Last night, the Australian Embassy in Athens hosted an evocative and meaningful event, the launch of 'Hellenic Dreaming', a book that celebrates Greek-Australian experiences and cultural heritage, featuring heartfelt stories that explore identity, migration, and the deep connections between Greece and Australia.
The launch, opened by the Ambassador of Australia to Greece, Her Excellency Ms. Alison Duncan, marked the culmination of a three-year collaborative journey between the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, Dr Helen Vatsikopoulos, and 37 Greek Australians, from young adults to community elders, who each contributed their unique perspectives to paint a vivid picture of the Greek-Australian experience.
The event highlighted the resilience, adaptability, and the vibrant cultural roots that have shaped the Greek-Australian community over the generations. This anthology captures the evolution of identity across different generations, revealing how the rich Greek heritage has been woven into the broader Australian cultural fabric.
During the event, Dr. Vatsikopoulos, who edited the anthology and also serves as the Director of the Greek-Australian Writers’ Festival, was joined on the podium by Mark Corcoran, a respected journalist and former ABC foreign correspondent. Together, they provided insight into the creative process behind 'Hellenic Dreaming' and reflected on its significance for the Greek diaspora in Australia.
Their conversation delved into the complexities of Greek-Australian identity, encompassing themes such as migration, adaptation, and intergenerational experiences. 'Hellenic Dreaming' offers a window into the Greek community’s shared memories and aspirations—from the struggles of the migrant experience to the everyday joy found in maintaining Greek traditions, such as food, song, and gardening.
The publication itself was inspired by a broader desire to celebrate cultural identities within Australia. Reflecting on the lack of existing literature on the Greek experience in Australia, the project emerged as an opportunity to fill that gap, offering a glimpse into the diverse ways Greek Australians contribute to and shape the multicultural landscape of Australia.
While the book does not shy away from difficult topics such as intergenerational trauma, it maintains an overall tone of celebration—focusing on resilience and community. It captures the cultural hybridity that defines the Greek-Australian experience.
The launch was attended by a distinguished group of individuals from both Australia and Greece. Among the notable guests was Ms Maira Myrogianni, Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Christos Alefantis, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Shedia Street Paper; and Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne. Authors Costas Vertzayias, Gillian Bouras and Dr Chryssa Nikolaou, Director General of the National Library of Greece, were also present.
'Hellenic Dreaming' stands as a significant contribution to Australia's multicultural narrative. The collection does more than document historical moments; it encourages reflection on what it means to be Greek in Australia today.