Victorian Premier praises Greeks at Shrine of Remembrance but few present

·

By Mary Sinanidis.

“I thank you all for accepting our invitation for honouring this event with your attendance and your presence,” Tony Tsourdalakis, Chairman of the Victorian Council for Greek National Day, said at the Shrine of Remembrance on Saturday.

The event, kicking off celebrations for the 202nd anniversary of the Greek War of Independence, was one mainly attended by invited guests and officials. There were many empty seats – even less than last year – and hardly indicative of the robust Greek Australian community Melbourne is famed for.

Invited guests included Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews; Victoria’s Opposition Leader John Pesutto; Maria Vamvakinou MP, representing Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese; Lee Tarlamis MP; Nick Staikos MP; Archbishop Makarios of Australia; Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis; Greek Community of Melbourne President, Bill Papastergiadis; and other dignitaries. The emcee was Sophia Siachos.

(L-R) Nick Staikos MP, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Lee Tarlamis MP.
Official guests at the event.
School students with the Consul General (centre).

Premier Andrews took the opportunity to thank the “biggest Greek diaspora outside Greece, the proud and magnificent Greek community of Melbourne and Victoria” – though few ordinary Greeks were present giving the false impression that Greeks aren’t as “interested” in the celebration as in past years.

Some present blamed the windy weather, others blamed the fact it was for a March 25 celebration being held on March 18, and others still wondered why the event had not been publicised resulting also in the absence of several multicultural media outlets as some had not been notified.  

Smaller crowd than usual at the commemorative event.
School students.
More school students.

“We can’t imagine Melbourne and our state of Victoria without the contribution that Greek families have made and continue to make, a fairer state, a stronger state, a more prosperous state,” Premier Andrews said.

“Today is an opportunity to thank them and acknowledge the many ways in which they make us not only the multicultural capital but the centre of critical thought, of innovation, of economic growth, of prosperity, a state where equality matters, where inclusion is important, and where our multiculturalism is not tolerated but celebrated. The Greek community can be rightly proud of all that they have contributed to all that we cherish as a state.”

Mr Pesutto, Victoria’s Liberal party leader, is no stranger to Greek Australian events due to having married a Greek Australian.

“I married a Greek, so I am used to Greek rule in my own home,” he said. “The contribution Greeks have made to Australia cannot be understated, and I know and share the comments the Premier made. […] So I say to all the young people here today. Today’s celebration does not just honour and dignify the past, it shines a light on the way forward,” Mr Pesutto said.

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The Greek Herald finalists lead the way in 2025 Greek International Women Awards

The Greek Herald’s own Dimitra Skalkos and Andriana Simos are finalists in the 2025 Greek International Women Awards.

Football Victoria honours South Melbourne FC legend Michalis Mandalis

The new Football Victoria Chair Angela Williams paid tribute to former footballer and long-time South Melbourne FC legend Michalis Mandalis.

Greek Orthodox community in Liverpool raises $20,000 for McGrath Foundation

The spirit of faith, community and compassion was on full display at the “Splash of Pink” charity afternoon tea.

WWII-era rifle used in Croydon Park shooting sparks firearm law debate

A WWII-era M1 Carbine rifle has become the focus of investigations into the Croydon Park shooting. Read more here.

PASOK intensifies pressure for reopening of GNTO Office in Melbourne

Pressure on Greece's Ministry of Tourism to reopen the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) Office in Melbourne is intensifying.

You May Also Like

New law banning religious vilification passes NSW Parliament

Legislation to prohibit religious vilification passed the New South Wales Parliament on Thursday, August 3rd.

Cyprus Community Club of NSW launches new branding and logo

The Cyprus Community Club of New South Wales in Stanmore, Sydney is launching a new logo and branding, the first for well over half a century.

Thessaloniki pays tribute to Holocaust martyrs and heroes

Thessaloniki commemorates the National Day of Remembrance for Holocaust Martyrs and Heroes with memorial to honor the city's Jewish history.