The City of Canterbury-Bankstown marked Greek Independence Day on Wednesday, March 25, with a flag-raising ceremony in Earlwood, bringing together local officials, students and members of the Greek Australian community.
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek raised the Greek flag at the corner of Homer Street and Joy Lane, joined by NSW Minister for Industrial Relations and Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis, alongside community members.
The ceremony featured the singing of both the Greek and Australian national anthems, underscoring the strong cultural ties between the two nations.
Youth played a central role in the morning’s commemorations. Poems were recited by students from Earlwood Public School and All Saints Grammar, while a traditional Greek dance performance was presented by students from St Euphemia College, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the event.
Mayor El-Hayek said the celebration reflected the important place Greek culture holds within the City’s diverse community.
“We’re lucky to have so many different cultures to celebrate in CBCity and we’re proud to raise the Greek flag in honour of our wonderful Greek and Cypriot community,” he said.
Greek Australians represent the seventh-largest ethnic group in the country, with more than 22,000 calling Canterbury-Bankstown home. Earlwood alone is home to more than 7,000 residents of Greek ancestry, making it one of the largest Greek communities in Australia.
In recognition of the national day, Canterbury-Bankstown Council also flew the Greek flag at Bankstown and Campsie, extending the tribute across the local government area.
