On Thursday, September 18, a delegation from AHEPA Australia and the Committee for the Restitution of the Parthenon Marbles held their first official meeting with the newly appointed Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis, at the Consulate General offices on Castlereagh Street.
Athanassios Lambrou, First Counsellor for Public Diplomacy, was also present.
The discussion was cordial and constructive, with both community organisations pledging their support for the Consulate’s future objectives.
Central to the conversation was a commitment to assist in the commemoration of the Consulate’s centenary in Sydney next year, as well as to support ongoing efforts on immigration matters and the promotion of the Greek language within the diaspora.
Representing AHEPA Australia were George Lianos of the National Lodge, Maria Alexandrou, President of the District Lodge NSW, Theo Skhinas, President of the Grand Lodge NSW, and George Bountros, President-Elect of the Grand Lodge NSW.
They were joined by Nicolas Lynch, Vice Chair of the Committee for the Restitution of the Parthenon Marbles, who attended on behalf of long-serving chairman Emanuel Comino.
In a gesture of welcome, the representatives presented gifts to the Consul General and Mr Lambrou. Mr Lianos offered a book on the history of Greek Australian migrants, while Ms Alexandrou gifted sweets to the Consular staff along with a book on Australia.
Mr Lynch presented an exclusive commemorative pin from the Parthenon Marbles Committee, symbolising the group’s enduring campaign for the reunification of the ancient sculptures.
The meeting closed with a shared understanding that cooperation between the Consulate and the organisations will be crucial in the years ahead, particularly as the community prepares to mark 100 years since the Consulate’s establishment in Sydney.
