12th International Summer University Opens at UNSW Sydney
Greek songs from students at Sans Souci Public School set the tone as the 12th International Summer University opened at the Rex Vowels Theatre at UNSW Sydney on Monday, September 7. Academics, government representatives, community leaders and students gathered to explore the future of the Greek language in Australia. This year’s program, *Greek Language, Culture and Media – The Greek Language in Australia: From Memory to the Future*, is held under the auspices of Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas. Support comes from the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Recorded opening messages were delivered by Greece’s Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki and Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos, who is responsible for Greeks Abroad. Speakers included NSW Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis, Greece’s Ambassador to Australia Stavros Venizelos and Bank of Sydney chief executive Kieran McKenna. Representatives of the NSW Opposition, universities and Greek Australian organisations also participated. Attendees included Greece’s Consul General in Sydney, George Skemperis; Consul General in Adelaide Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou; founder Professor Nikoletta Tsitsanoudis-Mallidis; and co-organiser Vasilis Adrahtas. Presentations and discussions will continue through the week, examining the Greek language’s presence, development and future prospects in Australia, while underscoring Sydney’s place in Greek Australian cultural, educational and community life.
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