When we first moved to Victoria, Gaetano Greco was Chair of the Darebin Ethnic Communities Council (DECC).
I met him in the mid-2000s, introduced by friends in the Australian Taxation Office.
Our early conversations often revolved around Sri Lankan politics but, over time, I came to know Gaetano as a tireless advocate for social justice, community well-being and inclusive governance.
He was a man who worked to change the world, not just interpret it.
Coming from an Italian background steeped in Communist politics, Gaetano championed workers’ rights as a liaison officer at the Victorian Trades Hall.
He gave voice to non-English-speaking workers and fiercely opposed enterprise bargaining agreements that traded long-held conditions for marginal wage rises.
In the Australian public service, he was a staunch defender of solidarity, speaking out against management practices that threatened fairness and job security.
At Gaetano’s invitation, I joined the DECC executive as Treasurer. Together, we organised solidarity events, uniting Italian, Greek, Sinhala, Tamil, Kurdish, Palestinian and other communities. He also supported collaborations with Sri Lankan groups and worked to spotlight the struggles of countries resisting authoritarianism.
Gaetano’s vision was internationalist. He was committed to active dialogue, fairness and democracy in action. His solidarity extended across borders from Sri Lanka, where he served as an election monitor, to Timor-Leste, Palestine and India.
Wherever he went, he listened, learned and walked alongside those fighting for justice.
Gaetano was a pillar of the multicultural community. He was a founding member of the Federation of Italian Migrant Workers and Families (FILEF) and built strong ties with other migrant groups, including the Greek community.
His work in the Darebin City Council (DCC) spanned 14 years as a councillor, including a term as mayor, where he consistently championed the needs of his constituents.
Even as illness overtook him, Gaetano remained deeply committed to two key causes: saving Preston Market — a beloved multicultural hub — and advocating for Palestine.
He founded the Save the Preston Market Action Group and led campaigns to protect the market from redevelopment that would erase its community spirit. His efforts also mean that the Palestinian flag was raised over Darebin Town Hall and remains there still — a powerful symbol of solidarity.
Gaetano contested the 2022 Victorian election for the seat of Preston, standing as an independent focused solely on community interests. Though he was not elected, his campaign highlighted critical local issues and mobilised widespread support. He also championed the removal of the Reservoir rail crossing and spearheaded the creation of the Darebin Intercultural Centre.
Through it all, Gaetano remained true to his principles — donating his council allowances to community initiatives, opposing unfair rate hikes and ensuring decision-making reflected the voices of the people.
Gaetano Greco’s life was a testament to solidarity, courage, and compassion.
We salute you, dear friend and honour your remarkable legacy. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.