Researcher Juliana Charpantidou will present her second lecture on the history of the Greek Community of Melbourne, at the Greek Centre, on Thursday 23 November, this time looking at the turbulent decades of the 50s and 60s. Her lecture is part of the program of the 120th anniversary celebration of our historic organisation.

Leadership challenges, factionalism as well as outside interference from both the Greek government and the Ecclesiastic authorities are all part of what is a hectic time for the Community.

It is during these three decades that mass migration from Greece changes the face of the Organisation and its relationship with the Archdiocese comes into question creating numerous controversies.

The clash between the Community and the Archdiocese reaches a dramatic climax in 1963 when formal relations are severed.

With nearly half the migration wave from Greece, during this period, arriving in Melbourne it basically forces the community to change its character and role.

The Greek Community of Melbourne now assumes the leadership of all the Greek Communities within Australia and takes on responsibility for creating a new agenda that reflects the changing needs of Greek in Australia during that period.

When: Thursday 23 November, 7.00pm
Where: Greek Centre (Delphi Bank Mez, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne)