WORLD COUNCIL OF HELLENES ABROAD
ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟ ΑΠΟΔΗΜΟΥ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΣΜΟΥ (ΣΑΕ)
Report from SAE Regional Conference on 31 October, 1 & 2 November – Sydney Australia
Programme Regional Conference of SAE Oceania & Far East
By Lucy Anastasiadou-Hobbs, Representative of The Hellenic Community and Orthodox Parish of Auckland
There were representatives of Greek organizations in Australia and New Zealand. Political representatives from Greece attended the conference too – from ND, PASOKand LAOS. New Zealand was represented from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
The subjects that were discussed are the following:
- Greek Community issues and opportunities
- Relations between Greece and Greeks abroad
- Cultural Educational Greek Learning
The key points of the conference are the following:
- SAE is investigating to arrange with “Tahidromiko Tamieftirio” e-banking for the Greeks abroad in Australia.
- Voting for Greeks abroad – many different opinions were expressed here – the Greek political parties support this except one or two parties – one of the opinions was that we could have MPs in the “psifodeltio Epikrateias” – reasons for voting are: the Greek politicians will have more interests in the Greeks abroad, Greece is not only for the Greeks living in Greeks but for all the Greeks everywhere in the world, we will have a voice in the Greek parliament
- Oceania Pan Hellenic Sports and Cultural Games in Melbourne in 2009 (28 February – 1 March 2009) – great campaign in Australia – At the moment Wellington is trying to send some representatives from New Zealand to these Games
- SAE sent donation for tree planting in Greece and for the people who suffered from the fires
- Australia has created the “Anoihto Panepistimio” – Open University for the Greeks abroad – students could be 50-55 years old, for all Greeks who arrived in Australia 1950-1960, fees $55 per subject. New Zealand will investigate how the students in New Zealand could benefit from this.
- We need to have more resources for our consulate offices and support the consuls
- Ktimatologio – deadline 30/12/2008 – If you haven’t registered your land/house in Greece by this time you will not be able to sell this land/house or to build. Greeks abroad can even apply electronically – fees 35 Euros – visit at www.ktimatologio.gr for more information
- Stratologia – 45 days is the obligatory military service – no “eksagorasimes” for the Greeks that they have the Greek citizenship – After these 45 days you have either a 3 months or 6 months or 9 months “thiteia” – If you have done a military service in another country then your “thiteia” is postponed – You need to have the consular’s authorization to ask for 6 months delay of the day of your “thiteia” – You could pay for your “thiteia” if you are over 35 years old: 810 Euros per month. For more information at: www.stratologia.gr
- New Social/Security Agreement between Australia and Greece (eligibility guidelines for requesting pension in Greece if you worked there more than 300 days and you are 60+years old)
- Key identity of Nikos Kazantzakis
- The Parthenon marbles – where do they belong? – There is an International Organising Committee in Australia for the restitution of the Parthenon Marbles in association with Ahepa International. The objective of the committee is to coordinate efforts in Australia and work with associated committees in the USA, Canada, Britain and New Zealand
- Mr Vertzayias presented the Hellenic National issues – The Pan-Makedones organization expressed that they do not want “sintheti onomasia ton Skopion”. The Australian government is supporting this because of the Greeks abroad.
- Some good statistics that they were presented:
The next 10 years are optimistic years for the Greek language
In Greece there are135.000 Australians with Greek origin (20-48 years old)
35% of the Greek students in Australia have been to Greece (2nd generation)
They believe that we need to strengthen the “filoxenia” programmes in Greece
71% want to go to Greece
88% want to live in Greece and Cyprus
88% of the primary school students are participating in Greek dancing
92% of the same category listens to Greek music
38% they don’t have pappou and giagia at their house (this is not good for the Greek language)
The Greek government needs to have a look at the books that the Greeks abroad are studying. Greek abroad adults that want to learn Greek are taught books that reflect to small kids.
The Greek TV at home plays a vital part on whether kids will speak Greek.
56% of all students found the future of the Greek language optimistic.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further information or if you have any questions.
Thanks again for the opportunity.
Yours sincerely
Lucy Anastasiadou-Hobbs
Liaison Committee member in New Zealand
