The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) recently hosted a special visit from George Neonakis, the Consul of Greece in New Zealand, in a meeting that highlighted shared values, cultural preservation, and deepening ties between Hellenic communities on both sides of the Tasman Sea.
Neonakis was warmly received at the Greek Centre by GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM, Vice Presidents Dr Jim Bossinakis and Michael Karamitos, Secretary Nick Koukouvitakis, Treasurer Assoc. Professor Marinis Pirpiris, and Board Member Dr Spiz Demetriou. The discussions centred on community cohesion, intergenerational continuity, and preserving Greek identity in the diaspora.
Neonakis shared insights from his experience with the Greek community in New Zealand, acknowledging the unique challenges they face, including a decline in community numbers following the pandemic. He praised the GCM’s resilience, structure, and thriving spirit:
“The Greek Community of Melbourne continues to strengthen its deep ties with Australia, making it one of the most vibrant and connected communities in the country. It’s not just about lifestyle, it’s the strength of the Greek community spirit. Alive. Thriving. Preserve this, because you’re building on something solid.”
GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM expressed his gratitude for the visit and emphasised the importance of maintaining strong transnational community networks:
“We deeply value the opportunity to connect with our counterparts across the Tasman. What makes our community thrive is the collective will to support, celebrate, preserve, and continuously rethink our culture — not just for today, but for future generations.”
Longstanding board member Dr Spiz Demetriou added that successful diaspora communities are built on cohesion and shared purpose:
“Diaspora communities succeed when they’re cohesive, inclusive, and proactive — and that’s exactly what we strive to be here in Melbourne.”
Neonakis commended the GCM’s leadership and vision, describing the board as “cohesive, understanding, and genuinely committed” to the Greek community in Melbourne:
“These are people with the drive to realise long-term plans — and the optimism to face challenges head-on. The Greek Centre stands tall for a reason. It honours the legacy of this extraordinary community.”
While noting the Greek community’s characteristic high standards, “We are a demanding lot!”
Neonakis called for a balance between critique and appreciation: “Things don’t just happen on their own. I want to congratulate the Greek diaspora of Melbourne and especially the GCM. You are perhaps the finest example of how things should be done. It won’t always be smooth sailing, but in the end, it’s the destination that counts.”
