The Greek Australian community was filled with pride on Thursday, 24 April 2025, as the Hellenic Presidential Guard (Evzones) stood in reverent formation during an official reception hosted by The Hon. Tom Koutsantonis MP and facilitated by the Foundation of Hellenic Studies.
The reception, held at the Adelaide Pavilion, was organised to not only welcome the Evzones, but also His Excellency Mr Stavros Venizelos, Ambassador of Greece to Australia, during his first official visit to South Australia.
A night of commemoration and reflection
Minister Koutsantonis commenced proceedings by acknowledging the deep historical and emotional ties between Greece and Australia, especially resonant during ANZAC Day commemorations.
“Today’s reception is a celebration of the enduring friendship between Greece and Australia. A friendship forged not just through the migration and culture, but in the crucible of war, in moments of great courage and sacrifice,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
He also acknowledged the significance of the Evzones’ presence on such a significant date, being ANZAC Day, and evoked the legacy of shared sacrifice between Hellenic and Australian peoples, beginning with the Gallipoli campaign of 1915, when the Greek island of Lemnos served as a lifeline to the Australian forces.
“It was the Greek island of Lemnos that played a vital role… [and] served as the staging ground with a hospital base as a supply line for the airline forces during the landing… Many of our wounded diggers found sanctuary and treatment there, and many died there,” the Minister said.
This spirit of solidarity was rekindled during World War II, particularly during the Battle of Crete.
“Over 17,000 Australians were sent as part of the Allied official force to defend Greece and Crete. Our soldiers, our diggers, stood beside that Hellenic army, fighting gallantly against overwhelming odds… civilians across the countryside risked their lives to shelter our soldiers… provided them with food, refuge, and hope. Many Greeks, paid with their lives in such acts of courage,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“This shared sacrifice, of soldier and civilian, of Greek and Australian, is part of our common legacy. It is a chapter of our nation’s story bound together by the ideals greater than geography. It is freedom, dignity, and solidarity.”
A diplomatic tribute and Ambassador’s reflections
Ambassador Venizelos delivered a powerful reflection on the role of Adelaide’s Greek community and the potential for future bilateral engagement. He praised Adelaide’s leadership in sustainability and its dedication to culture and heritage as a “model for urban life in this century.”
Looking forward, he expressed optimism about deepening ties between Adelaide and Athens.
“I am confident that Athens, a city of historical importance and vibrant contemporary life, and Adelaide, will have the opportunity to meaningfully cooperate in the near future, forging connections between our peoples,” Ambassador Venizelos said.
Highlighting the deep-rooted contributions of the Greek diaspora, the Ambassador acknowledged the presence of Hellenes in fields such as the judiciary and justice, such as the Hon. Chief Justice Chris Kourakis; politics; public service; defence; academia; arts and the economy. He also praised the Greek Orthodox Church and its unifying vision.
This ceremonial evening was a powerful moment of remembrance, gratitude, and solemnity. The Evzones’ presence in Adelaide stands as a testament to the indelible ties that bind Greece and Australia through shared history, values, and community.
Other notable VIPs in attendance included the Hon. Terry Stephens MLC, President of the Legislative Council; the Hon. Steve Georganas MP, Member for Adelaide; Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos; Mr Harry Patsouris of the Foundation of Hellenic Studies; the Hon. Cressida O’Hanlon MP; the Hon. Josh Teague MP; the Hon. Rod Sims MLC; the Hon. Connie Bonaros MLC; the Hon. Jing Lee MLC; the Hon Olivia Savvas MP; as well as the Mayors of the City of Adelaide and the City of West Torrens, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith and Mr Michael Coxon, respectively.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
