On Wednesday, 25 September, 18 enthusiastic participants from the inaugural Youth Camp in Attiki, accompanied by Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) President Bill Papastergiadis OAM, Vice President Dr Jim Bossinakis, GCM Board Member Tass Sgardelis, and GCM staff member Meg Smith, had the honour of meeting with the Governor of Attiki, Nikos Chardalias.
During the meeting, Governor Chardalias welcomed the group, stating:
“You are all ambassadors. You will return to Australia and share your experiences with your friends. Our program for you is rich in culture and history. I can formally announce, in front of Bill Papastergiadis OAM, that we will host this cultural excursion annually with the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM). When Bill promoted this tour to me last year, I had no hesitation in committing our support. We have provided our best guides to immerse you in history and culture. Attiki is the largest prefecture in Greece, with 45% of Greece’s population and 48% of its GDP. You are now a part of this vibrant region’s story.”
Governor Chardalias took time to personally engage with each student, asking them to share their thoughts and experiences.
Sofia expressed her excitement for the wide range of activities included in the program. Gregory shared his enthusiasm and how much he loves the experience so far. Alexi mentioned his appreciation for the Greek sun and the beautiful weather.
Jake found the visit to the Acropolis awe-inspiring. Nik described the trip as a remarkable opportunity. Zack, experiencing Greece for the first time, highlighted his amazement with the Acropolis.
Alexandra noted that the museum and the broader exposure to Greek culture were her favourite aspects of the experience. Amelia said she loved the food, especially pastitsio, and was eagerly anticipating the upcoming visit to Delphi. Angelina praised the delicious food and the comfort of the accommodation.
Zoe expressed gratitude for the entire experience, noting that everything had been incredible. Evie reflected on the opportunity to learn about Greece’s rich history, the perfect weather, and how engaging the program had been. Steven mentioned the Acropolis as his personal highlight thus far.
Vice President of the GCM, Dr Jim Bossinakis, commended the students for their engagement and reflected on the significance of the program.
“As a second-generation Greek, I know firsthand how vital it is to maintain strong connections with our homeland. This youth camp provides a unique opportunity to not only explore Greece’s rich history but to experience modern-day Greece in all its vibrancy. What impresses me most is the dedication of these young participants. Each of them has taken this opportunity to immerse themselves in our culture, traditions, and history. I see future leaders in this room—young people who will carry the torch of Hellenism in Australia, keeping our heritage alive for generations to come. I couldn’t be prouder of the way each student has embraced this journey,” Dr Bossinakis said.
In his closing remarks, Mr Papastergiadis expressed gratitude to the Governor.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have a Governor who so generously embodies the spirit of filoxenia—hospitality—that is integral to our Greek heritage. It’s a privilege to be here today, and to witness Governor Chardalias dedicating his time to listen to each of our students individually. This tour is a profound opportunity for the participants to deepen their understanding of Attiki and Greece as a whole. It provides access to a side of Greece few tourists get to see, and I am beyond proud that the GCM is collaborating with the Governor on this initiative. I’m thrilled to hear that this tour will now be an annual event, ensuring that many more young people from the diaspora will have the chance to connect with their heritage in such a meaningful way,” Mr Hardalias said.
As the meeting came to an end, Governor Chardalias reaffirmed his commitment to supporting and continuing this impactful cultural exchange program in the years to come.
