The Cypriot communities of Queensland and the Northern Territory commemorated the 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus on Sunday, July 20, honouring the memory of the thousands who died, the more than 1,000 still missing, and the 200,000 Greek Cypriots displaced from their homes.
In Brisbane, a church service and wreath-laying ceremony were held on Friday, July 18 at St George Greek Orthodox Church.
Dignitaries in attendance included His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane; the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Australia, Antonis Sammoutis; and Queensland government representatives, including Minister Fiona Simpson MP, Charis Mullen MP, Renee Coffey MP, and Barbara O’Shea MP.
The event was also attended by Andreas A. Gregoriou, representing the President of the Republic of Cyprus, and Bico Athanasas, Honourary Consular Secretary of the Honourary Consulate-General of Greece in Queensland.
In Darwin, the Cypriot Community of Northern Australia marked the anniversary with a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony.
The commemoration was attended by members of the local political, diplomatic, and community leadership. Light refreshments followed, offered in a spirit of unity and remembrance.
Both events reaffirmed solidarity with the Cypriot people and the enduring call for justice and historical recognition.
