The Honorary Consul General of Greece in Queensland, George Dimitri Mastrocostas, has expressed disappointment over Australia’s abstention from the UNESCO vote to establish February 9 as the International Day of the Greek Language. Despite widespread global support, Australia did not back the motion, prompting calls for greater cultural recognition and solidarity with Greek Australians.
Tag: multiculturalism
The Federal Labor Government has committed $1.223 million to support the redevelopment of St Dimitrios Hall in Windsor, Melbourne, transforming it into a modern, multi-functional community and performance space. This investment will benefit Melbourne’s Greek community, providing a venue for cultural, educational, and community-focused activities in the city’s southeast.
Federal Housing Minister and local MP for Hotham, Clare O’Neil, has announced $4.5 million in…
Petro Georgiou, a Greek-Australian Liberal MP who served Kooyong for over 15 years, has passed away. A staunch advocate for migrant rights and multiculturalism, he earned respect for his principled stance and policy acumen, later becoming an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2013. His legacy reflects Australia’s migration success, and he will be deeply missed.
A celebration of Greek culture and multiculturalism will take place at Henley Beach this Sunday, with the Blessing of the Waters ceremony followed by a Greek Festival featuring music, dance, and food.
Greek-Australian cricketer Sam Konstas’s debut in the Australian Test team is sparking hope for greater diversity in the sport and inspiring the Greek community.
The Victorian Government has introduced the Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-Vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill 2024 to strengthen protections against vilification and hate speech. The Bill expands legal safeguards for Victorians based on race, religion, disability, gender identity, and more. It also creates new criminal offences for serious vilification, including inciting hatred and threatening harm, while safeguarding freedom of speech and religion. Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, voiced strong support for the reforms, emphasizing the importance of fostering a safe, inclusive, and unified society.
South Melbourne FC has its sights set on the A-League, announcing Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and State MP Nina Taylor as joint No. 1 ticket holders at its annual inner sanctum event. Club President Nick Maikousis declared the club’s “destiny” is in the top tier, while Football Australia Chairman Anter Isaac acknowledged South Melbourne’s A-League credentials.
Ange Postecoglou was honoured at London’s Australia House in an emotional celebration of his remarkable journey from Greek immigrant to Premier League manager. Reflecting on his roots and the sacrifices of his parents, Postecoglou shared his pride in being a multicultural figure, while looking ahead to the challenge of restoring Tottenham Hotspur’s success.
The Oakleigh Glendi festival transformed Melbourne’s Oakleigh neighborhood into a lively celebration of Greek pride and multicultural unity. Thousands gathered to commemorate ‘OXI’ Day with vibrant parades, traditional dance, and culinary showcases, highlighting the resilience and enduring legacy of the Greek community in Australia.
ANGE & THE BOSS,” a captivating new documentary focusing on the legendary Hungarian striker Ferenc Puskas, premiered to sold-out audiences in Sydney and Melbourne as part of the Greek Film Festival. The film explores Puskas’s later years in Australia, particularly his coaching stint with South Melbourne Hellas, where he influenced a young Ange Postecoglou. Director Tony Wilson expresses his surprise at the story’s obscurity, noting the documentary’s celebration of both football and the migrant experience. The screenings evoked strong emotions, highlighting the impact of Greek immigrants on Australian society and the legacy of Puskas in the hearts of fans. The film will have one more screening at the festival, promising to resonate with audiences worldwide.
In this episode of The Mentour, host Mark Bouris welcomes Yannis Mallikourtis, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney. Mark shares his personal connection to the Greek community, reflecting on how his father’s journey from Greece to Australia during World War II shaped his identity. Together, they discuss the role of the Consul General, the challenges faced by Greek Australians, and the vital importance of preserving Greek culture and language. Join them for an engaging conversation about multiculturalism and the values that unite the Greek community in Australia.
The Victorian Multicultural Gala Dinner, held in Geelong for the first time, brought together over 500 attendees from 100 different nationalities, including members of the Greek-Australian community. The event celebrated diversity and featured significant announcements, such as a government initiative to name over 6,000 roads and parks after individuals from multicultural backgrounds, underscoring the importance of social cohesion in Victoria.
In addition to the distinguished guests and speeches, the significant Greek presence at ECCV’s 50th Anniversary celebration at Parliament House on Monday, June 3rd, deserves special mention. With special guest George Papadopoulos AM, a co-founder of ECCV, and Voula Messimeri AM as the Master of Ceremonies, the event saw a rich representation of Greek influence. George Papadopoulos, recognized for his pivotal role in multicultural policy development and founding of ECCV, exemplifies the deep ties between the Greek community and ECCV’s mission. Voula Messimeri’s longstanding commitment, as demonstrated through her leadership at the Australian Greek Welfare Organisation (now PRONIA) and her recent Life Membership at ECCV, further underscores the enduring Greek influence within ECCV.
Following a 21-year absence, the St. George community enthusiastically embraced the return of the Greek Fest to Brighton-Le-Sands in May 2024. Bay Street pulsed with energy as crowds gathered under sunny skies, eager to partake in a celebration of Greek culture, gastronomic delights, and communal unity.
After four decades of serving the Greek and wider community with premium souvlakia, meats, and an array of products, George and the Anastopoulos family have made the tough decision to sell their beloved family business, Supreme Souvlakia, in Belmore.
Anzac. Lemnos. 1915. is a one-hour documentary with a fresh angle on the well-documented Gallipoli…
The 2000 year old Anisa Plate shows that Greek was spoken in Anatolia at that time
Tourism is a vital part of the Greek economy, accounting for one in three euros…
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has taken to social media to show support for the…