A special event hosted by the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney brought together Presidents and Board Members from most Greek Australian associations on Wednesday, October 8, highlighting key issues relating to civil registry, citizenship and voting rights for Greeks abroad.
The event featured keynote speakers Athanasios Balermpas and Dimitrios Karnavos, Secretaries-General of the Greek Ministry of the Interior, and Katerina Ouli, Director General for Citizenship.
Under the core messages “Greece needs you” and “Strengthen your bond with your homeland,” the visiting officials delivered detailed briefings on the modernisation of civil registry procedures, the acquisition of Greek citizenship, and the upcoming framework for voting from abroad.
An open discussion followed, during which community representatives shared views and addressed practical questions regarding these issues.
The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis, and members of the consular staff were also in attendance, engaging with community leaders on the topics raised.
A moment of emotion: New citizens welcomed
A particularly moving moment unfolded during the event, when three Australians of Greek descent officially received their Greek citizenship in the presence of Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Loverdos.
The Deputy Minister personally read the oath, expressing pride and emotion as he welcomed the new citizens into the Greek national community.
The ceremony was also attended by the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, along with Mr Balermpas, Mr Karnavos, Ms Ouli, and Mr Skemperis.
