Greece’s Deputy Minister for Greeks Abroad strengthens Adelaide’s bridge between heritage
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
Greece’s Deputy Minister for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis-Michail Loverdos, has concluded a landmark visit to Adelaide, underscoring the city’s dual identity as a cultural heartland for the Greek diaspora and a growing hub of scientific innovation.
Accompanied by Ambassador HE Stavros Venizelos, Embassy Secretary Zoi Tsirakopoulos, and Greek Consul General for South Australia Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, Loverdos met with educators, officials, and community leaders to reaffirm the deep and enduring ties between Greece and Australia.
Honouring language, culture, and community
At St George College, a cornerstone of Greek language and culture in South Australia, students and staff offered the delegation a warm welcome. Loverdos spoke passionately to students about the living importance of their heritage.
“Our language is not only a bridge to our past,” he said, “it is also a key to our future, a connection that unites Greeks wherever they live.”
The College’s senior dance group performed traditional songs and dances, while hospitality students prepared lunch for the delegation, a heartfelt expression of filoxenia, the Greek spirit of hospitality.
Dr Theodoropoulou praised the dedication of Adelaide’s teachers and families in keeping Greek alive, calling education “a vital link between generations and nations.”
Diplomatic and scientific cooperation
In meetings with South Australian Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis, the Deputy Minister discussed strengthening consular services, addressing staffing challenges, and expanding engagement with the Greek-Australian community.
The delegation also visited SmartSat CRC, Australia’s leading space research centre, where Loverdos met with CEO Professor Andy Koronios to explore collaboration in satellite technology, Earth observation, and telecommunications.
Their discussion built upon the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between SmartSat CRC and the Hellenic Space Centre, paving the way for joint research in artificial intelligence, satellite communications, and space science. Professor Koronios, who shares Greek heritage, described the talks as “a continuation of Greece’s long tradition of scientific excellence meeting Australia’s innovation leadership.”
Celebrating shared heritage
The visit concluded with a reception at the Mortlock Chamber of the State Library of South Australia, hosted by the Hellenic Studies Foundation and attended by dignitaries including Adelaide’s Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith.
“Here among you, I feel like I’m home,” Loverdos said in his address. “Greece and Australia may be far apart geographically, but we are close friends and allies.”
The Adelaide visit highlighted how the Greek diaspora continues to serve as a living bridge, connecting ancient heritage with modern innovation. For South Australia’s Greek community, it was both a reaffirmation of identity and a vision for the future: that Greece’s spirit, wherever it travels, remains rooted in language, culture, and the pursuit of knowledge.
As the Deputy Minister concluded his tour, his message resonated clearly: Greece’s future is global and Adelaide will continue to play an important role in that journey.
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