The creation of the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria’s (GOCMV) Cultural Centre and the cultural exchange that exists between Greece and Australia lead discussions when newly appointed Greek Ambassador to Australia Haralambos Dafaranos met with members and the board of directors of the GOCMV.
In the meeting held this week, Mr Dafaranos showed great interest in community concerns with regard to tax reform for expatriates, agreeing that a simplified system to avoid undue hardship for expatriates is needed. This Monday, the community has a meeting planned for concerned Greek Australians regarding the tax issue, that will be attended by the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Ms Eleni Lianidou.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Konstantinos Tsiaras’ visit to Australia, was also discussed.
Mr Tsiaras will visit Melbourne to attend the events at the Antipodes Festival, and will meet with the Community to discuss issues related to this historical organisation, and diaspora in general.
Mr Dafaranos showed particular interest for the imminent signing of the bilateral agreement between Greece and Australia, which will enable visitors up to 30 years of age to work during their holidays (the working holiday visa).
The Greek ambassador said that the Greek government has requested additional information and that he will soon have a meeting on this matter with Australian Immigration Minister, Chris Bowen.
Regarding the teaching of the Greek language in Australian schools, Mr Dafaranos stressed his contacts with relevant government departments.
Impressed with the work GOCMV has been doing, Mr Dafaranos expressed his full support for one of “the most dynamic organisations of the Greek diaspora”, that will “make us all proud”.
For the President of GOCMV, Bill Papastergiadis, it was an interesting meeting and a great opportunity for exchange of views and dialogue on issues related to the community and the Diaspora in general.
On Tuesday, Mr Dafaranos and his wife were welcomed at the dinner of the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce (HACCI).
The Greek ambassador shared his thoughts on placement of Commercial Attaché at the Greek Consulate in Melbourne, but also on how to increase Greek exports to Australia and tourism from Australia to Greece.
The Greek ambassador and his wife also visited the offices of Neos Kosmos where they discussed with director Christopher Gogos, and editor in chief Sotiris Hatzimanolis, a number of issues relating to the diaspora. The ambassador also met with the English edition staff to congratulate them on the important job they are doing in providing members of the second and third generation information pertaining to their community.