Australian Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan, visited Kythera last week to attend the 10th International Symposium of Kythera, organised by the Kytherian Institute and its president, Elias Marselos.
In her address, Duncan thanked Marselos and the local community for their warm welcome. She reiterated the significance of the Kytherian community in Australia for bilateral friendship and received a certificate of recognition for the Embassy’s ongoing support of the Kytherian community in both Greece and Australia.
“The hospitality of the local community made this visit particularly special. It was touching to hear the stories of the Australian-Kytherian community and witness firsthand their passion for both Kythera and Australia,” wrote Ambassador Duncan in a post on the official social media page of the Australian Embassy in Greece.
Ambassador Duncan met with the Mayor of Kythera, Efstratios Charhalakis, congratulating him on his tireless efforts to strengthen the island’s ties with Australia.
A central topic of discussion was the creation of the new Kythera Migration Museum under the auspices of the Australian Embassy. This new museum is an initiative of the “Friends of the Museums of Kythera” association, who welcomed Ambassador Duncan and presented the project plans.
During her visit, Duncan also met with Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera, expressing her admiration for the significant restoration work of the Monastery of Panagia Myrtidiotissa, a major religious site on the island.
Amidst a particularly challenging fire season, Ambassador Duncan had the opportunity to connect with the island’s firefighters, wishing them success in their difficult mission.
Accompanied by Dr Lita Tzortzopoulou-Gregory from the Australian Archaeological Institute in Athens, Ambassador Duncan visited the archaeological site of Paleochora, the stunning ancient capital of Kythera, where the Institute is conducting significant research.
During her stay, Duncan also explored the island’s rich local artistic scene. She visited a photography exhibition by Greek-Australian artist Konstantinos Koronaios and an exhibition of traditional arts and instruments by Maria Schina and Panagiotis Lefteri.
She was particularly impressed by a replica of the Antikythera Mechanism. Additionally, she visited the Archaeological Museum and the Castle of Kythera, which offers stunning views, accompanied by archaeologist Theodoros Koukouli.
