Sophie Cotsis MP, Member for Canterbury

·

80 years ago, the people of Greece said No to fascism. Greeks would eventually fight alongside Allied forces, including forces from Australia.

Greeks and Australians forged bonds of friendship and solidarity – built upon their shared desire for freedom.

The Age newspaper on 30 October 1940 details how the Greek community in Australia responded:
The Consul-General of Greece said that the Greek community in Australia was delighted with the action taken by the Greek Government.

The report continued:
Although many fear for the eventual safety of their relatives in their homeland, Greeks in Sydney are glad that the Italian ultimatum was rejected.

At the only two Greek Orthodox churches in New South Wales prayers for the success of the Allies’ cause are to be offered. 

This history must never be forgotten.

Even though Greece and Australia are half-a-world away, thousands of Australians travelled to fight for Greece’s freedom and independence…while here in Australia the Hellenic community rallied to support the Allied cause.

We must remember the terrible hardships which people endured during the Second World War.

Their sacrifice was noble. We owe them for preserving freedom, democracy and justice in our world.

And let us never forget the courage and certainty Greece showed during freedom’s darkest hour. 

When faced with evil, there is only one answer we must give: Oxi!

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek film festival turns 30 with a Stellar Line-Up of Award-Winning films

The Greek Film Festival is celebrating a major anniversary this year - 30 years of bringing Greek stories to Australian screens.

Summer School for Greek Language teachers in Australia

For the first time in Australia, a specialized online summer school will be held for teachers of the Greek language in the diaspora.

Children’s week at the Greek Community of Melbourne

As part of Children’s Week the Greek Community of Melbourne Schools are taking part in the celebrations organised by the Victorian Government

Get Online Week at the Greek Community of Melbourne

As part of Get Online Week 2025, the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria will proudly join Good Things Foundation’s national campaign.

St Benedict School in Mt Torrens rejects screens, embraces ancient Greek philosophy

Established in early 2024 by members of the Catholic Church of the Holy Name, St Benedict has grown to around 50 students.

You May Also Like

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to visit Australia in October 2024

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is expected to visit Australia in October for the centenary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

Billy Cotsis to premiere ‘The Greeks of South America’ at Sydney’s Greek Film Festival

As part of the prestigious 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney, Billy Cotsis is presenting a new film based on his adventures in Latin America.

Warning issued as rare cyclone heads to Greece this weekend

Greece is bracing for a mega-storm this weekend that meteorologists are saying will bring intense rain and wind to much of the country.