Migration has long been recognised as a transformative force, not just for individuals seeking new opportunities, but also for the entities involved in facilitating these movements.
Historian Dr. Ioannis Limnios Sekeris will delve into this topic in an upcoming online event hosted by the Greek Community of Melbourne’s History and Culture Seminars.
Scheduled for Thursday, April 11, the Facebook event promises a deep dive into the pivotal role played by Greek transport companies in the post-World War II migration to Australia.
Transport companies, often overlooked but crucial components of migration processes, operated not merely from a humanitarian standpoint but also with significant commercial interests.
Dr. Sekeris’s seminar aims to unravel the complexities surrounding the involvement of Greek transport companies, particularly the Greek-Australian Line, in facilitating migration from Greece to Australia.
“It is a great honour and pleasure to be with you, even online, this Thursday 11/04, in the context of the History and Culture Seminars of the Greek Community of Melbourne. Post-WWII migration from Greece to Australia is a consistent pillar of my work as a historian. Over the years, I have presented part of my work at academic conferences regarding aspects of this migration. On Thursday, it will be an opportunity to discuss together about your history and the mechanisms that put it into action,” said Ioannis Limnios Sekeris in a Facebook post.
Key questions will be explored during the seminar, shedding light on the pre-existing conditions before the deployment of SS Patris and the establishment of the Greek-Australian Line by shipowners Chandris in 1959.
Additionally, the role of the Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration (ICEM) and the Greek government’s involvement will be scrutinised, offering insights into the broader migration mechanism that facilitated the relocation of approximately 200,000 individuals from Greece to Australia between 1950 and 1973.
Dr. Sekeris, whose academic pursuits have centered on post-WWII migration and the intersection of international organisations with the private sector, brings a wealth of expertise to the table.
His doctoral research, completed in 2023, explored the intricate relationship between migration-focused international organisations and entities in the shipping and airline industries from 1951 to 1980. With a foundation in maritime history, aviation history, and transport history, Dr. Sekeris is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of post-war migration dynamics.
The seminar has been made possible in memory of George Asproftas, with the support of the Kastellorizian Association of Victoria, Delphi Accounting, and Symposiarch Wines.
For those interested in attending the seminar, please visit the event page on Facebook.
For further information, contact info@greekcommunity.com.au or call 03 9662 2722.
