Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) President Bill Papastergiadis OAM welcomed European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas on his first visit to the Greek Centre.
A delegation from the GCM Board of Directors, Anthea Sidiropoulos (Vice President), Michael Karamitos (Vice President), Nick Koukouvitakis (Secretary), Vicki Kyritsis (Assistant Secretary), Dr Spiridoula Demetriou and Christos Sikavitsas, were also present.
Mr Schinas was accompanied by the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis and the EU Ambassador to Australia, Gabriele Visentin.
Mr. Schinas visited the Greek Center and received an overview of the cultural and educational activities of the GCM.
Mr. Papastergiadis OAM highlighted to Mr. Schinas the importance of preserving and celebrating Greek heritage in the diaspora and the evolution of the GCM, which has become a vibrant center of Greek cultural expression with more than 100 events per year.
Mr Papastergiadis said: “Melbourne is a truly cosmopolitan city and is a leading example of how multiculturalism is supported to achieve societal outcomes. As part of your role as a leader in the ‘European way of life’, our work in Melbourne can and should be used for learning about how different communities can come together and work cooperatively.
“It is a great honor to have Mr. Schinas with us at the Greek Center. We extend our sincere thanks to him for his commitment to strengthening EU-Australia cooperation,” added Mr Papastergiadis.
“Its focus on promoting the European way of life aligns perfectly with the values held dear by the Greek diaspora and the Australian community as a whole.”
Ms. Sidiropoulos said: “We appreciate Vice President Schinas’ vision and commitment to promoting the European way of life globally and focusing on skills development, immigration and business. »
Mr Kakavelakis said: “It is a great honor that Mr Schinas has visited Melbourne and will be able to reflect our culture in high-level meetings with Australian officials.”
Mr. Karamitos also expressed his sincere gratitude to Mr. Schinas and thanked him for taking the time to visit the Center.
Mr. Schinas received a copy of the book on the history of the Greek Orthodox community of Melbourne and Victoria from its founding until 1972, as well as a community plaque to recognize its visit.
Mr. Schinas had a brief discussion with the book’s author, Ms. Charpantidou, and Mr. Schinas said that “through these collective efforts, we highlight the vital importance of safeguarding and celebrating Greek heritage within of the diaspora, and we can move forward.”
Mr. Schinas thanked Mr. Papastergiadis and the Council members for their warm hospitality, and was deeply impressed by the 15-story GCM building, emphasizing how it was a global landmark for all Hellenes.
“Melbourne Greeks have a deep and important presence. What you have achieved is significant and it is equally important that your work is supported by the Australian Government,” Mr Schinas said.
The goal of Mr Schinas’ official visit to Australia is to strengthen EU-Australia cooperation and central to its mission is the promotion of the European way of life and the exploration of opportunities for collaboration in areas such as cultural exchange, economic cooperation and talent migration .
Drawing on the successes of Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada, Mr Schinas aims to foster a dynamic labor market within the European Union through what he calls the “EU talent pool”.
“The United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are “very strong competitors that provide easy pathways for third-country nationals to immigrate and pursue skilled professions, thereby enriching their economies,” noted Mr. .Schinas.
In the following days, Mr Schinas will participate in a series of events and discussions with members of the Australian Government and institutional representatives, as well as engagements with members of the Euro-Australian Business Council to improve mobility skills and talents, and members of the Greek diaspora in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.
