A series of lectures delving into the history of the Greek Diaspora in Australia through six objects kept in the Dardalis Archives of the Hellenic Diaspora is starting on Wednesday.

The six lectures will be hosted at the Greek Centre of the Greek Community of Melbourne, during which the presenters will unravel the amazing secrets the archives hold.

The initiative for organising the lecture series belongs to La Trobe University’s Greek Studies Program, which is aiming to inform the general public of the historical significance of the Dardalis Archive and aspects of Greek settlement in Australia.

The lecture series will commence with the topic of ‘National Identities and Orthodoxy in the First Constitution of the Greek Community of Melbourne’ as they emerge from letters kept in the Archives.

The lecture series continues with Dr Chris Fifis presenting on ‘Politics of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, 1928-1959’ on 12 June.

From left, Fiona Salisbury, La Trobe University Library Deputy Director, Professor of Classics and Ancient History Christopher Mackie, and Dr Stephie Nikoloudis lecturer and head of the Modern Greek Studies program during the announcement of the lecture series.

On 21 August, Dr Konstandina Dounis will examine the topic of ‘A Parallel Universe: Growing up ‘Greek’ in the ’50s and ’60s’.

On 18 September, Dr Dimitri Gonis will look into the lives and the contribution of three Greek pioneers: Mick Adams, Vlase Zanalis and Harry Corones. Three weeks later on 9 October, Peter Yannoudis will explore ‘The History of Greek Cinema in Australia’.

The series will conclude on 6 November, with political scientists Dr Toula Nicolacopoulos and Dr George Vassilacopoulos canvassing the youth activism of Greek Australians after the 70’s and examining in particular ‘The Case of the Lambrakis Youth and the Melbourne anti-Vietnam war campaign’.