First announced in Federal Parliament as part of its 2019-20 Budget, the Greek Community of Melbourne’s Hellenic Chair in Diasporic Studies at the University of Melbourne has taken the next important step in its establishment by announcing that it is now on a global search for a leading academic to be appointed Chair in the Studies of the Hellenic Global Diaspora.
Importantly, the Chair will also bear the name of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM). This is an important step in the continued development of the GCM’s educational programs, which now range from pre-Prep through to Tertiary.
The $2.5 million grant that was secured by the GCM has been directly paid to the University of Melbourne and the University has in turn placed the moneys into a Trust Fund. The University is also contributing a substantial amount to fund the ongoing cost of running and administrating the Chair.
“We thank the Morrison Government for all of its support and efforts in helping realise the Chair,” the GCM said in a statement.
“We would like to also thank the University of Melbourne for its willingness to support and co-fund the Chair.
“It is also important to acknowledge the efforts of the GCM staff and Board members who contributed to the long run up. In particular, we acknowledge and thank GCM Board members, Costas Markos, Bill Papastergiadis OAM and Dr Nick Dallas and Professor Nikos Papastergiadis whose tireless efforts, enthusiasm and hard work were crucial in the establishment of the Chair.”
Dr Nick Dallas sits on the Committee for the Chair at Melbourne University.
The Melbourne University Chair complements the work the Greek Community of Melbourne has done with many others, including the Archdiocese, in saving and advancing Greek Studies at La Trobe University. Bill Papastergiadis and Spiros Papadopoulos continue to sit on the La Trobe University Greek Studies Board along with many other community persons.
READ MORE: Victorian government pledges scholarship funding for Greek language students at La Trobe.
In the statement, the GCM also added that the settlement has taken place with the new building at 272 Russell Street. The Russell Street building will extend the work of the Greek Centre housing a cultural Hub that will look to attract young and old alike.
The purchase was funded primarily by the Federal and State Government to help establish the Hub in the city near the Greek Centre.
READ MORE: Compulsory acquisition of the GCM’s Greenaway Street Bulleen property.
