The South Australian Government has committed $600,000 over four years to the promotion and preservation of Greek language and culture in Adelaide.

In a speech made to open the 9th International Greek Research Conference, on Thursday, South Australian Premier Mike Rann said “this initiative builds further on the State Government’s commitment to ensuring the essential elements of Greek culture are nurtured and passed on to future generations”.

The government funding will go to Logos, Australian Centre for Hellenic Language and Culture Centre at Flinders University so they can promote a greater understanding of Greek knowledge and heritage.

Premier Rann said the government is working with the Greek Government to allow the centre to focus on three key areas – teaching, culture and research. In addition, the funding will also cover 35 scholarships for the education of local teachers of modern Greek, as well as contributing to the development of online learning programs to widen the centre’s research.