Leading advocate for return of Parthenon Sculptures appointed to Multicultural NSW Advisory Board.

The NSW Government has updated its Multicultural NSW Advisory Board, welcoming four new members, including well-known Greek-Australian community figure George Vardas.

Mr Vardas and the five other members appointed/reappointed will serve a three-year term on the board until 2026.The Greek-Australian, who has a legal background, said he feels “very honoured” to have been appointed to this board, which works to provide advice and guidance on a range of matters relating to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

“Earlier this year, I became aware that there were vacancies on the board and Multicultural NSW was seeking expressions of interest,” Mr Vardas told Neos Kosmos.

Mr Vardas states as one of his achievements his advocacy in respect of cultural heritage matters, notably the campaign for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures.

NSW Government noted that the merit-based selection process attracted more than 150 applications, of which Mr Vardas was among a select few to earn a spot on the board.He elaborated on his prior experience in this area, having served on the multicultural advisory group at Hurstville Council and later Georges River Council and conducting advocacy work with the Australian Hellenic Council (AHC).”I have always had an interest in protecting our multicultural society and ensuring that Australia’s rich and diverse culture is preserved and enhanced,”

Mr Vardas said.”For example, through the AHC, we played a significant role in lobbying against the proposed changes to section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act some years ago.

“Mr Vardas, who was previously President of the Kytherian Association of Australia and Secretary of the AHC, said he is excited about the challenge and opportunity to “influence government policy and help shape decisions”.

Along with Mr Vardas, the new board members include Malaemie Fruean OAM, David Giang, and Youth Member Polina Mycak, with them joining Esther Adeyinka and Ömer Incekara, who were reappointed.NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper (Σταύρος Καμπερογιάννης) said in the official release that “the Advisory Board has a vital role to play as a conduit between community, Multicultural NSW and the NSW Government”.”Drawing on their community connections, cross-cultural understanding and lived experience, our Advisory Board elevates the voices of the wider community,” Mr Kamper said, reiterating his excitement to work with the new members and the entire Advisory Board.

“Our vision is for a stronger NSW, using our cultural diversity as a vehicle to achieve cultural and economic prosperity.”Nick Kaldas APM, the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board Chair, stressed their vision is for a “stronger NSW, using our cultural diversity as a vehicle to achieve cultural and economic prosperity”.”We are committed to ensuring the views and concerns of all people are heard in government decision-making processes, and everyone has equal access to government services,”

Mr Kaldas said in the announcement.”Through understanding our communities, we can deliver improved services, better use our cultural and linguistic resources and be more cohesive and resilient in response to challenges.”