rejected at a dramatic and ill-tempered Special General Meeting in September. Just 63 members voted for the resolution, whilst 265 voted against. The vote was a major disappointment for CCMV president Harry Tsindos and the current board.

Elections to the board of management will be held three weeks after the AGM. It is understood that nominations for the election may be received up until seven days before the election. CCMV president Harry Tsindos has told Neos Kosmos that he is considering his position and that he will make a decision on whether or not he will seek re-election in the weeks ahead. He said the elections come at a crucial time for the organisation and that those wishing to develop effective new directions and sustainable plans for CCMV should come forward.

“What we were trying to do as a committee, and what I believe a lot of Cypriots in Australia want to see, is a community that is well resourced, that has got focus and direction, and that can really be the voice of the Cypriot people in Australia,” Tsindos said. “Above all, whoever makes up the leadership group needs to come up with a solution that is deliverable, which will ensure that CCMV will not only survive, but that it will grow and can realise its full potential.” An election committee will be convened at the AGM to oversee nominations and arrangements for the upcoming elections to the CCMV board.

Neos Kosmos