Approaching 100 years of publication in Australia this May, The Greek Herald has become both a landmark in diaspora media and a symbol of the Greek-Australian community’s resilience, according to its owner, Dimitra Skalkos.
The paper, the only Greek-language daily published outside Greece and Cyprus, was “founded in 1926 by immigrants who were building a life far from their homeland, and became the voice of a community determined to preserve its language and identity in Australia,” Skalkos said, adding that its pages have long recorded the community’s past and present.
Launched at a time when opportunities for migrant expression were limited, it helped early arrivals navigate life in Australia and engage with public institutions. Its founder George Marcellos, along with the newspaper’s first editor-in-chief, John Stilson, laid the groundwork for what became a nationally significant publication.
Digital editor-in-chief Andriana Simos said the paper initially served as a vital link for new migrants, offering news from Greece, practical guidance and community updates, while covering major historical events affecting the diaspora.
Over time, it evolved into a platform for representation and public dialogue, documenting the growth of community institutions and expanding into English-language content to reach younger generations. Today, it operates across print and digital platforms, reflecting a multigenerational audience.
Skalkos noted the challenges of a rapidly changing media landscape, including shifting audience habits and financial pressures, but stressed the broader role of diaspora outlets. “Running a diaspora newspaper today is certainly not the easiest task,” she said, adding that such media “carry a responsibility that goes beyond simply transmitting news.”
She said readers’ trust stems from the paper’s close connection to the community it serves.