The Victorian organising committee for UNESCO World Greek Language Day met on Monday, June 1, for the first time since February’s highly successful inaugural celebrations at Melbourne’s Capitol Theatre.
The committee reflected on the February 9th celebrations and discussed ways to improve, including moving the keynote speaker to a February 7th slot. Initiatives for next year’s expanded program are already being discussed however, these will be finalised once a new committee is created for the 2027 event. Apart from the dates, nothing has been finalised.
While plans remain in the early stages, the enthusiasm in the room was palpable on Monday. Professor Anastasios Tamis, who chaired the meeting, said the inaugural event had demonstrated the strong community appetite for celebrating Greek language.
“I invited everyone to last year’s event and the turnout showed how much ordinary people love this celebration,” Professor Tamis said. “Now we need to build on that momentum and turn this enthusiasm into practical initiatives that bring Greek language into homes, schools and everyday life.”
Committee members agreed that future UNESCO World Greek Language Day events should be highly strategic to strengthen the promotion of Greek language and culture across Australia.
“We’ll be placing greater emphasis on families and young people,” Professor Tamis said.
“In order to save our language, we must first save our own children. The essence of our language is to transfer it to our children and grandchildren.”
Drawing inspiration from successful initiatives already operating in Victoria, including school exchange programs, educational projects and school museums, members explored new ways to engage younger generations.
One proposal that generated considerable enthusiasm was the development of a children’s storybook about the Greek language for distribution in schools.
Joanna Nikoloulea of the Eikon Byzantine Choir of Melbourne, who proposed the idea, said the project could introduce Greek language and culture to students from all backgrounds.
“There are Greeks in almost every school in Victoria,” she said. “We need a book that shows children how much Greek already exists in their everyday lives. Many Australian children use Greek words without even realising it, while Greek Australian children can be encouraged to feel proud of their linguistic and cultural heritage.”
The proposed book, just one of the ideas brainstormed during the evening, would introduce children to the Greek language in an accessible and engaging way, fostering curiosity, cultural awareness and pride in Greek heritage from an early age.
Reflecting on the growth of Melbourne’s Antipodes Festival, Stavros Petrou expressed hope that World Greek Language Day could become a similarly enduring institution.
“We hope we can create a legacy project that can be celebrated every year,” he said.
Funding and sponsorship opportunities were also explored, with Dimitra Flessas presenting a range of grant and sponsorship options, including tiered sponsorship packages, venue partnerships and government funding opportunities.
Last year’s inaugural event was organised in less than three months following UNESCO’s recognition of World Greek Language Day. As a result, the free event was funded entirely through private contributions and community support.
The committee agreed that a permanent governance structure would now be established, with office-bearers to be elected and working groups formed ahead of the next planning meeting.
Professor Tamis stressed that the language day initiative belonged to the broader community.
“Hellenism belongs to the people,” he said, expressing hope that more people could hop on board and join in the planning. “Everyone is welcome to join us and work together.”
Veteran broadcaster and community advocate Mike Zafiropoulos called for greater unity among Greek organisations and stakeholders.
“When it comes to language, we should encourage everyone to come together and be united for the sake of our children, our schools, our universities, our churches, our community groups and our future,” he urged.
Despite the absence of some key stakeholders from last year’s celebrations, the filled-to-the-brim event attracted a strong audience and broad support. Guests included diplomats from numerous non-Greek embassies, local government representatives, and community leaders. The initiative, led by the Australian Institute of Macedonian Studies (AIMS), received backing from Greek schools and the Greek Community of Melbourne.
Planning is now underway for the next phase of the project, including the election of a new committee now that Professor Tamis has expressed the desire to pass on the baton. At the next meeting, a coordinator will be selected to project manage the event and working groups will be created. The organising committee supports inclusion and diversity and invites all members of the wider community to get involved, share ideas, and help in sending out invitations, scouting for venues, sponsorship, administration and a wide range of roles.
Organisers stress that the success of World Greek Language Day will depend on broad community participation and a shared commitment to creating a legacy for future generations. They hope the community will embrace it again this year.
For more info and to take part, visit https://worldgreeklanguageday.au/and send a message via the website’s content form.
