Spartan sisterhood renewed

A first artistic impression of the statue.

It will be created by a Spartan sculptor.

Moreland council has proposed to establish a new sisterhood relationship between the city of Moreland and Sparta in Greece.

As a gesture of their commitment, the council has allocated $20, 000 to build a bronze bust of King Leonidas at Sparta Place.

The Pallaconian Brotherhood of Melbourne Victoria in Brunswick will take responsibility for managing the project in liaison with Council.

Mayor of Moreland, Lambros Tapinos hopes to renew the sisterhood relationship that once existed between Brunswick and Sparta up until 1988.
He has written a letter to the Mayor of Sparta stating his intentions.

“There are a lot of Greek people in Moreland who have come from Sparta and Larconia,” he said.

“We are aiming to develop closer ties with Sparta with the aim of cultural exchange, education and maybe even business ties between the two.”

Cr Tapinos says the monument will also serve as a notable reminder of the Spartan contribution to the world.

“It is not just for the Greek community, it is a monument to a war soldier who fought for democracy and freedom.

“Because of their sacrifice, western civilisation and democracy was able to flourish. We would be living in a different world today if the Persians had been allowed to conquer Greece.”

Cr Tapinos has written a letter to the Mayor of Sparta stating his intentions to revive the relationship and is awaiting a response.

Drawing: A first artistic impression of the statue. It will be created by a Spartan sculptor.

Source: Neos Kosmos

14 Jul 2009

Catherine Kladakis