Canberra’s Greek Community joins fight to protect Modern Greek at Macquarie University

·

The Greek Orthodox Community & Church of Canberra (GOCCC) has joined the fight alongside other Greek communities calling on Macquarie University to reconsider its proposed discontinuation of the Modern Greek Studies Program.

The future of the Modern Greek Studies Program at Macquarie University in Sydney is uncertain following a proposal by the University to move away from the discipline of Languages and Cultures and seek to instead establish a Discipline of Global Studies.

To this end, the University is considering discontinuing studies in Modern Greek language (along with Croatian, German, Italian, and Russian).

In a letter sent by the GOCCC’s outgoing President John Loukadellis to officials at Macquarie University, he stressed the importance of Greek language for the diaspora.

“I know from experience, that the extended Greek I learnt at university provided me with greater opportunities in my life and it would be a shame to remove this beacon of hope and learning,” Mr Loukadellis wrote.

john loukadellis
John Loukadellis (left) has stressed the importance of Greek language and culture.

Mr Loukadellis also highlighted how the Modern Greek Studies program at Macquarie University “is one of the best in Australia with the finest Greek educators.”

“The program has strong relationships with Greek universities and has been at the forefront of organising international academic conferences and formed great partnerships, such as the Greek Language Centre in Thessaloniki, Greece,” Mr Loukadellis wrote.

“The recognition from this body, makes Macquarie University the only certified location in New South Wales to conduct the official annual Greek language proficiency exams, which we encourage our students here in Canberra to pursue.”

Mr Loukadellis signed off his letter by calling on the university to “review and reconsider their position” on the Modern Greek Studies Program.

“We… and other communities and establishments around Australia will get behind and support the program to remain today and for future generations to come,” he wrote.

Macquarie University.

Mr Loukadellis’ letter is among a number of others sent in recent weeks by Greek community leaders.

Greece’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Kotsiras, Greece’s Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, John Chrysoulakis, and the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), Bill Papastergiadis, have all written to Macquarie University in strong support of the continuation of its Modern Greek Studies Program.

The Greek Herald newspaper, in partnership with the Macquarie University Greek Association (MUGA), have also initiated a petition to rally community support and save the beloved Modern Greek Studies program at Macquarie University.

The petition aims to draw attention to the potential elimination of this valuable discipline, urging the university administration to reconsider its proposed changes.

The Greek Herald newspaper and MUGA are urging all supporters of Modern Greek Studies – Greek Australians, academics, students, and allies alike – to sign the petition and make their voices heard.

To sign the petition, visit https://chng.it/xFrjHM4fpz.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Mytilenians strike gold at first-ever Hellenic Bowling Cup in Sydney

The inaugural Hellenic Bowling Cup rolled into action over the weekend, bringing together Samians, Kytherians, and Mytilenians in Sydney.

The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney to be presented by Benchmark Greek Law

The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney has announced its presenting partner for 2025, Benchmark Greek Law.

Greek Australians heading to Europe face travel disruption as Middle East conflict escalates

Airlines with flights between Australia, the Middle East and Europe are rerouting services and cancelling flights due to Middle East conflict

Tomaras brothers plead guilty over twin attacks in Sydney’s Glebe

Wolli Creek brothers Yianni Tomaras, 33, and Meneleos Tomaras, 30, have pleaded guilty to affray after attacking a former friend twice.

Cumberland Councillor Steve Christou slams rate hike amid cost-of-living crisis

Former Cumberland mayor and current councillor Steve Christou was the lone voice opposing a 7.1% council rate rise at this week’s meeting.

You May Also Like

Greeks come up top in Sydney’s local business awards

Multiple Greek businesses came up top in this year's Local Business Awards, which took place across multiple Sydney districts.

Kytherian Youth Association get creative with painting event

The Kytherian Youth Association organized with great success a “Paint and sip” event at the Kythira House.

The Greek family story behind Clem’s chicken shop in Sydney

Clem’s chicken shop is an legendary place across Sydney. A place which has been named again and again as the area’s best takeaway.