PM Transcripts

FOR MEDIA WEDNESDAY, 10 MARCH 1982
AUSTRALIAN GREEK PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS
I have announced today the introduction of a program of
Australian Greek Presidential Awards in honour of the visit
of President Karamanlis.
The awards reflect the special links which Australia has
with Greece through our large Greek community, and will
help to naintain and strengthen them.
Awards will be granted each year to eight young Australians
to allow them to study or gain practical experience in Greece.
The awards will cover a wide range of activities that will
foster -the maintenance and development of Greek culture
within A'-stralia's multicultural society. Examples include
opportu-. ities; for young Greek Australians to work or study
in their own fields for 12 months, for migrant education
teachers or ethnic cor.. unity workers to improve their understanding
of Greek customs, and for high school students to
spend tir-e in a Greek school, billeted with a Greek family.
Awards may also be granted to student teachers or teachers
of modern Greek language, and social welfare workers, doctors
and lawyers working with the Greek Australian community.
Participants in the program will be selected by a national
committee that will comprise six representatives of the Greek
cor,.: unity, and representatives of the relevan-t Government
departments and the Australian Institute of Multicultural
Affairs. The Office of Youth Affairs will be responsible for
administration of the Program.
Nominations for awards will be invited from Greek community
organisations throughout Australia, as well as applications froii
individuals, to be lodged with the Office of Youth Affairs by
1 July 1982 for the first round of awards.
Awards will be made to people under 30 years of age, on the
basis of their proposals outlining the activities they wish to
undertake and the expected benefit of the award to the participz: nts
and the wider links between Australian and Greek society.
The awards will cover the return fare to Greece for the
participant and a living allowance. The living allowance and
the period of the award, which can be for 12 months, will vary
depending on the requirements of the individual and the type of
activity for which the award is granted.
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PRiE IVHSISTER