With Christmas Day fast approaching, the Premiers of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia have all sent messages of hope to their respective Greek communities.
All three messages touch on the difficult year experienced by all due to the coronavirus pandemic, but say there is still a lot to be thankful for such as family and friends.
Here are their messages in full:
Gladys Berejiklian, NSW Premier:
In her Christmas message, the Premier of NSW, Gladys Berejiklian, thanked the Christian community for the “kindness and compassion” they extended to others during their time of need this year.
“In all that we have confronted in 2020 – bushfires, drought, floods and pandemic – you have shown a generosity of spirit that sustains us all,” Ms Berejiklian writes.
“It is a wonderful demonstration of your humanity and your faith.”
Ms Berejiklian then went on to wish everyone “a healthy and harmonious holiday season and a prosperous 2021.”
Full Message:
Daniel Andrews, Victorian Premier:
‘Kαλά Χριστούγεννα’ writes Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, in his Christmas message to Greek Australians this year.
Mr Andrews begins with the use of the Greek language and goes on to talk about the “strong bond” Australia continues to have with Greece despite the border closures this year.
“I’m proud that the heart of the Greek diaspora in Australia beats loudest and proudest in Victoria and I’m thankful for the way that Greek Victorians have shared their culture and way of life so generously,” Mr Andrews wrote.
The Premier continued by saying that although Christmas will be celebrated differently this year, with Zoom gatherings for example, there is still a lot to be thankful for such as good health and “delicious food around the table.”
Full Message:
Steven Marshall, Premier of South Australia:
In his special Christmas message to the Greek community of South Australia, Premier Steven Marshall wished everyone a “happy and safe festive season.”
He later congratulated the state’s Greek community for their contribution to Australia’s society.
“I congratulate and thank our vibrant Greek community of South Australia for the significant contributions you have made to multiculturalism in our state,” Mr Marshall writes.
“It is wonderful our Greek community can now come together and celebrate the festive season and the special traditions passed down from generation to generation.”
Mr Marshall later stressed the importance of spending time with friends, family and loved ones this Christmas, as well as spreading generosity to others, particularly those who are less fortunate.
Full Message:
