Call for Shake-up at Macquarie Greek Foundation AGM

By GCT Author / Bill Giannopoulos

The Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation will hold its Annual General Meeting on Sunday 15 March 2026 at The Hellenic Club, with members able to attend both in person and online.

The AGM comes at a pivotal time for the Foundation. In 2024, Macquarie University decided to shut down its Modern Greek program, ending years of formal Greek language instruction at the university. Since then, the Foundation has been examining new ways to continue supporting Greek language and cultural education in Australia.

Board Positions Open as Directors “Retire”

At this year’s meeting, members will vote on board positions, as the Constitution requires the longest-serving directors to “retire,” creating an opportunity for new leadership and fresh participation.

Interest is also building around a major member resolution set to be voted on at the AGM. The proposal focuses on governance, integrity and transparency, and how the Foundation operates moving forward.

The resolution has been submitted by life members, former students of Macquarie University and past presidents of the Macquarie University Greek Association (MUGA) — a coalition reflecting both the organisation’s tradition and what supporters describe as its next generation.

Greek City Times spoke with Dean Gongolidis, a current director and former MUGA president (2020), who is among those backing the resolution.

“The Foundation needs people with energy and fresh ideas to join its board. We know they’ll step forward if they see proof of real change. This is that moment. The purpose of this resolution is to lift standards and set a clear and modern direction for the future.”

A Broader Challenge for Greek Community Organisations

The developments at the Foundation mirror wider challenges facing many Greek community organisations across Australia. Syllogoi established decades ago achieved significant milestones in preserving language and culture, but some now face difficulties transitioning into a new leadership phase.

Observers say modern governance practices, succession planning and operational transparency are increasingly important to attract capable professionals who want to contribute meaningfully to community institutions.

With board elections ahead and members calling for reform, this year’s AGM is shaping up to be a defining moment for the future direction of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation — and potentially a test case for renewal within Australia’s Greek community sector.