On Monday, April 14, the Parramatta City Council made a historic decision to formally recognise the Armenian Genocide and to establish a memorial garden and plaque in honour of the victims.
This important motion was tabled by Councillor Tanya Raffoul, a proud Armenian-Australian and descendant of a genocide survivor, and seconded by Councillor Anthony Ellard.
The resolution, unanimously passed by the Council, is a significant act of remembrance and solidarity, acknowledging the suffering of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek peoples during the early 20th century.
In a statement, the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia said, “we are especially grateful to the City of Parramatta for recognising the shared history of over 6,000 Australians of Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek heritage residing in the local government area.”
“The creation of a memorial garden will serve as a lasting tribute to the memory of the victims and a place for reflection, education, and community healing,” the statement added.
Representing the Federation at this milestone event were members of the Executive Committee, including President Esta Paschalidis-Chilas and Pontoxeniteas NSW President Maria Anthony, along with leaders from our NSW member associations.
“To witness Councillor Raffoul move this motion was personally moving and affirming. Motions such as this, pave the way to healing. Genocide recognition is not about creating division across our rich multicultural community, rather through truth telling inter-community bridges can be built on more solid foundations,” Ms Paschalidis-Chilas said.
