The Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOC NSW) hosted the new Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Georgios Skemperis, for a first official meeting at its Lakemba headquarters on Tuesday.
The meeting, described as productive by both sides, marked Skemperis’s initial formal engagement with the community’s Board of Directors since assuming his post in late August.
Earlier in his term, the Consul General attended a lecture at the Greek Community Club, but Tuesday’s meeting focused on fostering closer collaboration between the Greek Consulate and the Community.
“I am very aware of the Community’s extremely valuable contribution for many, many decades to the Greek diaspora here,” Skemperis said according to a media release.
“I am here to continue an already strong cooperation and relationship between the Consulate and the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW.”
GOC NSW President Harry Danalis highlighted the mutual interest in maintaining and strengthening ties.
“The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW deeply values the longstanding and constructive relationship we have shared with the Consulate of Greece in Sydney,” he said.
“We warmly welcome Mr Skemperis and look forward to working closely with him on initiatives that support and promote Hellenism, culture, education, and community engagement across generations.”
Discussions also included plans for future cultural events in collaboration with the Community and its Greek schools, particularly in anticipation of the Consulate’s 100th anniversary next year.
Skemperis said events marking the centenary would aim to engage younger members of the Greek diaspora and deepen their connection with Greece.
