The Cyprus Community of NSW Ltd has announced details of the inaugural Cyprus Memorial Commemoration, to be held on Friday, 12 June 2026, at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney.
Believed to be the first event of its kind in Australia, the commemoration will honour the service and sacrifice of Australians who served in Cyprus, Australians of Cypriot descent who served in the Australian Defence Force, and the enduring bonds forged between Australia and Cyprus through war, peacekeeping and the shared pursuit of freedom.
The announcement follows the establishment of the Cyprus Memorial Committee, the first initiative of its kind dedicated to recognising, preserving and promoting the wartime service and sacrifice of Cypriots and Australians of Cypriot heritage.
The idea was first raised in July 2025 during the Australian visit of Andreas Grigoriou, Chief of Staff to the President of Cyprus, when he participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park. Since then, the initiative has gained strong support within the Cyprus Community and among a broad range of stakeholders in Australia and Cyprus.
Honorary President of the Cyprus Community of NSW Ltd, Michael Peters Kyriacou, said the Community had undertaken extensive consultation before establishing the Committee.
“We consulted widely with Australians of Cypriot descent and our broader stakeholders. It became clear that there was a strong desire to ensure Australians of Cypriot descent who served in the ANZAC tradition and later in the Australian Defence Force are properly recognised, alongside the people of Cyprus who served with ANZAC and Allied forces. It is our responsibility to ensure these stories are preserved, remembered and passed on to future generations,” Mr Kyriacou said.
He also acknowledged Michael Phillips and Harry Andrews, who have accepted the role of founding Co-Chairs and conveners of the Cyprus Memorial Committee.
The Committee has been tasked with developing memorial and educational initiatives that recognise the contribution of Cypriots during both World Wars, the Cyprus Mule Corps, the Cyprus Regiment, Australians who served in Cyprus, and Australians of Cypriot heritage who have served their nation across generations.
The first major initiative of the Committee will be the Cyprus Memorial Commemoration 2026, which will bring together veterans, community leaders, government representatives, diplomats, academics, descendants of servicemen and women, and members of the broader Australian community for a solemn and historic evening of remembrance.
The programme will commence with a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony at the ANZAC Memorial, recognising the contribution of those who served in conflicts and military operations connected to Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region.
A highlight of the evening will be a keynote lecture by distinguished historian Dr Georgios Kazamias of the University of Cyprus, who will address the historical links between Cyprus, the ANZAC tradition and the Allied war effort.
The event will also feature the launch of a new publication exploring the story of mateship, service and the shared military heritage connecting Cyprus and Australia. Guests will have the opportunity to view a specially curated exhibition showcasing the role of Cypriots in military service, including the Cyprus Mule Corps, the Cyprus Regiment, Australians who served in Cyprus, and the contribution of Australians of Cypriot heritage who have served Australia with distinction.
Mr Phillips said the commemoration represents an important step in ensuring the contribution of Cypriots is recognised within Australia’s broader military story.
“Australia’s story is one of many communities contributing to the defence of freedom. The Cyprus Memorial Commemoration seeks to honour those sacrifices, preserve these stories for future generations and strengthen understanding of the deep historical ties that exist between Australia and Cyprus,” Mr Phillips said.
Co-Chair Mr Andrews said the initiative is equally an Australian story and an Australian commemoration.
“This is as much an Australian event as it is a Cypriot one. We have invited descendants of servicemen and women from across Australia to attend and register their family histories as part of a national descendants network,” he said.
“Through this initiative we hope to preserve memory, recognise service, strengthen community connections and ensure future generations understand the contribution their ancestors made to both Australia and Cyprus.”
Mr Andrews said descendants who participate will help build a lasting record of service and sacrifice while contributing to future educational and commemorative programmes.
The commemoration coincides with the 53rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and the Republic of Cyprus and provides an opportunity to reflect upon the friendship, shared values and cooperation that continue to unite the two nations.
The Cyprus Community of NSW Ltd extends an invitation to veterans, serving personnel, descendants, community organisations and members of the public to attend this significant event and join in remembering those who served and sacrificed in the pursuit of peace and freedom.
Event Details
- What: Cyprus Memorial Commemoration 2026
- When: Friday, 12 June 2026
- Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
- Where: ANZAC Memorial, Hyde Park, Sydney
- To RSVP go online: https://thecyprusclub.org.au/memorial
The evening will include:
- Memorial Service
- Wreath-Laying Ceremony
- Historical Exhibition
- Book Launch
- Keynote Lecture
- Commemorative Reception
