La Trobe University’s Greek Studies Program, the Dardalis Archives of the Hellenic Diaspora, and the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria jointly present as series of seminars delving into the History of the Greeks in Australia.

The research seminar series will take place across six sections, speakers will take an object from the Archives as a starting point for their presentations which will invite the audience to delve deeper into a variety of migration stories contained in the collection reflecting the migration of Greeks to Australia.

At the end of World War II, Australia embarked on a large-scale immigration scheme, with Greek migrants making up the third largest group of arrivals.

The presentation promises to explore the rapid proliferation of Greek language education across Victoria following this period of mass migration. A number of aspects are examined, including multi-factorial difficulties in establishing programs, parental expectations and the impact of Australian government policy. This presentation also takes a look at the decline in the study of Greek language in modern day Victoria and theorises ways in which the future of Greek language education can become brighter in Victoria.

The seminars will begin with a presentation by George Pangalis, a retired educator with more than thirty years experience. Born in Corfu in Greece, George arrived in Australia at the age of 18. George completed his undergraduate studies at La Trobe University, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies and Political Science, followed by a Diploma in Education. From there he undertook his postgraduate studies at the University of Melbourne where he obtained a Bachelor of Education and Master of Education, both specialising in Educational Administration. In the early 1980s, George studied Greek Literature at the University of New England and attended various educational seminars to further expand his knowledge. Whilst completing his tertiary studies, George was also teaching Modern Greek in Afternoon and Saturday Schools.

Key milestones in George’s career include teaching appointments at state secondary schools, Vice-Principal at St John’s College in Preston, founding member and Vice Principal at Alphington Grammar School. George’s social activities include the establishment of the Australian-Hellenic Cricket Federation which, during 2012 to 2014, allowed more than 130 youth the opportunity to visit and play cricket in Greece.

For a number of years George was a member of La Trobe University’s Project Committee that oversaw the preservation, maintenance, electronic digitisation and archiving of artefacts from the former National Centre for Hellenic Studies and Research or E.K.E.M.E. (known as The Dardalis Archives of the Hellenic Diaspora). George has launched a number of books and poetry collections by Greek Australian poets and writers. In November 2007, George received the Multicultural Medal from the Governor of Victoria for his valuable services to education and the community.

The Dardalis Archives Research Seminar Series: “The History of the Greeks in Australia in Six Objects”

The series will complete over six Wednesday evenings in 2023, taking place at 7pm at the Greek Centre (168 Lonsdale St).

– 24 May: George Pangalis – The History of Greek School Education in Victoria.

– 14 June: Sotiris Hatzimanolis [in Greek] – Greek newspapers in Australia: A History of Neos Kosmos

– 2 August: Professor Joy Damousi AM – On Sport and Community

– 13 September: Rena Frangioudaki OAM [in Greek]- A life in Greek radio broadcasting and journalism

– 4 October: Peter Yiannoudes OAM [in Greek] – The lobbying power of the united Greek Cypriot community and Greek communities in Australia

– 8 November: Dr Alexandra Dellios – Migrant Activism and Debates in Welfare

For more information contact: s.nikoloudis@latrobe.edu.au