Lord Mayor confirms plan to lead Melbourne delegation to Greece at GCM Ambassador event 

·

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) honoured the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, at the Greek Centre on Wednesday, November 27.

The event, which featured a guest list of leading community leaders, elected officials, the Victorian Deputy Premier, and the newly elected Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Nicholas “Niko” Reece, was preceded by a meeting between the GCM Board and the Ambassador. 

During this meeting, the ongoing agenda of the GCM regarding Greece-Australia relations—particularly the issues of tax and health agreements between the two states—was raised directly with the Ambassador once again.

The Ambassador, who was accompanied by the outgoing Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, promised to pursue the concerns of the GCM with the Greek authorities and reiterated that his door was always open to the GCM and its members.

The party then moved to a reception, where the Ambassador was welcomed by several community leaders and newly elected councillors, including the Lord Mayor of Melbourne.

In an evening of kind words and sentiments, it was Lord Mayor Reece who made an unexpected but very welcome announcement. He reiterated Melbourne’s and his personal connection with Greece, confirming that he was “planning to send a delegation to Greece during this term, and it will be the largest delegation this city has ever seen.”

GCM President Bill Papastergiadis took the opportunity to highlight some of the historical milestones that shaped the modern GCM, including a reminder of the Greek Government’s bailout of the GCM at a time of great need.

Ambassador Venizelos thanked his guests and expressed pride in the Greek Australian community, acknowledging the sacrifices of earlier generations who served as a bridge between Greece and Australia. He affirmed his commitment to advocating for the community, stating, “My door is always open.”

Outgoing Consul General Kakavelakis was also acknowledged and thanked for his service to Victoria’s Greek community. He thanked the community for their support and for “always being only a phone call away” whenever he needed anything during his tenure.

Later in the evening, Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous MP, and Deputy Premier Ben Carroll MP joined the reception. They commended the GCM for its collaboration with the Victorian government in shaping anti-vilification legislation

Mr Carroll highlighted Victoria’s multicultural identity as the foundation of its strength, emphasising the importance of maintaining a society where everyone feels safe and respected. 

“What makes Victoria wonderful is our multiculturalism, and we must never lose sight of that enduring strength,” he said.

Both Mr Carroll and Ms Theophanous expressed gratitude to the GCM and its leadership for their ongoing contributions to the state’s inclusive culture.

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

Monash Mayor Paul Klisaris slams voluntary gambling trial as ‘missed opportunity’

City of Monash Mayor Paul Klisaris criticised the Victorian government’s gambling reform trial for failing to include mandatory loss limits.

Greece and Australia among world’s most powerful passports as US drops out of top 10

Greece and Australia have both secured top spots in the latest Henley Passport Index, which ranks global passports.

IMF projects steady debt decline and budget surpluses for Greece through 2030

Greece is on track to maintain primary budget surpluses and continue reducing its public debt through the end of the decade.

Hamas hands over two more hostage bodies as Israel presses for full return

The Red Cross has received the bodies of two additional hostages from Hamas, bringing the total number of remains returned to nine out of 28.

Sydney shines as Greek Film Festival celebrates 30 years of cinema and culture

The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney opened in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night with Kapetan Mihalis.

You May Also Like

Cancer researcher Maria Kavallaris among Eureka Prize finalists

Cancer researcher Maria Kavallaris, journalist Anthea Batsakis, and mentor Dr. Melina Georgousakis are finalists in this year's Eureka Prizes.

Sydney’s Greek community unites for the inaugural ELPIS Foundation fundraiser

ELPIS Foundation's inaugural fundraiser, held on Sunday, February 16, successfully raised funds to support individuals affected by addiction.

Remembering the Battle of Levidi in Arcadia

The battle of Levidi, turned into a great victory for Greeks and determined the outcome of the War of Independence.