What the next 100 years could look like

Artist credit: Artist Caroline Rovithi and the artwork she created to celebrate the two centenaries at an event at New South Wales Parliament House in May 2026

Καιρός. The right moment, the opportune time.

Two centenaries in Australia remind us that Greek endures, but only if we build the next chapter. Greece should build, or scale, a comparable international model for Modern Greek: a Hellenic language and culture institute, working through existing diplomatic and educational structures.

100th birthdays - two of them

This month, two institutions that have shaped Greek life here in Australia hit an extraordinary milestone: 100 years.

The Consulate General of Greece in Sydney marked a century since Greece’s official diplomatic presence here in Sydney, and The Greek Herald celebrated a century of reporting, recording, and advocating on behalf of the Greek community. By any measure, making it to 100 years is a big deal. Huge in fact. And the celebrations have been epic

Take a look at the Greek Consulate’s celebrations, and The Consulate’s book launch, which was also covered by another long-standing Greek newspaper, Neos Kosmos.

So, Greek has been heard in Australia for well over 100 years. Long before many of us were born, Greek voices were already building churches, schools, newspapers, businesses, and associations.

A bigger idea: Greece could back Greek the way others back their languages

Here’s the tension I keep coming back to: we can celebrate 100 years of institutions, while still facing a decline in Greek language study. Those two things can be true at the same time, and it gives us the platform and the attention to ask: what do we want the next 100 years to look like?

Alliance Française (French): https://www.alliancefrancaise.com.au/
Instituto Cervantes (Spanish): https://www.cervantes.es/
Goethe-Institut (German): https://www.goethe.de/en/index.html

I believe the Greek government should become more involved in supporting Greek language learning abroad, especially in countries like Australia where the diaspora is large and historically significant. Other countries have strong, recognisable, well-funded language-and-culture institutions that operate internationally and bring a wide range of learners and skill levels and it benefits them in a range of ways:

These organisations run language classes, offer access to standardised exams and certificates, fund cultural programming, build partnerships with schools and universities, and create prestige around the language.
So here's my “next 100 years” proposal: Greece should build (or scale) a comparable international model for Modern Greek. Greece should have a Hellenic language and culture institute, this is supported through existing diplomatic and educational structures.

What could it do in Australia? Alot:

1) Make Greek easier to learn for both heritage and foreign language learners

Subsidised courses (online and in-person) for children, teens, and adults
Scholarships for senior students who continue Greek into final years
Courses and pathways for non-Greek learners

2) Bring Greek culture, language and interest together in one place

Support wider Greek initiatives such as film screenings and artist talks
Support for volunteer community schools and other Greek organisations

3) Create a national “Greek learning ecosystem”

Partnerships with schools, universities, parishes, and community organisations
A coordinated calendar of cultural events to raise visibility