Emmanuel Kakavelakis, the outgoing Greek Consul General to Melbourne, has found himself in a whirlwind of activity as his departure for Damascus has been unexpectedly accelerated. The change in plans, prompted by the recent political developments in the Middle East, has forced him to leave earlier than planned for Syria.
Despite the abrupt change, Kakavelakis hosted his annual Saint Minas’ feast day event for journalists on Thursday, December 19. In a candid speech, he admitted to being in “panic mode” as he had to cancel at least 25 farewell events with community groups. He expressed gratitude for the support and camaraderie he had experienced during his time in Melbourne.
When asked by The Greek Herald about the challenges of his new posting in Damascus, Kakavelakis acknowledged the complex and volatile situation. He pointed to his wife’s family in neighbouring Lebanon.
Despite the potential risks involved, he expressed optimism in the opportunity to contribute to a more stable future for Syria.
“It won’t be about building ties within the Greek community, but a different type of diplomacy,” he said.
The farewell event turned into a heartfelt tribute, with journalists and community leaders sharing their appreciation for Kakavelakis’ dedication and service. Veteran journalist Sotiris Hatzimanolis praised his openness and cooperation, while Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) President Bill Papastergiadis highlighted the Consul General’s ability to unify the Greek community.
“He was the best Consul General, and we had some good ones,” Mr Papastergiadis said.
SEKA Secretary John Milides praised Mr Kakavelakis for being an “ardent supporter for Cyprus,” whereas journalist Ross Alatsas conveyed the regards of the affluent Stamoulis family.
“I hope the new Consul will have the same passion as you because our community is very proud and we want a representative to respect us like you respected us,” Mr Alatsas said.
On his part, Mr Kakavelakis thanked the press for being “forgiving.”
Gifts were laid at a nearby table, where a Nick Cave CD, gifted by historian Jim Claven, sat on top of the pile. Outside, John Martino, Kakavelakis’ busom buddy, waited patiently to whisk the Consul General to a concert by Greek Australian punk rock band Frenzee.
It remains to be seen whether Melbourne’s mainly male-dominated diasporic press will be just as welcoming when Dimitra Georgantzoglou comes from Switzerland on January 12 to replace Mr Kakavelakis.
She will need to deal with the legacy of her predecessor who attended most events he was invited to – often several in a day. She may or may not face gender bias, but she will most definitely inherit the Consulate’s endemic problems that, if anything, worsened during Mr Kakavelakis’ tenure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms Georgantzoglou will need to find solutions for staff shortages and huge processing backlogs while sweating it out as the Consulate’s air conditioning system never seems to work. Then there are other pressing issues, such as the dropping numbers of Greek language students, especially those sitting for VCE, the lack of a Double Taxation Agreement, and working through voting conundrums come Greek election time.
With such challenges ahead, Dr Martino said he is willing to show her the drinking places if necessary. Asked why he didn’t take the podium to eulogise Mr Kakavelakis with the rest of the male speakers, he said, “All I would have said was ‘Drinks on us… he’s going!’”
