Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni held a high-level meeting in Sydney with NSW Ministers Steve Kamper and Sophie Cotsis, both of Greek heritage, to discuss new avenues for cultural cooperation between Greece and the State Government of New South Wales. The meeting, attended by Archbishop Makarios of Australia, focused on expanding opportunities for cultural exchange and collaboration between the two nations.
Minister Mendoni met with Steve Kamper, NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Planning, Property, Employment, Tourism and Sport, and Sophie Cotsis, NSW Minister for Industry, Work Health and Safety. The three ministers explored ways to deepen cultural relations, with a particular focus on exhibitions showcasing Greece’s long and diverse history alongside the story of the Greek diaspora in Australia.
Minister Kamper proposed hosting such an exhibition at the new Powerhouse Parramatta Museum, set to be the largest museum in New South Wales.
During the meeting, Minister Mendoni presented Greece’s handicraft revival program, an initiative of the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with academic institutions. The program aims to create a new generation of skilled artisans through training, certification, business support, and international networking.
Minister Cotsis highlighted the significance of such initiatives for preserving traditional arts, while Mendoni emphasised their role in supporting local economies and communities, proposing a future handicraft exhibition in Sydney.
The three ministers agreed to sign a memorandum of cooperation that would formalise collaboration not only on exhibitions but also on the exchange of expertise and best practices in cultural development.
Minister Kamper, who also oversees religious communities, spoke about initiatives in NSW promoting dialogue and respect among diverse ethnic and faith groups — efforts that reinforce multiculturalism and social cohesion. He also expressed interest in establishing a similar dialogue with Greece.
Both ministers reaffirmed their support for the virtual museum “Our People, Their Stories”, a project of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Culture, highlighting its importance in preserving the cultural identity and heritage of the Greek diaspora.
Other proposals discussed included the staging of an ancient Greek drama performance in Sydney by the National Theatre of Greece.
While in Sydney, Minister Mendoni also met with hundreds of Greek-Australian children at the annual event of the Catechetical Schools of NSW, held at Gough Whitlam Park in Earlwood, accompanied by Archbishop Makarios, Greece’s Ambassador to Australia Stavros Venizelos, and Consul General George Skemperis.
She also paid a visit to Vasiliada, a model aged care and disability support centre operated by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, commending its service to the elderly and the broader community.
Finally, Mendoni held a brief discussion with John Graham, NSW Minister for Transport, Arts, Music, and the Night-time Economy, exploring future opportunities for cultural collaboration between Greece and New South Wales.
