A delegation of Greek parliamentarians recently visited Melbourne and attended various events that strengthen ties between Greece and the Greek diaspora in Australia.
The visit, coincided with anniversaries and celebrations commemorating the 1821 Revolution of Independence.
The delegation consisted Evangelia Liakouli, Secretary of the Parliamentary Group of PASOK – Movement for Change and member for Larissa, who proposed a Ministry of the Hellenic Diaspora. There was also the former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Hellenic Diaspora, Konstantinos Vlassis, and Asimina Skondra.
As part of their Australian tour the delegation visited Melbourne’s Australian Hellenic Memorial last Saturday.
Soon after the visit and wreath laying ceremony, they were treated to a personalised tour of the Shrine of Remembrance. The parliamentarians also participated in Melbourne’s National Day parade at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park on Sunday.
The parade of around 70 sections celebrated the centenary of the Archdiocese of Australia, and the 40-year sister cities relationship between Thessaloniki and Melbourne. It also commemorated the 50th anniversary of the illegal occupation of Cyprus.
During their stay, the parliamentarians held official meetings with ecclesiastical, consular, political, and community authorities.
Discussions revolved around initiatives for the Hellenic Diaspora, with Evangelia Liakouli proposing the establishment of a Ministry of the Hellenic Diaspora to address the needs and future of Greek communities worldwide.
This proposal was reiterated at a dinner hosted by the Panarcadian Association “O Kolokotronis,” attended by representatives from New Democracy, SYRIZA, and PASOK.
Theodora Tzakri emphasised the necessity of a National Strategic Plan for Hellenism, based on the program developed by the Center for the Greek Language in Thessaloniki. The event also featured speeches highlighting the historical contributions of Arcadians, including presentations by Dimitris Alexopoulos and reflections by Konstantinos Vlasis on Greece’s indebtedness to the Arcadians and Theodoros Kolokotronis.
The delegation later visited Oakleigh’s Greek precinct, enjoyed a lunch hosted by the Thessaloniki Association “The White Tower” at “Kati Allo” restaurant and toured Oakleigh Grammar Day School.
They also participated in the annual Greek Independence Day parade at St. John’s College, where they engaged with students and community members, further solidifying the bonds between Greece and Australia.
St. John's College honouring Greek Independence Day. Photo: Supplied
St. John's College honouring Greek Independence Day. Photo: Supplied
St. John's College honouring Greek Independence Day. Photo: Supplied
The visit concluded with a morning tea at St. John’s College, focusing on promoting Hellenic education and culture abroad.
The event underscored the school’s commitment to fostering Hellenic heritage and its role as a prominent advocate of Hellenic culture and education in Australia.
Overall, the gathering of Greek Members of Parliament (MPs) in Melbourne was dedicated to discussing initiatives for the Hellenic Diaspora, where Evangelia Liakouli, Secretary of the Parliamentary Group of PASOK – Movement for Change and Larissa MP, proposed the establishment of a Ministry of the Hellenic Diaspora, a notion reiterated at the Panarcadian Association “O Kolokotronis” dinner.
During the event, which was attended by representatives from New Democracy, SYRIZA, and PASOK, including Konstantinos Vlassis, and Asimina Skondra, discussions focused on the importance of a national plan for Hellenism in the Diaspora.
The evening also included speeches highlighting the historical contributions of Arcadians, with Dimitris Alexopoulos giving a presentation and Vlassis reflecting on Greece’s debt to the Arcadians and Theodoros Kolokotronis.
Giorgos Kotsirilos offers Evangelia Liakouli a book about the Arcadians of Australia.
Giorgos Kotsirilos and Theodora Tzakri.
Asimina Skondra receives the book by T. Tamis from Giorgos Kotsirilos.
George Kotsirilos, Aemilia Kazakou, and MP Konstantinos Vlasis.
Tzakri also stressed the need for a National Strategic Plan for Hellenism, based on the program developed by the Center for the Greek Language in Thessaloniki.
The event concluded with President of the Panarcadian Association “o Kolokotronis” George Kotsirilos, presenting MPs with the Children of Pan book on the history of the Arcadians of Australia by Professor Anastasios Tamis.
On Monday, AGAPI Care hoster Vlasis and Liakouli accompanied by the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, and the Chairman, of the Victorian Council for Greek National Day, Tony Tsourdalakis.
The guests were received by AGAPI Care’s President, Arthur Evriniadis; CEO, Mary Gakopoulos. During their visit, the parliamentarians were given a tour of AGAPI Care’s ‘State of the Art’ Day Program and Head Office in Preston, engaging in discussions about the organisation’s history and services. The visitors noted similarities and differences between the services offered by AGAPI Care and those available to people with disabilities in Greece.
Operating Officer, Angela Pilipasidis; AGAPI Care’s President Arthur Evriniadis; Member for
Arcadia and Former Deputy Minister for Greeks Abroad, Konstantinos Vlasis; Member for Larissa
and B’ Vice President of the Parliamentary Council for Greeks Abroad, Evangelia Liakouli; AGAPI
Care’s Chief Executive Officer, Mary Gakopoulos and Chair of the Victorian Council for Greek
National Day Tony Tsourdalakis. Photo: Supplied
The two MPs said that the “Hellenic Parliament and the Hellenic Government will warmly receive members and clients of AGAPI Care in Athens and in Parliament during their Trip to Greece in September 2025”. In Larissa, the Aristeas Foundation was named as a possible sister organisation.