The Mayor of Kalamata, Thanasis Vasilopoulos, welcomed a courtesy visit from Australian Federal MP Steve Georganas, on Tuesday July 14. A prominent figure in the Greek diaspora, Georganas, is a long-serving Member of the House of Representatives for the Labor Party in Adelaide and has family roots in Sperchogeia, near Kalamata.
During their meeting, the Mayor and Georganas discussed issues of mutual interest, focusing particularly on the long-standing ties between Kalamata and the Greek-Australian community. Special emphasis was placed on the sister-city relationship between Kalamata and the City of West Torrens, as well as the strong presence of the Messinian diaspora in Australia.
The talks also touched on initiatives to further engage the diaspora and encourage interest in Kalamata, especially among younger generations. The mayor has reportedly expressed a strong desire to deepen the city’s relationship with Greeks abroad.
In line with this vision, the 17th annual Summer School of Greek Language and Culture for young members of the diaspora—many of Messinian descent—has officially commenced in Kalamata. The program is a cornerstone of cultural exchange, organized by the Pan-Messinian Federation of USA and Canada in partnership with the University of the Peloponnese and supported by the Municipality of Kalamata.
On Friday, July 11, the program officially opened at the University of the Peloponnese’s Kalamata campus. Fifteen young Greek expatriates are participating in this year’s program.
The summer school continues to serve as a vital link between Greece and its diaspora, fostering cultural identity and strengthening bonds with the homeland.
