GCM and NUGAS collaborate to empower Greek Australian youth

Greek Community of Melbourne and National Union of Greek Australian Students join forces to establish a new body dedicated to engaging with and supporting young individuals

The NUGAS and GCM committee members in attendance. Photo: Supplied

21 June 2023 6:04pm

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The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) and the recently elected committee of the National Union of Greek Australian Students Victoria (NUGAS) came together at The Greek Centre on Wednesday for a productive roundtable discussion.

During the meeting, both organisations agreed to form a subcommittee that will focus on creating initiatives aimed at the youth.

Initiated by Tass Sgardelis, former NUGAS president and current GCM Board Member, the gathering highlighted the long-standing collaboration between the two organizations. GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM and Vice President Michael Karamitos were present, expressing their eagerness to hear the vision of the new NUGAS committee and determine how the GCM could best provide support.

Key discussions revolved around the GCM spearheading a youth subcommittee, which will convene monthly to collaborate on programs and events. NUGAS Co-Presidents Marissa Robotis and Billy Battista enthusiastically affirmed their interest in the proposal, embracing the opportunity for collaboration.

Bill Papastergiadis OAM said that the youth subcommittee “will serve as a vital platform for community input, facilitating leadership within the GCM for years to come.” Echoing Bill’s sentiments, Michael Karamitos added that the current GCM board is “committed to establishing channels for direct communication between Greek Australian youth and the GCM, fostering collaborative innovation.”

In addition to discussing the youth subcommittee, Billy Battista and Marissa Robotis shared updates on NUGAS’ upcoming events, including the End of Semester Festa, a joint venture with VITA (Victorian Italian-Australian Tertiary Association).

They also highlighted NUGAS’ plan to celebrate its 50-year anniversary with an alumni event in the coming year. The GCM delegation warmly welcomed these initiatives and offered their assistance.

Bill Papastergiadis OAM assured the NUGAS committee that “the GCM will actively support and enhance your vision wherever possible. It is crucial for the GCM to listen to the voices of NUGAS and proactively develop programs that encourage cultural and educational engagement.”

NUGAS Education Officer Christina Savopoulos expressed her gratitude for the GCM’s assistance with the 2022 VCE Oral Greek Exam Help Session and expressed interest in further involving the GCM in future educational activities. Christina shared her committee’s ambition to help post VCE students continue their journey with modern Greek into tertiary education and beyond.

Tass Sgardelis, who serves on the GCM’s education committee alongside Bill Papastergiadis, offered to promote NUGAS’ educational initiatives within GCM schools and extend their reach across Greek schools in Victoria.

The inaugural meeting of the youth subcommittee is scheduled to take place in late July, marking an exciting milestone in empowering Greek Australian youth and fostering collaboration between the GCM and NUGAS.

In attendance were:

Bill Papastergiadis OAM | President of the Greek Community of Melbourne

Michael Karamitos | Vice President of the Greek Community of Melbourne

Tass Sgardelis | Board Member of the Greek Community of Melbourne

Billy Battista | Co-President of NUGAS | MUnGA

Marissa Robotis | Co-President of NUGAS | RUSH

Jenna Pletsias | Secretary of NUGAS | DUGS

Chris Giannaros | Treasurer of NUGAS | DUGS

Christina Savopoulos | Education Officer of NUGAS | MUnGA

Daphne Chryssanthakopoulos | Representing LUGS

Theodora Tamvakis | Representing LUGS

Angelica Spiliopoulos | Representing LUGS