On 10 February members of the Board of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) had the opportunity to meet new Greek Consul General Emmanuel Kakavelakis, hosting him at the Greek Centre.
Along with a tour of the Greek Centre, GCM Board members briefed the new Consul on the operations of the organisation. A particular focus was given to the upcoming events scheduled for the 1821 anniversary celebrations and the operation of the GCM’s education program.
Committee co-chairs Professor Marinis Pirpiris and Michael Karamitos outlined the GCM’s 200th anniversary commemorative program for the Consul. The Organising Committee in charge of curating the GCM’s commemorative program have developed a diverse, COVID safe year long celebration.
The program is set to commence in the coming week, starting off with the first of a series of special seminars, the first live event will be held on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 March at the inaugural Lonsdale St Greek Music Festival.
Following this will be a feast day celebration including a re-enactment of the raising of the revolutionary banner on Sunday 28 March at the historic and recently reinstated Evangelismos church in East Melbourne.
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Education committee members Nick Dallas and Spiros Papadopoulos briefed the Consul on the emphasis that the GCM places on its educational programs which range from Pre School through to partnerships with Victorian Universities and also gave mention to the ongoing challenges these programs face.
Jim Bossinakis and Leo Vlahakis also took the opportunity to brief the Consul on the GCM’s year long cultural program. Mr Vlahakis in particular mentioned the Community’s Seminar program and its Festivals which of course include the Antipodes, Greek Film and Greek Writers Festivals amongst others.
The Consul General was effusive in his praise of “our endeavour and activity”.
The Consul advised that he was available at all times in regards to matters which required Greek Government input and that he was pleased with his posting to Melbourne.