Once a year, the future gathers at the Australian Hellenic War Memorial

Once a year, on an October spring morning, the Australian Hellenic War Memorial (AHWM) fills with the laughter of children, buzzing with excitement and pride.

The AHWM Foundation’s Student Competition has become a cherished tradition, one that brings history to life through the eyes of young Greek Australians.

For AHWM Foundation President Steve Kyritsis OAM, what began as a one-off event 16 years ago is now a cornerstone of the memorial’s calendar.

“These kids are our future. That’s why we started this art and essay competition – so they could reflect on their history,” he said. “We’re very grateful it continues to run every year in all Greek schools where the Greek language is spoken. We love seeing students from Years 1 to 12 take part.”

Foundation Secretary Peter Andrinopoulos, who hosted the event, reminded the audience that the competition’s purpose is to “explore Australian and Greek involvement in Greece during both World Wars and teach youth the story behind these events.” 

He praised the high calibre of this year’s entries, noting that hundreds were received and some categories even had multiple winners because judges “simply couldn’t choose.”

Moira Triantafyllou, Acting Coordinator of Educational Affairs at the Greek Consulate, captured the spirit of the day: “It’s beautiful to see children creating works that honour our history. We feel awe as we remember those who joined Greece in friendship and solidarity. Each creation is unique, it’s the effort that counts.”

As students posed proudly with their certificates beneath the marble monument, sunlight glinted off the stone honouring 841 Australians and 1,040 New Zealanders who rest in Greek soil; among the 17,000 Australians and 7,000 New Zealanders who served alongside Greek forces in both World Wars.

Their sacrifice lived on in the students’ art and writing.

Panayiota Dimopoulos, a winner from Oakleigh Grammar, said she wanted to show the friendship between Greek and Australian soldiers.

“I wanted to show the bond between the two soldiers,” she said.

Twelve-year-old Christina Theodoropoulos added, “I feel that Greece and Australia’s history is connected, and the bond grew even stronger when immigrants came.”

Christina recently travelled to her ancestral village near Nafplion, tracing the footsteps of Theodoros Kolokotronis, a journey that deepened her sense of identity and historical connection.

For Anastasia Kalafatis and Katerina Batsios from the Greek Community of Melbourne’s Bentleigh campus, the competition was a chance to imagine life on the frontlines.

“I wrote it so you can feel like you’re in the scene,” said Anastasia, who visits Thessaloniki most years.

“We talked about how hard it must have been for them to fight so far from home,” added Katerina, whose family hails from Kastoria.

Artem Papavasileiou-Ball, also from the GCM schools, shared a page from his own family history in his essay, reflecting on an Australian soldier who fought with the Anzacs in Greece.

It was clear that the children’s pride went far beyond the cash prizes.

The event drew an impressive list of guests and community leaders, including Patron John Pantazopoulos, former Victorian minister instrumental in securing government funding for the memorial; and Peter Kalimnakis OAM, first AHWM president.

Sponsorship of the competition costs just $200, with all proceeds going directly to students who submit artworks. To support the initiative, contact peter.andrinopoulos@gmail.com.

2025 AHMF Student Competition Award List