Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Media Release

Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation has been in a harmonious partnership with Macquarie University for a period of almost 40 years. During that period, the Greek language, history ,and culture were taught successfully at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels at the University. The course started at the initiative of the Greek Student Association (MUGA) at the time and has been ongoing with the support of the Greek Government and Greek Community
over the years.

The Foundation was informed at the end of the last semester that the University is presently contemplating the discontinuance of the subject dealing with language and cultures and the commencement of a course of global studies. Α significant part of the changes envisages the discontinuance of the study of five languages inclusive of the Greek language. 

The Foundation responded immediately to the University’s discussion paper which in addition to a lengthy written submission, also sought face-to-face meetings and discussions with the Vice Chancellor of the University and the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts. The campaign was actively supported by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, George Kotsiras, the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, Ioannis Chrysoulakis, τhe General Secretariat for Higher Education Greek Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports of the Hellenic Republic, Odysseas Zoras, the Hon. Stephen Kamper, MP, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Lands and Property, Minister for Multiculturalism, and Minister for Sport, the Hon. Sophie Cotsis, MP, Minister for Industrial Relations, and Minister for Work Health and Safety, the Greek Consul General in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, The President of the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra, John Loukadellis along with two federal members of the parliament, Steve Georganas MP and David Smith MP, he Greek Consul General in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, Bill Papastergiadis the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, Harris Danalis and many Greek organisations and academics both local and overseas. Special mention must be made of the students from the Greek Student Association MUGA who instigated a petition in partnership with The Greek Herald which has secured up to now more than 2,500 signatures. Also, all Greek media, such as The Greek Herald, Neos Kosmos, Greek City Times, SBS Greek Radio, 2MM effectively have supported the Foundation’s campaign.

Discussions with the University are continuing, and a final decision is expected to be made by the middle of 2024. At present, the status quo regarding the Modern Greek Program remains unchanged, and new enrolments are taking place for the 2024 academic year as well as all other scheduled academic and outreach activities, such as the maintenance of Macquarie University as the only certified Examination Centre in NSW for the Certificate of Attainment in the Greek Language, which is the largest such center in Australia and one of the most significant in the whole world. Likewise, events are being planned for the 2024 such as the Awards Ceremony for the Certificates of Attainment in the Greek Language scheduled for early February 2024, celebrating the International Day of the Greek Language. All these academic activities have been initiated through the tireless efforts of Dr. Patricia Koromvokis.

On behalf of the Foundation, we would like to thank everyone for the support to date, and a special mention must be made of a member of our Board – Mr Leon Bombotas, for his enormous contribution both in the drafting of the written submission and his eloquent presentation at the face-to-face meeting with the Vice Chancellor.

We also take this opportunity to wish all our members, sponsors and supporters, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Theophilus Premetis - Honorary President

Joannis Theodoridis - Honorary Secretary