The National Union of Greek Australian Students, (NUGAS), met the board and staff of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) last Monday at the Greek Centre in Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.
At the meeting the GCM and NUGAS shared views and explored future collaborations. GCM president, Bill Papastergiadis welcomed involvement of NUGAS in the GCM.
“NUGAS was important to me at university as a conduit to the Greek community, and as a way of integrating more fully into university life,” Mr Papastergiadis told Neos Kosmos.
He said that NUGAS was his “first port of call” when it came to his “future interests in community affairs and leadership”.
The ongoing aim of forging the NUGAS – GCM relationship is to link the organisations and develop a more personalised involvement by Greek Australian tertiary students in the GCM, and to mentor emerging leaders, Mr Papastergiadis said.
NUGAS committee members, co-presidents Billy Battista and James Panas took a prominent role in the discussion with GCM.
Mr Battista reminded the GCM board of the reach of their events, and said that NUGAS was anticipating 800 people at their ball in September.
The GCM, will assist this event and provide sponsorship.
The GCM listened to NUGAS’ insights on how youth and the boarder Greek community can support each other, and Mr Papastergiadis expressed the importance of “bridging the gap between the youth and the Greek community’s various organisations.”
Dr. Spiridoula Demetriou from the GCM said that a collaborative relationship with NUGAS was important.
“Through this relationship students would be provided a platform to additional engagement with the broader Greek community post the conclusion of their university courses.”
Mr. Papastergiadis said that the GCM would work on resourcing and developing the NUGAS’ plans in into the future.
“The Community offices are available without charge for all NUGAS meetings and events, and we will help with formatting NUGAS newsletters.”
