What was meant to be a wholesome celebration of Greek culture in Melbourne’s North became a hotbed of parking fines, with the local council sticking to its stance.
When you’re celebrating your heritage among other residents, the last thing you’d want to come back to after a day of joy is a parking fine waving on your windscreen.
And this is exactly what happened to some attendees at the St Haralambos Greek Festival in Templestowe, a suburb in Melbourne’s northeast.
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According to numerous reports, more than 100 attendees were fined on 15 February 2026, for parking in illegal areas such as on nature strips – which comes with a $122 fine.
While event organisers were aware that parking officers would be on the lookout for any wroingdoing, Nick Xerkias – one of the organisers – told Nine News the council’s actions were a bit too cutthroat.
“At least a hundred people have received parking fines in areas that simply don’t make sense. To have this heavy-handed approach on a Sunday just begs belief. We’ve sought an urgent meeting with council to find a resolution for this,” Xerkias told Nine News.
Despite the community outrage, Manningham Council defended its position, stating it organised extra signage warning drivers of parking restrictions following issues raised by residents before the community event took place.
“In response to parking concerns raised by the local community in previous years, we worked closely with St Haralambos Parish and Committee ahead of this year’s festival to improve parking arrangements and safety,” Manningham Council said in a February 2026 media statement.
“As part of this planning, signage was installed throughout the surrounding area reminding patrons not to park on nature strips, across driveways or in ways that could compromise safety, and advising penalties would apply.”
The local council said any infringement issued can be “subject to legislated review and appeals process”.
Drive has reached out to Manningham Council for comment and will update this story if we receive a response.
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