The Foundation of Hellenic Studies at the University of New South Wales held its first meeting for 2026 under its new President, Paul Nicolaou.
Mr Nicolaou assumed the position from Costas Vertzayias, who stepped down after 31 years as President of the Foundation (having served since its establishment in 1994).
Attending the meeting for the first time was Con Apoifis, the new President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), who replaces Harry Danalis, who has also stepped down from his role.
Members of the Board expressed their gratitude to the Nicholas Aroney Foundation and the Panarcadian Association for their generous contributions and ongoing support.
Dr Vasilis Adrahtas, Head of the Greek Studies Program, reported that 420 students enrolled in the intensive summer course on Greek Mythology. This number once again broke the UNSW record previously set by the same course in January 2025 and also constitutes an Australia-wide record for a course dedicated to Greek mythology.
Dr Adrahtas also confirmed that planning is progressing smoothly for the 12th International Summer University, to be held in September at UNSW in collaboration with the University of Ioannina and the non-profit organisation Unity in Philia. There is significant media interest in the event from Greece and the United States. Dr Adrahtas particularly emphasised the need for sponsors.
Dimitra Mavrocordatos, the new President of HELLSOC, informed the Board about planning for the first official dinner to be jointly hosted by HELLSOC and the Foundation on Saturday, April 18. The presentation of the 1821 Scholarships will be the highlight of the evening.
Mr Apoifis advised that the event has been included in the Greek Festival of Sydney program.
The Foundation’s Secretary, Artemis Theodoris, and Treasurer, Harry Mavrolefteros, will assist Dimitra and the HELLSOC committee in organising this important event.
Mr Mavrolefteros stressed the need for support from the broader Greek Australian community regarding scholarship funding, so as to increase student enrolments in Greek language courses.
As was repeatedly highlighted at the recent event held at the University of Sydney by the Consulate-General of Greece, on the occasion of International Greek Language Day, “it is the responsibility of all of us to preserve and promote the Greek language — not only to survive, but to prosper.”
