103-year-old veteran leads Cypriots at ANZAC Day march in Sydney

·

103-year-old veteran Evripidis Mouxouris led the ‘Cypriots for ANZACs’ contingent at this year’s ANZAC Day march in Sydney on Thursday, April 25.

Mr Mouzouris was joined by about 30 members of the Cyprus Community of New South Wales, including President Michael Kyriacou.

This was the second year the Cypriots took part in the annual Sydney march.

cyprus anzac day
Photo supplied by Kay Pavlou.

Who is Evripidis Mouxouris?

Evripidis Mouxouris was born in Morphou, Cyprus on July 5, 1921, to a farming family. At the time, Cyprus was a British colony and even before Mouxouris left primary school, he was swept up in the anti-British protests of the time.

Mouxouris joined the Worker’s Party of Cyprus (AKEL) in 1940 and remains a member today. He volunteered to fight in WWI and went to the Italian front at his own request. He saw fighting in Africa, as well as in Europe.

After the war, Mouxouris continued to struggle for an independent Cyprus and an end to British colonial rule while he worked on his trade as a tailor and organised union activity and campaigns for worker’s rights. In 1952, he moved to Nicosia and opened a tailor shop.

cyprus anzac day
Evripidis Mouxouris. Photo supplied by Kay Pavlou.

Mouxouris married Panayiota in 1965 – five years after Cyprus achieved independence from Britain in 1960. Their daughter, Eva, was born in 1966. Their son, Mario, was born in Morphou in 1974, on the day the town was occupied by the Turkish army.

In 1974, as a result of the Turkish occupation of Cyprus, Mouxouris and his family became refugees in their own country and migrated to Australia.

The family were taken in by a Turkish Cypriot family in Sydney, who helped them to get on their feet in their first few months in Australia.

Since resettling in Sydney, Mouxouris has been an ever-present figure at the Cyprus Community Club in Stanmore and has taken an active interest in his community, as well as maintaining his connections with Cyprus.

Today, Mouxouris spends almost every day at the Club in Stanmore playing backgammon with his friends and cronies in the “kafenion.” Any of his opponents will testify he still has the sharpness to defeat most newcomers in a game that requires strategic skill.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Cyprus’ Chief Scientist strengthens research and innovation partnerships in Australia

Cyprus Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides has completed a week of high-level meetings in Australia, strengthening innovation ties.

2025 HMSA Gala Ball to support Agapi Care Inc. in Melbourne

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia and the Greek Community of Melbourne will host the 2025 HMSA Gala Ball on Saturday 11 October.

Panathinaikos basketball legends set to inspire at GOCNSW Saturday Greek School

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW has announced a once-in-a-lifetime visit from the legendary Panathinaikos Basketball Club.

‘The heartbeat of Prospect’: Hundreds gather to honour barber John Giatras

The Prospect community has farewelled barber John Giatras, remembered as the “heartbeat of Prospect,” at a funeral service in Thebarton.

Former SA Prosecutor Stephen Pallaras recovering in hospital after accident

Former SA Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Pallaras KC is in hospital after an accident last Friday, his campaign team has confirmed.

You May Also Like

Nick Kyrgios suffers heartbreaking defeat against World No. 1 Rafael Nadal in Australian Open fourth round

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has been knocked out of the Australian open after losing to World No.1 Rafael Nadal in a four set battle.

John Stamolis questions projections for Inner West Council de-merger

Independent Councillor, John Stamolis, has questioned the first draft to de-merge Sydney's Inner West Council into its three previous councils

PASEKA calls on Australian Government to ‘stand in support’ of Cyprus’ territorial integrity

Pan-Australian Justice for Cyprus Coordinating Committee has called on the Australian Government to ‘support Cyprus’ territorial integrity.’