New effort to create and preserve the stories of Greek migrants

With the support of the State Library and University of NSW, Associate Professor Nicholas Doumanis will document the fast disappearing first generations of Greek Australians. Mr. Doumanis talks to SBS Greek about the initiative and the importance of preserving these stories.

Professor Nicholas Doumanis creates Greek Australian Archive. Black and white photo source: UNSW Source: University of New South Wales/Sam Hood

With the generation of Greeks who migrated to Australia in the ’50s and ’60s quickly disappearing, the UNSW Arts & Social Sciences, the Foundation for Hellenic Studies and the State Library of New South Wales are launching the Greek Australian Archive.

The first of its kind, the archive – comprising of official documents, photographs, films, oral histories and letters in digital and physical formats – celebrates the pioneers of Australia’s thriving Greek community. This project aims to preserve the inspiring stories of adversity, strength and progress to inspire future generations and enhance our understanding of migration and multiculturalism.

Associate Professor Nicholas Doumanis talked to SBS Greek about this initiative.