President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), Bill Papastergiadis OAM, recently paid a visit to The Evzones Collection by photographer Nick Bourdaniotis, now on permanent display in Athens, Greece.
The exhibition – which was first unveiled at the War Museum of Athens in March 2025 – holds a special place in history as the first time photographs of Greece’s Presidential Guard taken by a member of the diaspora were showcased at the museum.
Captured over several years, Bourdaniotis’ works feature the Evzones during their visits to Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide for commemorations such as ANZAC Day and OXI Day.
Under the patronage of Greece’s President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the Athens exhibition was officially donated by Bourdaniotis in December 2025 to the Presidency of the Hellenic Republic. It is now be housed permanently at both the Presidential Palace and the headquarters of the Presidential Guard, with plans for tours and appearances at official events across Greece and internationally.
During his visit, Papastergiadis described the Evzones barracks in central Athens as “a living gallery that breathes Australia,” noting the deep respect shown towards Bourdaniotis by the Evzones themselves and all those connected to the institution.
“In almost every section of the barracks, whether it’s the offices, the mess hall, the halls, or elsewhere, Nick’s poignant photography of all involved in this sacred tradition adorns the walls,” Papastergiadis said.
The GCM President toured the facilities with Commander Bousis, the Commanding Officer, and met staff responsible for maintaining the Evzones’ distinctive uniforms, including chief cobbler George, who explained the intricate process of crafting the traditional shoes.
He also held talks with Director Kostas, which centred on potential future collaborations between the Evzones and the Greek Australian community.
The visit, Papastergiadis said, reaffirmed the role of The Evzones Collection in bridging Greece and Australia: “Nick, as the son of a migrant, has transcended the physical separation between our two lands and captured the true essence of the Evzones’ service.”
, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, recently paid a visit to The Evzones Collection.){kind=link}