Federal Member for Reid, Dr Fiona Martin MP, held a successful ‘Liberal Friends of Greece’ event on Thursday night at the Doltone House in Pyrmont, Sydney.
The event was attended by over 60 people including a number of VIP guests such as the Federal Minister for Finance, Senator Simon Birmingham, and Senator Andrew Bragg, as well as distinguished members of the Greek community.
These attendees had an opportunity to mingle amongst themselves and enjoy music by Tommy Tsonis before the emcee for the night, renowned journalist John Mangos, kick-started the official proceedings by inviting Dr Martin to the podium for a speech.
READ MORE: ‘I will fight every day for our community’: Fiona Martin MP launches election campaign in Reid.
Dr Martin thanked everyone for attending the second ‘Liberal Friends of Greece’ event and for supporting her as she battles to retain her marginal Liberal seat in Reid in the upcoming election.
“For me tonight, the ‘Liberal Friends of Greece’ is about my proud Greek heritage,” Dr Martin, who’s background is from Kastellorizo, said. “And I really am very grateful for your support and help.”
Dr Martin then acknowledged that she has some “tough terrain” to navigate as election day approaches but “as a psychologist” she’s ready for the fight.
“It’s been a great honour and privilege to be the member for Reid,” she added.
“I love it and I enjoy it so much because it is multicultural. I couldn’t bear it being in a homogenous community where everyone is the same.”
Next to the stage was Senator Birmingham who started his speech with a quick hello in Greek and then drew a connection between Greece and the upcoming election.
“It is wonderful to be here at this ‘Liberal Friends of Greece’ event in the midst of an election campaign. Greece, the home of democracy of course and an election campaign – that great, thriving, heart beating of democracy that we have in our country right now,” the Senator said.
Senator Birmingham then spoke about the Federal Government’s current vision for Australia, including the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the recent unemployment figures and support for small businesses.
From there, Senator Bragg approached the stage and gave a small speech encouraging Greek Australians to throw their support behind Dr Martin.
“I grew up in Shepparton which is predominantly a Greek town so the Greeks have been with me my whole life,” Senator Bragg said.
“And what we’re hoping you might be able to consider doing on election day is to help us with a few hours in a booth… we need real people to man the polling places.
“So if you are able to give us a few hours on election day, don’t worry it’s not compulsory but if you can, we would be very grateful.”
At the conclusion of these speeches, Mr Mangos led an auction of a number of products including a bottle of wine signed by Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, the Federal Budget 2022-2023 papers signed by Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, tickets to see Moulin Rouge and even Mary Poppins, among many other things.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
