The Australian government confirmed that it was ready to sign the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) with Greece. At a meeting held yesterday with the Federal Immigration Minister Tony Burke, Federal Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou and President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria Bill Papastergiadis, Mr Burke confirmed Australia’s commitment to signing the visa as soon as possible, adding that the visa is now with the Greek government.
Mr Burke also congratulated the efforts of the GOCMV in promoting the Greek language and culture in Melbourne through the plans for the new Greek Cultural Centre, as well as the important roles the programs developed by the GOCMV – such as the lecture series – play in the retention and promotion of Hellenic culture and multicultural identity, not only to Greek Australians, but the wider community of Victoria.
In the meeting, Mr Papastergiadis also asked for additional funding from the Federal Government for the employment of an archivist, curator and a Greek language coordinator at the new Cultural Centre on Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.