Marrickville Road precinct formally recognised as ‘Little Greece’
Monday 15 February 2021
Inner West Council on Tuesday night gave the final approval for the establishment of a Greek precinct in Marrickville, to be known as “Little Greece”.
Council will now submit to the Geographic Names Board that the precinct of “Little Greece” be established on Marrickville Road between Livingstone Road and Victoria Road.
Inner West Mayor Byrne said this precinct recognises the long-standing contribution of Greek Australians in the Inner West.
“Naming a section of Marrickville as ‘Little Greece’ is a gesture of respect to all the Greek migrants who helped establish the Inner West as the birthplace of Australian multiculturalism,” said Mayor Byrne.
“By establishing ‘Little Greece’ in Marrickville, we have an opportunity to reinforce Marrickville as one of Sydney’s great cultural assets.
“This precinct will formalise the ongoing special bond that exists between Marrickville and the Greek-Australian diaspora.
“Special thanks need to go to Councillor Sam Iskandar, a lifelong champion of multiculturalism and the last Mayor of Marrickville, who has driven this project,” said Mayor Byrne.
The name and location of the precinct follows recent community consultation by Council.
This consultation found that “Little Greece” was favoured over other alternatives such as “Little Athens” and that the precinct just be located in Marrickville.
Marrickville Ward Councillor Sam Iskandar noted that Marrickville had become home to one-third of Sydney’s Greek population by the 1960s. However, he says the place of Greek Australians in the Inner West remained strong today.
“Greek Australians continue to be an important core to our community and local economy in Marrickville,” said Councillor Iskandar.
“Marrickville would not be the vibrant community and suburb that it is today without the thousands of Greek Australians who have chosen the area to be their home.
“This announcement also importantly looks to the future and cements the ongoing place of Greek Australians in the Inner West,” said Councillor Iskandar.
Inner West Council will now consult with the Greek Consulate General and local residents, organisations community and businesses regarding a community event to celebrate the naming of a Greek precinct. It is to be held in Marrickville on 25 March, which marks the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence Day.
The move to establish “Little Greece” follows on from the renaming of central Petersham as “Little Portugal” and the Norton Street Precinct in Leichhardt as “Little Italy”.
Council is also commencing consultation with the Vietnamese community about naming the Illawarra Road precinct in Marrickville in their honour. This consultation will include talking to local Vietnamese businesses and commu
For further information please contact Bill Hawker on 0421 224 366.