They formed a non-profit organization that had and still has no political or religious affiliations and its basic aims and objectives as were formulated in their constitution and thereafter amended were:
• To maintain and advance Greek language learning.
• To maintain the Greek ethos and cultural traditions and their exposure to the multicultural society of Australia.
• To encourage and organise cultural and artistic events relevant to attracting a younger audience.
• To create working relationships with comparable organizations and of other minority ethnic groups.

In order to fulfil its aims and objectives the League published the “Antipodes” periodical in 1974. This is the longest published, bi-lingual periodical circulating in Australia with 60 printed volumes, counting this year’s publication. Chris Fifis, one of the founding members, gave the name of “Antipodes” thus establishing the geographical location of its inception and place of publication. The periodical has played a major role in the promotion of the flourishing Greek-Australian literature which coincides with its period of circulation.

Within its pages a large number of Greek-Australian writers have found their voice and become household names- at least in the Greek circuit. Each year the periodical pays a special tribute to Greek-Australian men/women of letters, those who have helped to maintain and encourage the Greek culture and history, and to artists (visual and performing) who have made a substantial contribution to the Greek community in Australia.

With the inclusion of articles, essays, reports, critiques, studies, book reviews and other academic dissertations, the periodical has served and will continue to contribute as an important archival and reference depository for future researches. Another point of note is the recognition that this periodical has received from Greece. Over the years we have had many submissions for the periodical by not only notable Greek writers but also by academics and well known Greek personalities who are familiar with the high standard that the periodical has attained.

In conclusion, for the past 41 years the periodical “Antipodes” has formed the backbone of Greek-Australian literature and has given the opportunity to all admirers and followers of the written word the chance see their works in print in a prominent literary periodical.

In order to facilitate the realisation of its aims the League in 1980 initiated the annual bi-lingual Literary Competition in the categories of poetry, short story, and recently one-act plays. The first prize recipients, in each category, as an extra incentive have their work published in the periodical “Antipodes”.

What has become evident in the recent years is the large number of participants in this competition from Greece as well as from other parts of Europe, including Cyprus. This of course is due to the electronic technology available to us with the press of button. The League’s name has certainly broadened its perimeters and the boundaries have been abolished.

Over the course of the years we have acknowledged the work of the founding members and supportive friends with special tribute events showcasing their diverse skills. We have received invaluable support from many academics –too many to mention, from all over Australia in the form of meticulously researched and inspirational articles, invaluable services and scholarly analysis. I would like to publically thank them and acknowledge their contribution.

We are most grateful for the admirable and insatiable contribution from all these fervent supporters who have spent their time in writing quality material to be published. Through the League’s portals many well known Greek-Australian writers have entered its domain-to name a few: Dimitris Tsaloumas, Tom Petsinis, Nikos Ninolakis, Aristidis Paradissis, Nikos Nomikos, Yiannis Vasilakakos, Stathis Raftopoulos, Antigone Kefala, Dina Amanatidou, Vasso Kalamara and many others.

I would also like to mention that the League has foreseen and predicted the need to become more relevant and embrace the younger generation and the new venues of communication-our old website and blog were upgraded and consolidated in one new site which includes an online bookshop too, as well as other interactive social media such as facebook, twitter and instagram.

In the past few years there has been a concerted effort to include second generation men and women into our Administrative Committee as well as broadening our membership base with new members from different age groups. We also organize events that are more relevant to second generation poets, writers and artists. A few of these are in both languages for instance translated books or bi-lingual poetry.

We organised for the 4th year in a row an Art Exhibition called “Antipodean Palette” at Steps Gallery, Lygon St., Carlton, to showcase second generation artists, of Greek descent and of course incorporate the talent of some first generation artists as well. At this exhibition we have also included the works of artists of non-Greek background.

We also organise poetry evenings and book launches while the exhibition is on. We are indeed very proud and gratified that a number of first and second generation writers of whom the Cultural League has supported and promoted participated in the inaugural “Antipodes Writers Festival” held at the Wheeler Centre in 2012.

We are a non-profit organisation that relies on membership payments, generous donations and grants from the Victorian government for its running costs. Through prudent financial management we have been able in 2010 and in 2011 to support the Modern Greek at Monash University through scholarships or a contribution for the payment for the lecturer.

Countless activities

From its establishment the GACLM organised frequent talks, lectures, poetry evenings, outings, trips, dances, musical interludes and many other events. Another of the important activities of the League has been the countless book launches-books written in either Greek, English or translated versions by Greek-Australian writers. Without these book launches the community would not have become familiar with the literary creations that are around and the writers would not have had the necessary avenue to familiarise their labour of love to a broader, supportive audience.

In the past years we have also presented and promoted books written in Greece by Greek writers who have come here to present their books. A notable mention is when in 1981 the world famous writer, Antonis Samarakis came to especially to Australia to launch his translated book “The Passport”, translated by Prof. Gavin Betts.

The League has managed to co-exist and form common bonds with other organizations that have similar interests, therefore in the course of the years the majority of the events have been co-organised with other affiliated associations. We have also participated in events that have been beyond the Greek community… Poetry in translation at Federation Square, poetry recitals at Readings book shops, Book exhibitions at Fed. Square, etc.