Cypriot communities across Australia are preparing a series of solemn memorials, forums, and cultural events to mark the 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
From Queensland and South Australia, to Victoria, New South Wales and beyond, Greek and Cypriot Australians will honour the memory of those who were killed, displaced, or remain missing since the events of July 1974.
Andreas Grigoriou, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and Head of Administration of the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus, is scheduled to visit Australia this July to participate in the commemorative events.
Below is a state-by-state breakdown of the key commemorative events.
Queensland – Memorial, Wreath Laying and Reception
The Cypriot Community Association of Queensland will hold their memorial on Friday, 18 July 2025, beginning at 6pm at the Greek Orthodox Church of St George in South Brisbane.
The service will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Hellenic RSL Memorial, allowing community members to pay their respects to the victims of the invasion. Afterwards, attendees will gather at Cyprus House in West End for a reception.
The program aims to honour the memory of more than 6,000 Greek Cypriots who were killed or displaced during the invasion and draw attention to the ongoing occupation of the island’s northern territory by approximately 40,000 Turkish troops.
South Australia – Community memorials
In Adelaide, the Cyprus Community of South Australia and SEKA SA will host a series of commemorative events under the banner “51 Years of Occupation – Never Forget.”
On Sunday, July 20, a memorial service will take place at Prophet Elias Church in Norwood at 10am. This will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at 1pm at the Cyprus Community of SA centre in Welland.
On Tuesday, July 22, a community forum will be held at 7pm at the Community’s centre in Welland. These events not only honour the memory of those who died but also aim to educate and raise awareness about the continuing division of Cyprus.
Victoria – Statewide Services and Cultural Program
Victoria’s commemorative program is being organised by SEKA Victoria in collaboration with local Cypriot communities.
On Sunday, July 20, memorial services will take place at churches across Victoria, including a central service at the Holy Church of St Eustathius in South Melbourne at 10am. This will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at 11:30am at the Australian Hellenic Memorial on Birdwood Avenue in Melbourne.
The day will conclude with a cultural program at 3pm at the Cypriot Community of Melbourne and Victoria in Brunswick East. The program includes an art exhibition titled “The Beauty of the Homeland is Not Diminished by Invaders,” a keynote address by Mr Grigoriou, and the launch of the bilingual book “Getting to Know Cyprus” by Yiannis Milides. The event will also feature a musical tribute, “We Sing for Cyprus,” performed by Evangelia Baxa and Georgios Sevastakis.
New South Wales – Sydney Memorial and March
In Sydney, SEKA NSW will lead memorial events on Sunday, 27 July 2025, beginning with a church service at 9:30am at the Cathedral of The Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, Sydney. Following the service, attendees are invited to the church hall at 11am for refreshments and honorary speeches.
At 1:30pm, a wreath laying ceremony will take place at the Cenotaph in Martin Place. Attendees are reminded that signage is not permitted out of respect for the war memorial. Special guest Mr Gregoriou will be in attendance. Free bus transportation to and from the event will be available from the Cyprus Club in Stanmore.
Northern Territory – Memorial in Darwin
The Cyprus Community of the NT will hold their annual memorial on Sunday, 20 July 2025. The day will begin with a church service at 9am at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas in Darwin. At 11:30am, a wreath laying ceremony will be held at the Cyprus Community Centre on Batten Road, Marrara. Following the service, attendees are invited to stay for light refreshments. The memorial will also honour Archbishop Makarios, the first President of the Republic of Cyprus.
Western Australia – Wreath Laying and Film Screening
The Perth-based Cypriot community will mark the anniversary on Sunday, 27 July 2025. The day will begin with a church service at Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at 12:30pm at the Kings Park War Memorial.
Later in the afternoon, a double documentary screening will be held at Event Cinemas Innaloo at 3pm. The films “Two Homelands” and “Ghost Town” will explore the impact of the invasion and the enduring trauma of displacement. Tickets are $20 and available online via TryBooking.
A nation remembers
These nationwide commemorations reflect the enduring pain of the Cypriot diaspora and their shared resolve to remember the victims of 1974, demand justice for the missing, and support the reunification of Cyprus.
For more information, contact your local Cypriot community or SEKA branch.
