Leaders of Melbourne’s Greek Community meet with Australia’s Deputy Ambassador to Greece

·

On March 31, 2021, the President of the GCM, Mr Bill Papastergiadis, and Vice-President, Ms Tammy Iliou, met with the Australia’s designate Deputy Ambassador to Greece, Mr David Kilham. Mr Kilham will commence his posting to Athens, Greece in May 2021.

The meeting was an opportunity for Mr Papastergiadis and Ms Iliou to convey important issues relevant to Greek Australians as well as opportunities to deepen the cultural and economic ties between Australia and Greece. Some of the critical issues discussed include the double-taxation between Greece and Australia; the need to advocate for clearer investment paths into Greece; and the limited visa permits available to Greek professionals and students wanting to migrate and study in Australia.

Mr Papastergiadis stated that, “The ongoing issue of juridical double-taxation needs the urgent attention of the Australian Government.” He encouraged Mr Kilham to raise this matter with the Greek Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Nikos Dendias, and the Minister for Greeks Abroad, Mr Kostas Vlasis, when he assumed his post.

President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Mr Bill Papastergiadis.

“Bilateral cooperation between Australia and Greece needs to be a priority and the GCM is keen to see the finalisation of this matter. The GCM will continue to apply pressure until there is resolution.”

Mr Papastergiadis also stressed the importance of examining the issue of visas offered by the Australian Government to Greek citizens. Mr Papastergiadis highlighted the strong connection between Greece and Melbourne and the importance of keeping the pathway open for Greek professionals and students to work and study in Australia.

The meet and greet was also an opportunity to discuss the cultural activities of the GCM. Ms Iliou provided an overview of the cultural arm of the GCM.

Ms Iliou said, “It is important that as soon as is practical, once travel restrictions allow, that cultural links between Greece and Melbourne are re-established, as well as with the Greek community across Australia.”

“These links include theatrical and musical tours, art exhibitions, student exchanges and school camps”.

Ms Iliou invited Mr Kilham to coordinate with the GCM on cultural proposals presented to him during his posting. 

The GCM greatly welcomed the opportunity to meet with Mr Kilham and thanked him for his deep interest in the organisation, and more generally, the Greek community in Melbourne. The GCM has met on many occasions with the Australian Ambassador to Greece, Mr Arthur Spyrou, and is looking forward to a continued and strengthened relationship with the Athens post.

Finally, on behalf of the Board of the GCM, Mr Papastergiadis and Ms Iliou wished Mr Kilham every success with his posting and reassured him that the GCM was ready to assist on any issue that may arise.

greek film festival 2025

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

Greece draws with Canada and China in 2020 Olympic Qualifying Tournament

With the official FIBA draws for the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments being released this morning, the Greek Senior Men’s National Team have been drawn with...

Israel expresses support for Greece’s sovereign rights and territorial integrity

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, expresses support for Greece’s sovereign rights and territorial integrity.

Coronial inquest into deaths at St Basil’s Fawkner in limbo after four years

An inquest into the deaths of 45 residents at St Basil's Fawkner has been delayed after the facility's managers refused to provide evidence.