Australian Embassy, Greece

📣We are hiring! We are looking for a Trade and Economic Policy Officer to join the Australian Embassy in Athens.
📅 Deadline to apply: 22 June 2026
For details:
https://www.amrislive.com/wizards_v2/ahc/vacancyView.php?requirementId=1025&source=GN

Heading for a Euro summer? Plan for delays. There are reports of long lines and wait times since the full implementation of the EU Entry/Exit system.

These wait times may increase at busy transit hubs. Save yourself the stress, give yourself enough time to transit or get to your next transport stop. https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/basics/visas-and-entry-requirements-europe-and-schengen-area

As the 85th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of Crete drew to a close, Ambassador Duncan had the great honour of presenting the President of the Hellenic Republic, HE Mr Constantine Tassoulas, with the three coin silver-proof set titled: “1941: Service Amid Strife: Australia in the Second World War”. Issued by the Royal Australian Mint, the coins commemorate Australia’s service in the campaigns of Greece & Crete, North Africa & the Middle East, and Womens’ Service.

The Ambassador appreciated the warmth with which President Tassoulas reflected on the service and sacrifice of Australian forces in Greece, and on the enduring bonds forged between the two countries. During their meeting, they discussed the significance and lasting legacy of the Greece and Crete campaign; the recent passing of Australia’s last Battle of Crete veteran; and the importance both countries attached to honouring the sacrifices of 1941. They also discussed the contributions of the Greek diaspora to Australia, the state of the bilateral relationship and world affairs.

‘Paradisos’, the debut novel by Greek-Australian writer Bill Kokkaris, is a powerful story of love and the ties that transform us. Set on a fictional Aegean island during the summer of 2015, ‘Paradisos’ follows resort owner Emilio Politis who believes he has secured his future despite Greece’s economic turmoil. But his decision to rescue a Syrian mother from a capsized boat sets in motion a chain of events that brings division, suspicion, and unrest to his community.

In 'Paradisos', Bill Kokkaris explores themes of displacement, identity and belonging, reflecting on migration as a recurring human experience. The novel is informed by the author’s own family history of migration to Australia and his professional work with migrant communities.

We’re very pleased to announce the launch of Paradisos at the Embassy on 11 June. Hosted by Deputy Ambassador Lachlan Scully, the evening will feature the author in conversation with Greek-Canadian actor, director, and scholar, Dr Helen Tsefala, author of ‘One Hundred Years of Greek Theatre in Australia’. Together, they will discuss the novel’s themes, influences, and contemporary relevance.

Join us for what promises to be a stimulating and enriching evening of literature and conversation.

📅 Event details
Date: 11 June
Time: 18:00
Venue: Australian Embassy, 5 Hatziyianni Mexi Street

📝 Registration
Places are limited. Please register by 5 June by emailing [email protected]. Please note that only registered guests will be admitted.

👨‍🏫 About the author
Bill Kokkaris is a Greek-Australian visual artist and playwright. His plays Baraki, Night Journeys, and A Lifetime of Summers were produced by Take Away Theatre. Bill has also written one-act plays for Carnivale and Sidetrack Theatre. In 2020, Bill undertook an Invited Residency at Varuna, The National Writers’ House in Katoomba, where he completed the first draft of his novel Paradisos. In 2023, Paradisos was a finalist in the Eyelands Book Awards (Unpublished Novel category). When not writing, Bill paints and draws from his studio in the Blue Mountains.

📖 About the novel
On the fictional Aegean island of Phaedros, paradise is both inheritance and illusion. In 2015, as Greece struggles through economic crisis, Greek-Australian resort owner Emilio Politis believes he has secured his future. But when a freak storm capsizes a migrant boat, Emilio’s rescue of a young Syrian mother fractures the fragile order of his life, exposing deep rifts within his family and community. As fear, superstition and a shocking murder grip the island, ancient myths collide with modern anxieties: rumours of witchcraft, forbidden love, and religious intolerance. Emilio’s growing obsession with the refugee woman forces him to confront his own capacity for love, migration, and the cost of belonging to the island that both sustains and condemns him. Set against sacred ruins and weathered shores, Paradisos is a haunting literary novel of displacement, desire, and moral reckoning – and the uneasy truth that paradise must be earned, not inherited.

