On Monday, July 28, in the presence of Andreas Gregoriou, Permanent Secretary and Head of the Presidency Administration of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as a delegation from the Cyprus High Commission in Canberra and the Cyprus Community of NSW, the Cyprus War Memorial Committee was officially launched.
The purpose of the Committee is to promote awareness of Cyprus’ contribution to the Allied Forces during World War I and World War II. It will also organise public lectures, an annual commemorative ceremony at the Hyde Park War Memorial, and fund and manage a permanent war memorial monument.
During World War I, over 15,000 Cypriots volunteered to serve with British and Greek forces. They saw active service alongside British, Greek, French, ANZAC, Canadian, and later American forces. Cypriots served with the ANZACs on the Macedonian Front, the Gallipoli Campaign, and the Sinai and Palestine Campaigns. They were stationed in locations such as Varna, Gallipoli, Constantinople, Serres, Doiran, Serbia, and other parts of Europe and the Middle East.
In World War II, the people of Cyprus once again volunteered to serve with French, British, and Greek forces. A special unit, the Cyprus Regiment, was established and attracted over 30,000 volunteers who again saw action alongside the ANZACs in Europe and the Middle East.
Many descendants of these veterans are now members of the Cyprus Community of NSW, yet remain unaware of the contributions their families made in supporting Australian servicemen during both wars.
Michael Phillips, founding Co-Chair of the Committee, said that until now there has been no single committee or commemoration outside of Cyprus to honour the volunteers and sacrifices of the Cypriot people during the world wars.
“Sydney’s Hyde Park Memorial is an iconic building of remembrance. It records many battles – most of which Cypriots played a role in. Our contribution to the Australian story of conflict, sacrifice and heroism will now be acknowledged and take its rightful place in the nation’s narrative,” Mr Phillips said.
The Cyprus War Memorial Committee is an initiative of the Cyprus Community of NSW and includes members drawn from across the Australian, Greek, and Cypriot communities.
Committee members include representatives of the Australian and Cypriot military, descendants of veterans, historians, members of the Cyprus Community NSW Youth, the Cypriots for ANZACs, the RSL, Greek military veterans, volunteers from the Cyprus Community of NSW, and Greek school teachers.
The Committee’s main goal is to establish Cyprus War Memorial Day, to be held annually at the Sydney Hyde Park Memorial. The event will feature a public exhibition, lectures, a cocktail reception, and a wreath-laying ceremony.
The Committee is also exploring the establishment of a permanent monument at the Garrison Church, Dawes Point – Australia’s first military and veterans’ church.
Kyriacos Panayi, Secretary of the Cyprus Community of NSW, said, “Whereas many communities are struggling – some even having to dismantle traditional activities – our community is on a growth path. Many young people are joining, and some will be part of this new Committee.”
“It’s important for our Community Greek School, and all Greek schools and beyond, to take part in Cyprus War Memorial Day, visit the public exhibition, and lay wreaths to honour and remember the sacrifices of the people of Cyprus – sacrifices that helped secure the freedom we enjoy in this country,” Mr Panayi added.
He noted that the Cyprus Community of NSW is currently undergoing a generational change, with youth taking up critical leadership roles as part of a succession plan to ensure the Community thrives well beyond its centenary in 2029.
“A community is about people – respecting our past, our veterans, and the efforts of previous leaders. It’s about learning and passing on traditions, language, dance, and more. Our tech-savvy youth are well-equipped to carry this forward,” he said.
The Cyprus Community of NSW invites all Greeks, and especially those of Cypriot heritage, to join the Committee and help locate artefacts that families may still have from their ancestors or villages.
For more information, visit: https://cyprus.org.au/
