NUGAS marks 55 years of empowering Greek-Australian tertiary students

NUGAS holds AGM to report in events, outline objectives and elect a new executive committee for a promising future

The NUGAS committee members. Photo: Supplied

28 July 2023 10:50am

The National Union of Greek Australian Students (NUGAS) recently marked its 55th anniversary as the peak Greek Australian tertiary students’ union. In their statement to the media, NUGAS reported on their annual general meeting (AGM), attended by outgoing committee members, presidents of affiliated clubs, and aspiring election candidates from across the tertiary education sector.

During the AGM, the board highlighted the events and achievements of 2023 and presented its objectives for the upcoming term. Notable among the amendments was the introduction of an “alumni panel,” comprising esteemed graduates who can support the organization.

The statement emphasised that NUGAS “remains a thriving not-for-profit student social and cultural organisation”, serving as the most dominant and vocal community of Greek-Australian and Philhellenic youth. The union actively supports the Greek community, promotes Greek culture, and advocates for Greek education.

Several committee members, including James Panas, Georgia Giatrakos, Ellenie Vasilopoulos, and Andrew Malessianakos, concluded their five-year terms with NUGAS. The current executive committee expressed gratitude for their dedication and contributions.

The newly elected committee includes Billy Battista, serving his second term as co-president, and Marissa Robotis, the new president following her previous role as education officer. Existing General committee members Jenna Pletsias, Chris Giannaros, Joanna Angeletos, and Dean Drossos have taken up executive positions, with Christina Savopoulos as a fresh face to NUGAS.

The NUGAS executive thanked the outgoing committee member and affiliate committees, “for all their efforts and contributions this term.”

After the AGM, co-presidents Billy Battista and Marissa Robotis acknowledged the “weight of their responsibility in shaping the organisation’s direction and representing the interests of hundreds of students.” Following the AGM, Billy Battista and Marissa Robotis said that the responsibility of being co-presidents is immense and said they understood the “influence our position holds in shaping the direction of our organisation and representing the interests of hundreds of students.”

“Our decisions and actions have the potential to not only impact the present but also lay the groundwork for a stronger and more cohesive future for all NUGAS members.”We are committed to inclusivity, advocacy, and empowerment, and we recognise that our efforts today can reverberate positively for generations to come.”

The new committee aims to revive projects paused due to the pandemic, including a NUGAS Alumni event to commemorate 50 years of NUGAS Australia and the annual NUGAS Ball at Pullman Albert Park on September 1.

NUGAS also plans to “strengthen relationships with the Greek-Australian community of Victoria and the Diaspora” while enhancing connections with sponsors PRONIA, Bank of Sydney, KORRES, the Greek Community of Melbourne, the Greek-Australian Society, and the Greek Studies at La Trobe Program.

Comprising representatives from six major universities and Deakin University Greek Society (DUGS), La Trobe University Greek Society (LUGS), Monash Hellenic Student Society (MHSS), Melbourne University Greek Association (MUnGA), R.M.I.T. United Society of Hellenes (RUSH), and Swinburne University Greek Association (SHS), the NUGAS Victoria committee is determined to support and empower Greek-Australian tertiary students. Three additional positions are available for independents and graduates.