The rain held off in Melbourne on Friday, April 25, as large crowds gathered for traditional ANZAC Day Dawn Service and parades. Among them, members of the Hellenic Returned and Services League (RSL) sub-branch in South Melbourne came together, reflecting the enduring spirit of Greek Australians who served in the Greek and Australian armies during various conflicts.
For the Greek Australian veterans and their families, the Hellenic RSL is a “hub” of memory, camaraderie, and community. As every year, the clubhouse was abuzz with a flurry of activity.
Hellenic RSL President Manolis (Manny) Karvelas herded members to the coach taking them to the parade where they march with allies of Australia from different countries along with a platoon of cadets from the Sunshine unit.
Among the attendees were father-daughter duo Kostas and Ourania Katsambanis, who reflected on the importance of preserving traditions.
“Dad used to come alone, but since I became a member, we come together,” Ourania said. “I became a member because of Dad. He has worked so hard with others to create the Hellenic RSL here. If I can’t bring him, he’ll use public transport.”
97-year-old Kostas, who joined the RSL in 1961 and later helped establish the Hellenic sub-branch in 1978, beamed with pride.
“With Ourania being here, it means the tradition continues. I won’t live forever, but it is good to know that after us, we have a source to continue this,” he said.
Kostas served during Greece’s turbulent post-war period, joining the army in 1949.
“I was struck twice by Greek rebels that ambushed us during the Civil War,” he recalled, his memories still vivid.
Also marching were Odysseas Tyris and his partner Jojo Deeker, representing a more recent generation of veterans. With a career spanning over 40 years in the Air Force, including five tours, one in Afghanistan, Odysseas spoke about his Greek roots and his path to military life.
“My dad is from Soufli and my mum from Lipsi. As a kid, I’d listen to stories about my dad guarding sheep with a karabina across the Turkish border. He’d swim to the middle of the river with a Turkish lad — sometimes relations between Turks and Greeks was amicable,” he shared.
Odysseas’ journey into the Air Force was sparked by attending Avalon air shows with his father. Though initially limited by wearing glasses, he forged a long career as an armament specialist.
“Greeks have a strict upbringing — we were seen and not heard — and that set me up to succeed in the military,” he said. “The Defence Force is so multicultural now that you rarely see racism.”
His partner Jojo, who has spent over a decade moving around the country with Odysseas, added, “The most difficult thing as a defence partner is that you don’t have control over where you are going. You have to reestablish community and connections each time.”
Despite the challenges, the bonds of family, culture, and service were on full display at the Hellenic RSL, especially during the ANZAC Day lunch following the parade — ensuring that the sacrifices of past and present generations continue to be honoured.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
