In Sydney, Australia, Filippos Fortomas, New Democracy MP and Chair of the Special Permanent Committee of the Hellenic Parliament for the Greek Diaspora, recently celebrated the national anniversary of 25 March 1821 alongside the city’s Greek community.
Fortomas participated in an Interparty Parliamentary Delegation on an official visit from 24 to 30 March 2026, which included Maximos Charakopoulos, Secretary of the Parliamentary Group of New Democracy, Stavros Michailidis from PASOK, and Konstantinos Barkas from SYRIZA.
During the visit, Fortomas met with representatives of the Greek diaspora to discuss issues of concern, highlighting the importance of strengthening ties between Greece and Greeks abroad, particularly with the large and dynamic community in Australia.
He held a personal meeting with His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, emphasising the Church’s crucial role in preserving national identity, language, and cultural continuity among Greeks in Australia.
Fortomas also focused on Greek-language education, visiting All Saints Grammar School and the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW Schools, engaging with students, teachers, and administrators, and recognising the high educational standards of both institutions.
He engaged in discussions with Greek Australian media, organisations, and academics, gathering input to help shape modern and effective policies for Greeks abroad.
A key highlight was his participation in an event with Sydney’s business community, attended by over 100 representatives, where opportunities to further develop economic, trade, and investment ties between Greece and Australia were discussed, along with the diaspora’s role as a bridge for cooperation.
As part of the annual March 25th celebrations, Fortomas attended religious and commemorative ceremonies, including a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Thanksgiving Service, and later participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park and the moving parade to the Sydney Opera House.
Finally, as Secretary for Greeks Abroad of New Democracy, Fortomas, together with Charakopoulos, attended a special session with the two ND regional party committees of Australia and Oceania, discussing party functions and the broader needs of the diaspora.
Reflecting on the visit, Fortomas said:”I leave Sydney deeply moved and proud of such an active and dynamic Greek community and our people.”
“The Greeks abroad in Australia are a vibrant part of Hellenism, who, on the other side of the world, keep Greece high in their hearts and raise their children with the values of the Greek family,” Fortomas added.
“They are the most worthy ambassadors of Greek hospitality, tradition, principles and values, and the Greek language.
“Our Government, as a small token of gratitude, for the first time gave them the right to be actively engaged citizens through postal voting in the next elections. In subsequent elections, they will be able to participate in the tri-member party lists of their chosen party. We want a strong, active, and participatory diaspora, and Sydney showed us that it is worth striving for much more.”
