UNSW to Host Symposium on Greek and Indigenous Australian Intercultural Relations“Encounters of Transformation” Set for June 7, 2025

SYDNEY – The Consulate General of Greece in Sydney and the UNSW School of Humanities & Languages are joining forces to present a groundbreaking symposium titled "Encounters of Transformation: Intercultural Relations between Greek and Indigenous Australians." Scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025, the event will take place at UNSW Patricia O'Shane (E19), Room 105, High Street, Kensington, NSW 2052, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM AEST.

Organized in collaboration with the Foundation for Hellenic Studies (UNSW) and the students of HellSoc (Hellenic Society of UNSW), the symposium will explore the dynamic interactions between Greek and Indigenous Australians. Topics will span literature, visual arts, sociopolitical advocacy, and the self-representation of Australia’s First Peoples. Adding a creative flair, the event will feature an exhibition of artworks by Christina Tsaou, a young Greek visual artist inspired by Indigenous art.

The day will be divided into two parts. The first segment includes four 30-minute presentations (20-minute talks followed by 10-minute Q&A sessions) delivered by Greek and Indigenous academics. The second part will consist of two roundtable discussions, each lasting 60 to 75 minutes with Q&A, featuring Greek and Indigenous writers, artists, community leaders, and activists who have engaged in Greek-Indigenous Australian relations.

Attendees will enjoy a lunch break and afternoon tea to complement the day’s discussions. Confirmed speakers include Dr. Petro Alexiou, Ms. Effy Alexakis, Mr. Leonard Janiszewski, Ms. Daphne Arapakis, and Dr. Vassilios Adrahtas, who will bring diverse perspectives to the conversation.

For more information, visit https://www.events.unsw.edu.au/event/encounters-transformation. Interested participants can register at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/encounters-of-transformation-tickets-1326165549859. Organizers encourage community members to share this event with others to foster greater dialogue and understanding.

This symposium promises to be a meaningful exploration of cultural connections, bringing together voices from two vibrant communities in a celebration of shared history and transformation.