Bulgarian Diaspora in Australia Requests Own Cultural Center

Bulgaria's President, Georgi Parvanov, underlined Wednesday the importance of having a unified Bulgarian community in Australia.

Parvanov, who is on an official visit to Australia, held a meeting with representatives of the Bulgarian community there which includes over 12 000 people living mostly in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaida, Brisbane and Pert.

The Bulgarians in Australia have different organizations, but are yet to be united as a national entity, which will allow them to apply with the State for project financing from the country's multicultural program and strengthen the Bulgarian position in front of Australian institutions.

Parvanov told those attending the meeting that one of the goals of his visit was to “revive” the Bulgarian community and boast its courage and faith. He pointed out the appointment of a Minister for Bulgarians Abroad is a great sign of the renewed interest towards them, while one should not forget that all Bulgarian Ministers and all institutions also work for those outside the country.

On their part, the Bulgarians emigrants asked for assistance on the part of the State for the launch of a Bulgarian Cultural Center in Australia as a way to spiritually unite them and spread Bulgarian culture and history.

Culture Minister, Vezhdi Rashidov, who is also part of the delegation, informed there are currently 11 Bulgarian culture centers abroad, but most of them are not really functioning and their reform is upcoming. Rashidov promised to notify Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, about the request.

Another issue put on the table was the opening of a Bulgarian Consulate in New Zealand. Bulgarian representatives presented a request to the President, the PM, and the Foreign Ministry, signed by 3 000 people.

Bulgarians also asked to have the old building of the Bulgarian Consulate in Australia as a meeting place and for financial assistance to open a Bulgarian Orthodox Church.