Perth Voice Interactive

BEING regarded a place of “considerable cultural heritage” is something most churches might praise.

But Father John Anastasiou says it’s a headache he could do without.

His Greek Orthodox Parish of St Nektarios in Dianella is earmarked to appear on Stirling council’s heritage list and he says that might throw a spanner in redevelopment works.

Fr Anastasiou says the 22-year-old church is a “work in progress” and is in the midst of countless repairs and extensions which could fall victim to council red tape.

“I don’t want to be in a position where we have to ask a third party every time we want to make a change to the church,” he says.

“It would be different if the building was finished but we are in a state of flux and making countless changes.

“The church was consecrated in 2000—this is a religious building for the community and is different from countless other properties that have been lumped together on the list.”

Fr Anastasiou says the parish is also planning an on-site aged day care facility and creche.

The council voted to defer listing for a month following his appearance at its Tuesday meeting.

Other properties in Voiceland earmarked for addition to Stirling’s heritage list include Marsala House (Dianella), WA Golf Club (Yokine) and 386 Walcott Street (Coolbinia).

Mount Lawley Society patron Barrie Baker, 73, is happy more heritage properties will be better protected.

“In the same week that the state government made it easier for developers to get applications rubber-stamped, it is good that Stirling council are trying to safeguard more heritage properties,” he says.

“The church should have no problems if it is added to the heritage list and abides by the guidelines, which I’m sure it will.”

by STEPHEN POLLOCK