Ambassador Duncan was deeply honoured to attend the moving commemorations marking the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete, held across the island from 21 to 24 May. From Preveli to Rethymno and Stavromenos, and from Tsikalaria to Souda, Maleme and Chania, services and commemorative events organised by regional authorities and local communities paid tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Cretan people; the selflessness and courage with which civilians protected Allied soldiers in their time of need; and the camaraderie, solidarity and unity of purpose shown as Allied forces and Cretan civilians stood together against the darkness descending upon Europe and the world.

This year’s commemorations were further distinguished by the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal whose attendance underscored the significance of this historic milestone, during which Commonwealth, Allied and Greek personnel gave their lives in defence of freedom.

In Chania, Ambassador Duncan was particularly moved to host descendants and family members of Australian veterans of the Battle of Crete, sharing with them a message from the Governor-General of Australia, HE the Hon Sam Mostyn AC, and presenting each of them with a commemorative coin from the Royal Australian Mint. The Ambassador was also honoured to gift, on behalf of the Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, a commemorative panel to the Maritime Museum of Crete, recognising the contribution of eight Royal Australian Navy warships during the Battle of Crete. She also presented the Museum with a limited-edition silver proof three-coin set issued by the Royal Australian Mint, titled “1941: Service Amid Strife (Australia in the Second World War)”.

In Rethymno, Ambassador Duncan had the honour of presenting, on behalf of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL National), awards to two outstanding students from Rethymno and Herakleion, as well as a donation to the Charitable Fund of the Holy Metropolis of Lampi, Syvritos and Sfakia. During the same ceremony, the Mayor of Rethymno, Giorgis Marinakis, presented medals to veterans’ families and descendants in recognition of their ancestors’ service in one of the most pivotal campaigns of the Second World War.

Ambassador Duncan was also deeply moved to present commemorative silver proof coins to distinguished representatives of the Hellenic Government and Cretan authorities, including the Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Athanasios Davakis; His Eminence Ioakeim, Bishop of Lampi, Syvritos and Sfakia; the Regional Governor of Crete, Mr Stavros Arnaoutakis; the Deputy Governor for Chania, Mr Nikolaos Kalogeris; the Deputy Governor of Rethymno, Ms Maria Lioni; the Mayor of Chania, Mr Panagiotis Simandirakis; and the Mayor of Rethymno, Mr Giorgis Marinakis.

We extend our sincere thanks to the regional authorities of Crete for their warm philoxenia and for their continued commitment to honouring the service and sacrifice of Australians on their island.

Lest we forget.

Περιφέρεια Κρήτης / Region of Crete
Δήμος Χανίων - Municipality of Chania
Δήμος Ρεθύμνης ~ Municipality of Rethymno
UK in Greece
RSL Australia
Royal Australian Mint

A wonderful and moving initiative by Δήμος Ρεθύμνης ~ Municipality of Rethymno.

On 15 May, Ambassador Duncan joined Dutch Deputy Ambassador Yorks and Canadian Ambassador Thissen at the Netherlands Residence for a joint reception marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia .

We extend our sincere thanks to the Dutch Embassy for their hospitality and to the Embassies of Canada, Britain and France for their valuable partnership.

The event brought together a broad spectrum of Greece’s civil society, along with state and government representatives, who shared the invaluable work they are doing to create safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ people and underscored the urgent need for strengthened action in the face of increasing global pushback.

