The president of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis met with the federal minister of Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman. They discussed settlement issues, English language learning, support for new migrants and promoting multiculturalism.
Talking to SBS Greek, Mr Papastergiadis said the PMs pre election promise has not yet been implemented. The $5 million Scott Morrison announced during his visit to the Greek Center is waiting the Community's outcome from its negotiations with the University of Melbourne for the creation of a Chair of World Diaspora, said Mr Papastergiadis.
According to Mr Papastergiadis, the minister asked the Greek Community, one of the oldest ethnic communities in Australia, to step into a mentoring role with the new and emerging migrant communities.
The needs of the aged was also discussed with the focus on culturally appropriate services and carers with good knowledge of Greek.
The general secretary of the Greek Community Kostas Markos was also part of the discussions with Mr Coleman.
Talking to SBS Greek, Mr Papastergiadis said that the minister supports special programs that recruit professionals with suitable qualifications from overseas to be employed in the aged care sector.
