Official reception held for Greek Independence Day at NSW Parliament

·

The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis, held an official reception on Monday, March 25 at New South Wales Parliament to mark Greek Independence Day.

The event was held in the presence of a number of official guests including Greece’s Alternate Interior Minister, Theodoros Livanios; Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley, Governor of New South Wales; Archbishop Makarios of Australia; NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper MP; NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis MP; NSW Minister for Finance, Courtney Houssos MLC; Leader of the NSW Liberals, Mark Speakman; Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure MP; and Member for Miranda, Eleni Petinos MP.

There were also number of other politicians, Greek and Cypriot community leaders, diplomats and Consular authorities from Slovenia, Italy, Cyprus, Japan, Indonesia, the United Kingdom and the United States, among many other countries.

On the night, youth stood proudly in traditional costumes provided by the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, as guests sang the National Anthems of Greece and Australia.

Master of Ceremonies Paul Kaletsis then kicked off formal proceedings which included speeches by the Consul General, Mr Livanios, Archbishop Makarios, the NSW Governor and Minister Kamper.

In his speech, Mr Mallikourtis stated his appreciation of Australia and how its people embrace the celebration of Greek Independence Day and Greek culture more broadly.

Mr Mallikourtis
Mr Mallikourtis.

He also highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Greece and Australia, based on shared values and common experiences, including tourism, trade, and addressing global challenges like wildfires.

In his speech, Mr Livanios said that Greece and Australia have strong historical ties, always fighting together on the right side of history in WWI and WWII. He also said he is incredibly proud of the Greek diaspora in Australia.

“The first wave of immigrants worked very hard, they worked with meraki, they worked with passion, they worked with love for their new homeland,” he said.

“Now you have great doctors, great politicians, great architects… It’s a wonderful feeling to see how the Greeks here have progressed. The second and third generation love Greece as much as their pappou and yiayia.”

Archbishop Makarios spoke about how March 25th is a double celebration not only for Greek Independence Day, but also for the Annunciation of the Theotokos. He also spoke about the centenary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and stressed that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew would be visiting Australia in October.

The NSW Governor praised the Greek Australian community for their significant contributions to various fields, including business and professional communities. She also stressed how Greeks have demonstrated a commitment to the public good through their contributions to the greater community.

Minister Kamper was the last to speak about his Greek heritage and he reflected on the bicentenary of the Greek Revolution celebrated in 2021. He also spoke of the pride of Greeks and how the younger generation continue to maintain their Greek heritage.

At the conclusion of official proceedings, people were able to mingle amongst themselves and share their thoughts on the 1821 Greek Revolution.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Mark Coure MP extends Oxi Day message to Greek and Cypriot communities

NSW Shadow Minister Mark Coure MP honours Oxi Day, praising the Greek and Cypriot communities for their courage and contribution to NSW.

Oakleigh Grammar farewells the Class of 2025 with Graduation Dinner

Oakleigh Grammar’s Class of 2025 gathered for a night of celebration, reflection, and recognition at their Year 12 Graduation Dinner.

Saint Dimitrios Parish in Moonee Ponds marks 50 years with joyful festival

The annual Saint Demetrios Parish Festival in Moonee Ponds brought together parishioners, dignitaries, and performers on Sunday, October 26.

Burwood RSL donates $14,000 to support St Nectarios’ Cottage Kitchen

St Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Burwood has received a $14,000 ClubGrant from Burwood RSL to continue vital community work.

Greek Australian nurse Helen Zahos recognised for 25 years of humanitarian work

The NT’s Greek community is celebrating humanitarian nurse and paramedic Helen Zahos, recognised for her service to global health.

You May Also Like

‘Our bonds are closely tied’: Greek Culture Minister sends message to Australia’s Greek community

Greece’s Minister of Culture, Dr Lina Mendoni, attended a reception hosted by the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Christos Karras.

Joe Biden sends message to mark bicentenary of 1821 Greek Revolution

US President, Joe Biden, has sent Greece's President a letter to mark Greece’s celebration of the bicentenary of the 1821 Greek Revolution.

Thessaloniki Holocaust Museum gets long-awaited building approval

Greece's Environment Ministry and Thessaloniki's city planning authority gave permission to build the Holocaust Museum in the city.