We would like to particularly acknowledge the presence and contributions of: Kleonike Yannakopoulou, Υπερήφανοι Γονείς; Andrea Gilbert, Athens Pride - Φεστιβάλ Υπερηφάνειας Αθήνας; Vangelis Kosmatos, G-All, Gender Alliance Initiative - Η Συμμαχία των Φύλων; Thanos Vlachogiannis, 11528 - Δίπλα σου helpline; Nancy Papathanasiou, Orlando LGBT+; Apostolis Karabairis, Thessaloniki Pride - Φεστιβάλ Υπερηφάνειας Θεσσαλονίκης; Raina Melissinou, Greek Transgender Support Association and Diversity Charter Greece; Dimitrios Elefsiniotis and Stavros Gavriliadis; Yiannis Nikolopoulos, Tεχνοδρομώ; Kalliopi Lykovardi, Deputy Greek Ombudsman; Vasso Vouvaki, Ελληνική Κοινότητα Ίντερσεξ Inters*x Greece; Symeon Keletzis, Egalité; Yannos Kanellopoulos, Proud Seniors Greece; and Jan Beugelaar, Rainbow Rose.

IDAHOBIT is a call to uphold the fundamental principle of equal rights for all, regardless of s*xual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or s*x characteristics. Australia reaffirms its unwavering support to LGBTQIA+ people. Our diversity is our strength. Together, we stand for a future where everyone can live free from fear and discrimination, embrace their identity with pride, and flourish.

Embassy of the Netherlands in Greece
Embassy of Canada to the Hellenic Republic
UK in Greece
Ambassade de France en Grèce - Πρεσβεία της Γαλλίας στην Ελλάδα

Ambassador Duncan had the honour of presenting the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, with a commemorative coin marking the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Greece and Crete. Issued in a limited edition by the Royal Australian Mint, the coin stands as a tribute to the lasting bonds forged between Australia and Greece during a defining campaign of the Second World War.

The Battle of Greece and Crete remains one of the most significant chapters in the shared military history of our two nations. Through service, hardship, courage and sacrifice, bonds of mateship and solidarity were formed – bonds that have endured across generations and continue to underpin the strong friendship between Australia and Greece today.

Ambassador Duncan also presented the Prime Minister with a commemorative coin for the collections of the Konstantinos Mitsotakis Foundation. The gesture carried particular historical resonance, as the Prime Minister’s late father, Konstantinos Mitsotakis, served in the Cretan resistance during the war and was taken prisoner – his story a lasting testament to resilience, courage, and devotion to freedom.

Royal Australian Mint
Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Embassy was pleased to collaborate with Lavinia Corp / Laskaridis Shipping Co. Ltd. on a roundtable bringing together the Australian Maritime Safety Authority - AMSA and Pilbara Ports.

With Greece controlling around 22% of the world’s merchant shipping fleet and Australia accounting for 10% of global maritime traffic, our two countries share a vital and mutually beneficial maritime relationship.

Ambassador Duncan was pleased to join Suzanna Laskaridis and her team, alongside representatives of flag states, classification societies, and INTERCARGO, for an open and constructive discussion on maritime safety; port state control; and the unique characteristics of Port Hedland, Australia’s biggest iron ore port. Participants also explored practical ways to strengthen engagement and communication across the sector.

We extend our sincere thanks to Samuel McSkimming, Chief Executive Officer at Pilbara Ports; Carlo Di Meglio, Manager Operations West at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority; Suzanna Laskaridis, CEO of Lavinia Corp / Laskaridis Shipping Co. Ltd, for convening and chairing the discussion; Catherine Prifti for the excellent organisation, and all attendees for their valuable contributions.

This week marked a historic moment, as the Women Deliver Conference was hosted for the first time in the Oceanic Pacific region, in Narrm Melbourne.
Women Deliver is the world’s most significant gender equality event, bringing together civil society, government, business, philanthropy, advocates, and policy makers to drive progress for women, girls, and gender‑diverse people worldwide.
From 27-30 April, the conference welcomed more than 6,000 participants from over 180 countries, with strong representation from the Oceanic Pacific region and Asia. A key outcome was the launch of the Melbourne Declaration for Gender Equality, which sets out a shared vision of a world where human rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled, and calls for stronger accountability and collective action.
Notable participants included Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo, former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, former New Zealand Prime Ministers Jacinda Ardern and Helen Clark, and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Quoting Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said: “In the Blue Pacific, we are family: we share an ocean, we share a future, and we share an ambition for a gender‑equal world”.

Find out more about the conference here: https://womendeliver.org/wd2026/