The Pharos Alliance is stronger, more visible and more determined than ever in its push for the Greek language.
Through years of steady advocacy, community engagement and policy work, Pharos has emerged as an influential advocacy organisation which aims to shape the future of Greek language education among Victoria’s Greek community, the global diaspora, and Greece.
From safeguarding the presence of Greek in Victorian public schools to helping design a global framework for Greek language policy, Pharos is redefining what language preservation looks like in the mid-21st century.
The Pharos Alliance began in 2021, as an independent, non-profit organisation which promotes, strengthens and sustains the Greek language in Australia and internationally.
Based in Melbourne the alliance works on state, national and international levels.
The organisation links universities, schools, educators and governments, who together serve as a collaborative platform for research, advocacy and policy development.
Keeping Greek alive at Northcote High School
A tangible outcome of Pharos’ work is the continuation of Greek at Year 7 level at Northcote High School from 2026.
After months of discussions with government representatives, educators and the local community, Pharos confirmed that Greek will remain part of the school’s curriculum, supported by two years of Victorian Government funding and the backing of principal Chris Jones.
Pharos President Professor Joe Lo Bianco described the outcome as a collective achievement.
“The continuation of Greek at Northcote High shows what can be achieved when community, educators and government work together,” he said.
“It’s about preserving multilingualism and our shared cultural heritage.”
At the same time, the Alliance expressed its disappointment that Greek will not be offered at VCE level in 2026, underlining the ongoing challenges faced by languages in the senior secondary years.
Australia to Greece: Building a shared vision
Last year, Professor Lo Bianco travelled to Greece for a series of high-level meetings with universities and the Ministry of Education, aiming to strengthen the link between Greece and its diaspora through a unified global language strategy.
During meetings with Education Minister Sophia Zacharaki, Pharos presented nine policy proposals focused on strengthening Greek language education abroad.
These included extending teacher secondments, reducing administrative barriers and creating school partnerships between Greece and Australia through the European eTwinning platform.
“The Minister responded with genuine enthusiasm,” Prof. Lo Bianco noted.
“She understood that language education isn’t just about school hours. It’s about opportunity, motivation and living cultural connections.”
Pharos Vice President Yiota Stavridou highlighted the importance of these initiatives:
“Improving the framework for seconding Greek teachers to Australia is essential. It ensures continuity in our educational and cultural ties with Greece.”
Already, the eTwinning project is being recognised as a promising digital bridge, connecting students across continents through language and shared experience.
A Global strategy for Greek
For 2026, Pharos will take the next step — moving from advocacy to long-term coordination. Working with universities in Greece, Australia, Canada and Europe, the Alliance is developing a Vision and Global Framework for Greek Language Education.
Together with Dr Dimitrios Koutsogiannis (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), Dr Stephie Nikoloudis (La Trobe University) and Professor Bessie Dendrinos (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens), Professor Lo Bianco is helping shape a research-based, internationally aligned strategy.
“We’re not just preserving a language,” he said.
“We’re cultivating a living bond between people, places and generations.”
International model of collaboration
The Alliance’s work has begun to attract international recognition. Prof. Lo Bianco now serves on the International Advisory Committee of the Research Institute for Multilingualism and Language Policy (EIPOL) in Athens, representing Pharos and advocating for Greek as a language that grows through collaboration, innovation and education.
“Our work is collaborative, experimental and driven by a shared vision,” he explained. “It’s not only about saving a language — it’s about shaping its future.”
Call to families
With Greek continuing at Northcote High School, Pharos is urging families to actively support enrolments.
“Every student who chooses Greek sends a message of hope,” Prof. Lo Bianco said. “Languages stay alive when we use them, love them and make them part of everyday life.”
Looking ahead
The year ahead is shaping up to be a milestone for Pharos, with key initiatives including:
-Strengthening partnerships, including with the Hellenic Studies Foundation in Adelaide and the new Pharos branch in New South Wales,
-Participation in international conferences such as D.El.Exo: Teaching Greek Abroad,
-Expanded parent workshops and professional learning for educators,
-Deeper collaboration with schools, universities and government bodies, and
-Completion of the Global Strategy for Greek Language Education.
“Pharos is not just a name; it’s a promise,” Prof. Lo Bianco reflected.
“A promise to keep the light of the Greek language shining for generations to come.”
You can contact Pharos at pharos.au@gmail.com
