Perth Voice Interactive

WITH its centenary just over the horizon, the Alexander the Great Club in Inglewood was looking a little snappier this week after a $420,000 overhaul was officially launched.

The club was founded in 1930, and according to long-term president Tom Topalis was a joint effort between four Northern Greek associations at a time when Australia was becoming a popular destination.

“They bought a premises in James Street and operated out of there for a few years but then when it got too small they bought a house in Inglewood where they would gather; the Macedonians love their cards and backgammon,” Mr Topalis said.

In 1987 they moved into their current Alexander Drive home and these days only the Greek Macedonian Association and the Florina Association of WA call the club home.

Mr Topalis says like many ethnic organisations they have an ageing membership, though during his 14 years as president has introduced soccer tournaments, exercise classes and dancing to appeal to a younger demographic.

He arrived during the great post-war migration in 1949, but his grandfather had already been living in Western Australia since 1926, a time when many were employed in the timber industry where the dangers were compensated for by the chance to make quick money – often used to establish themselves as shopkeepers.

Mr Topalis says the club’s upgrades have been particularly useful for the older members, as one of the biggest improvements has been installing universal toilets.

Financial

But equally importantly, he says it will help them stay financially stable because it makes it easier to hire out their large function room, already popular with many groups including the Vietnamese community who pack it out for karaoke nights.

The works were part-funded by the Albanese government and the City of Stirling and included an upgrade to the car-park to fit in some Acrod bays and some safer paving.

Federal regional development minister Kristy McBain said it was just one project being undertaken with Stirling.

“This project is a great example of the Australian government working in partnership to deliver the community infrastructure Western Australians deserve, supporting inclusive participation in local support,” Ms McBain said.

Stirling mayor Mark Irwin said the club was a focal point for the community to gather for cards, coffee or a meal.

“These upgrades provide a place for members to stay socially connected with one another, with the facility also used by other multicultural groups to host significant events and cultural ceremonies,” Mr Irwin said.

Federal Perth MP Patrick Gorman said the spruced-up facilities were a winner for the Greek Macedonian community.

“Supporting local jobs and ensuring this clubroom in Inglewood can cater for community sporting events for years to come,” Mr Gorman said.

“This project supports residents while helping give local sporting participants the best possible opportunities, thanks to high-quality community infrastructure.”

by STEVE GRANT