Dr Christos Fifis to lecture on history of Greek Australians between 1900 and 1954

·

La Trobe University’s Honorary Research Associate, Dr Christos Fifis, will give a lecture on the development of the Greek Australian community from 1900 to 1954 on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 7 pm.

The event will take place at the Mezzanine Level of The Greek Centre as part of the Greek History and Culture Seminars presented by the Greek Community of Melbourne.

Titled “The Greek Australian Community 1900-1954,” the seminar will examine the growth of the Greek community in Australia during that period. The lecture will analyse the community’s structure, the number of Greek immigrants per period, social stratification, class differences, social and political conflicts, the establishment of community institutions and organisations, and their role in shaping the community.

1954 was a crucial year in the history of the Greek Australian community. The Greek-Australian Immigration Agreement was signed in 1952, followed by the agreement to exchange ambassadors between Greece and Australia.

In 1953, the first Greek Ambassador, Dimitrios Lambros, was posted to Canberra, and the first significant migration from Greece to Australia began. The Australian census taken in 1954 revealed the first significant increase in the Greek Australian community, signalling the changes that would occur in the next two decades.

Who is Dr Christos Fifis?

Dr Christos N. Fifis is an Honorary Research Associate at La Trobe University’s Department of Languages and Cultures. He has been teaching Greek Studies at RMIT, Victoria College, University of Melbourne, La Trobe, and Monash for 33 years. Dr Fifis earned his M.A. from Melbourne University in 1982 and his Ph.D. from the University of La Trobe in 2009.

His Ph.D. thesis, “Navigating through the Generations: A History of the Greek Orthodox Community, 1897-2008,” was a research study of the history of the “Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria” organisation from its inception in 1897 to 2008.

Dr Fifis’ research interests include the history and literature of the Greek Australian community, and he has published several articles, two monographs, and a volume of essays on the subject.

The book “Greek Australian Issues. Articles and Discussions” was awarded first prize in the 2019 book competition in the category of history, and social issues organised by the Greek Australian Cultural League of Melbourne. He also has a strong interest in literature and has published several articles and collections of poetry and short stories. In 2021, he published a theatrical play, “Το σπίτι της Βασίλως” (Vasslo’s home), based on Greek-Australian historical and social migration experiences.

Event Details:

  • When: Thursday 4 May 2023, 7pm
  • Where: Greek Centre ( Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne)
  • Entry: Free
Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Women & Hellenism Reunion strengthens global bonds in Ioannina

Delegates from Australia, the USA, the UK, and Greece gathered in Ioannina this past weekend for the first Women & Hellenism Reunion. 

Tensions at Victoria’s Greek Elderly Federation meeting prompt interim board

The Federation of Greek Elderly Citizen Clubs of Melbourne and Victoria has appointed a provisional board after a tense meeting.

Greek Australians confront generational trauma and mental health this R U OK? Day

R U OK? Day is held annually on the second Thursday of September and falls on September 11 this year in 2025.

Award-winning features at the 30th Greek Film Festival in Melbourne

This year’s 30th Greek Film Festival features acclaimed award-winning films, including A Touch of Spice, Dogtooth, Rembetiko, Roza of Smyrna.

Defteros Lawyers sues ‘bike boy’ saga cyclist for alleged unpaid bill

Veteran lawyer George Defteros has launched court action against cyclist Ryan Meuleman, alleging he owes over $270,000 in unpaid legal fees.

You May Also Like

Archbishop Makarios of Australia visits France with Ecumenical Patriarch

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, accompanied by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, travelled to France to celebrate his brother's birthday.

Archbishop Makarios releases statement on bushfires and Greek church response

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios addresses the Greek community, calling upon all who will listen that the Greek Orthodox Church will have a donation tray...

Erin Patterson jailed for life over mushroom murders

Triple-murderer Erin Patterson has been sentenced to life in prison for poisoning four members of her husband’s family.