La Trobe University, reaffirmed its commitment last week to the establishment of the Centre for Contemporary Greek Studies.

The centre is to replace the former National Centre for Hellenic Studies and Research (also known as EKEME), which was closed at the end of last year.

The reassurances by La Trobe University, come at a time when Greek community figures have questioned the slow pace with which La Trobe University is proceeding in setting up the new centre.

One of the issues under scrutiny is that the university appears to be dragging its feet on the appointment of a Director for the centre.

Applications for the position closed on June 5 and Neos Kosmos English Edition (NKEE) understands that up until now, no interviews have been scheduled.

“It is not at all surprising that we haven’t appointed anyone to the Director position yet, as it often takes many months to find the right candidate for a position as important to the university as the head of the new centre,” spokesman for La Trobe University Mark Pearce said.

When pressed, however, to provide a specific timeline as to the process, Mr Pearce responded by saying: “There are confidentiality protocols around recruitment that mean I cannot divulge when interviews for the position are taking place, or how many people have applied.”

Mr Pearce reiterated the university’s dedication to the establishment of the centre.

La Trobe has allocated certain funds for the Centre according to Mr Pearce but he did not provide specific information.

“The details will be available when the University’s 2010 budget is finalised in November. I can say, however, that the Vice-Chancellor is very supportive of the Greek and Hellenic program partnership development,” Mr Pearce pointed out.

Meanwhile the Ambassador of Greece in Australia, George Zois revealed to NKEE that the University has not briefed him on progress in the setting of the Centre for Contemporary Greek Studies.

 “I’ve had no information nor contact for at least the last six months,” Mr Zois underscored.

The governments of Greece and Cyprus have financially supported in the past the operations of EKEME and La Trobe has expressed interest in retaining these links.

Mr Pearce announced that “A Scholarship Fund is being established under the personal direction of the Vice-Chancellor to encourage increased mobility of students between Greece and Australia, support students wishing to undertake Greek studies at La Trobe, and support access to higher education for students of Greek heritage.” 

However the specific details of the scholarship fund will be outlined later this year after the University’s budgets have been finalised.