About the Pallaconian Brotherhood
The Pallaconian Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria “Leonidas” was established in 1961. It was originally formed in order to bring together all Australians that trace their descent from Laconia – a region in the southern eastern mainland of Greece, with the capital of Sparta.
Since 1989 the Brotherhood’s Clubrooms have been located at 253 Albert Street, Brunswick. During the post war period, Brunswick has been the home of a high concentration of Greek Australians harking from Laconia.
The key objectives of the Pallaconian are stated in Article 2 of its Constitution, and include:
a. To unite all Hellenes of Laconian origin and their descendants living in Melbourne and anywhere in the State of Victoria b. To promote and advance the moral, social and spiritual development of its members, and assist Laconians living in Victoria in strengthening relations with other associations or organisations that hold goals c. To acquire and maintain a cultural centre that may be used by the members of the Brotherhood in a number of ways d. To provide for the social, cultural, spiritual, creative development and recreation of the families of its members in any beneficial way such as: Lectures, exhibitions, establishing and maintaining a library and reading-room, organising art, entertainment and recreational activities e. The contribution of the Brotherhood towards any public, national and philanthropic institution, or a patriotic or educational cause
In the early days of its formation, newly arrived immigrants from Hellas (Greece), were able to stay in touch under the auspices of the Brotherhood. The club organised social functions as well as providing a support group for members to help overcome the challenges of living in a foreign country so far from home.
Today the club continues to organise a large variety of social functions, as well as supporting many philanthropic causes. This change in emphasis has become possible due to the establishment of such a large and vibrant population of Laconian descent in Melbourne and Victoria, which is still largely located in the Moreland area.
The Pallaconian Brotherhood’s website is www.leonidas.org.au
The club has become active in maintaining the Laconian cultural heritage, through the establishment of a Traditional Hellenic Dancing Group, Senior Citizens Branch, a Cultural Committee, development of a library, and numerous social events aimed at bringing Laconian and Hellenic Culture to the broader Victorian community.
