The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) hosted the new Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis, in a productive meeting at its premises to kick off a strong collaboration during his term.
The Community’s Board met with Mr Skemperis at its headquarters in Lakemba on Tuesday, September 16, discussing various topics centred around collaborative initiatives with the Greek Consulate.
It marked the first official meeting between the Community and the Consul General after assuming his post in late August, with the Greek diplomat having earlier visited the Greek Community Club to attend a lecture.
The Consul General expressed immense enthusiasm in formally meeting the Community’s Board of Directors.
“I am very aware of the Community’s extremely valuable contribution for many, many decades to the Greek diaspora here. I am here to continue an already strong cooperation and relationship between the Consulate and the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW,” Mr Skemperis said.
GOCNSW President Harry Danalis highlighted an equal interest in continuing the fruitful relationship between the Community and the Consulate.
“The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW deeply values the longstanding and constructive relationship we have shared with the Consulate of Greece in Sydney,” Mr Danalis said.
“We warmly welcome Mr Skemperis and look forward to working closely with him to further strengthen our ties and collaborate on initiatives that support and promote Hellenism, culture, education and community engagement across generations.”
Mr Skemperis noted a keen interest in collaborating with the Community and its Greek schools on future cultural events.
He also remarked that the strong relationship between the Community and the Greek Consulate is one that must be maintained, particularly ahead of the Consulate’s 100th anniversary next year.
“We intend to organise events for the centenary anniversary that will bring especially the younger people of the diaspora closer to Greece, and that is why we need to work with the Community and the schools to accomplish that,” he said.
