The Australian Hellenic Council (AHC) has held its Annual National Conference to discuss issues relevant to Hellenes in Australia and the wider diaspora, such as Greek migration to Australia.
Delegates from all over Australia attended the conference last week, as well as Acting Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Mr Loukas Tsokos and the High Commissioner of Cyprus, Mr Yianni Yiacovou. Both diplomats spoke to the delegates and passed on their messages of congratulations for hosting the unified event. Ambassador Tsokos and High Commissioner Yiacovou provided an analysis on Hellenic national issues as well as current events in Greece and Cyprus.
National representatives from the largest Greek Australian Federations, Greek Orthodox Communities and organisations from across Australia participated, as well as young Greek Australians Peter Doukas, Sophocles Kitharidis, Lex Georgiou, Michael Christodoulides and Eleni Efthymiou, representing peak Hellenic organisations who took the lead in presenting issues to our Federal Parliamentarians.
The youthful leadership was evident when presenting Australian Hellenic issues to assist our MPs in acknowledging that these issues hold particular relevance to the wider Australian Hellenic community and to Australian society as a whole.
The issue of Greek migration to Australia was discussed with a number of MPs including the Minister of Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon. Chris Bowen. Other key issues of concern including the “Macedonian” issue, the Cyprus question, the Christian Genocide of Anatolia and the violation of civil and human rights of the Greek minority in Northern Epirus, were also raised.
The National Charter for the AHC was unanimously ratified by the delegates. This will provide the AHC with the ability to operate with greater efficiency and with more resources providing the Hellenic-Australian community with a more effective and cohesive voice.
It was further agreed that the National Presidium will consist of the National President, Mr Evan Kakulas (also the State Coordinator for WA), the State Coordinator for NSW, Mr John Petropoulos, and the State Coordinator for Victoria, Mr Peter Jasonides.
The AHC is the peak umbrella body representing the Australian Greek community nationwide.
