Греческое сообщество Мельбурна скорбит о смерти общественного деятеля Тассоса Ревиса

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) has released a statement expressing sadness at the death of Tassos Revis, describing him as a “community stalwart, supporter and benefactor.” GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM said he had known of Revis “a long time,” as he “was a pillar in our community.” “What I had heard was only a fraction of what I found when I met him up close,” Papastergiadis said. He recalled the difficult period in 2008 when La Trobe University moved to dismantle the EKEME program. “The university had retained high-end legal counsel. Tassos personally took up the challenge to fight for the Hellenic Archives on behalf of all of us. He retained lawyers and then approached me to assist,” Papastergiadis said. In what he described as “a tough few years drawn out in court proceedings,” Papastergiadis said Revis “remained resolute.” “He funded this litigation for all of us. Our archives were in danger of being lost forever — a treasure that might have been buried forever.” Papastergiadis recalled how, during court mediation, “Tassos, a humble migrant, stood up against a colossus of a university.” He said Revis “was firm and stood tall,” sought advice, listened, and then acted. “We reached a settlement that ensured our history remained intact. Our heritage in our multicultural society would continue to be a part of this discourse. The archives were saved,” Papastergiadis said. He also recalled the moment plans took shape to build a 15-storey Cultural Centre for the Greek Community of Melbourne. “Tassos was one of the first people I called. Before I could finish asking for support, he immediately and without hesitation pledged $50,000.” Years later, Papastergiadis acted for Revis in his personal legal affairs. “I would often visit his home, where Vivienne Morris sat beside him. Tassos was not in the best health physically, but his grip was always strong and his mind razor sharp. Vivienne was always by his side.” Papastergiadis said Revis remained “constantly curious about what was happening at the Greek Community of Melbourne,” adding, “He always encouraged me. He gave me strength.” Papastergiadis said he received a call from Vivienne Morris informing him of Revis’s death, and felt that “our own community treasure has been taken away prematurely.” “You can’t replace people like Tassos. Their commitment to our communities was unparalleled. They felt this obligation deeply and carried the weight of their migrant struggle on their shoulders. They never forgot who they were and what they stood for.” The Board of Management and staff of the Greek Community of Melbourne extend their sincerest condolences to Tassos Revis’s family and loved ones.