Opinion: A call for unity and progress among Sydney’s Greeks

·

By Kerry Koliadis

I recently watched an interview given by the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Mr Bill Papastergiadis, to a Greek radio station during Christmas of 2023.

I felt very proud as a Greek, and I would like to express my congratulations to Mr Papastergiadis for what he has offered and continues to offer to the Greek community of Melbourne.

Bill Papastergiaidis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne.

The Greek Community of Melbourne has achieved many things and is an example of Greek tradition, progress and culture.

The Greek Centre in Melbourne, a 15-storey building, is something that other multi-ethnic communities envy; this tells us that you can achieve much when there is unity among others and differences of opinion do not stop what is intended for the greater good of society.

The Greek Community Centre in Melbourne.

Unfortunately, here in Sydney, we have not followed and used the Greek progressive spirit as it should be used. We have hundreds of clubs and small organisations that we could all very well join together as one organisation, just as Melbourne does.

We, the first Greek immigrants, one by one, are slowly moving into the next world, but we must do what we can for future generations who will continue their lives in this country and carry the Greek culture and heritage that we have brought here, to reign forever.

On Christmas Day, I had a phone call from my good friend Mr Warwick Stacey, and he told me that he had gotten his degree in Ancient Greek.

Warwick said to me, “Now I am ready to protect the Western Civilisation. Because this civilisation began in the small country called Greece, something we should all feel very proud of.”

Whenever Warwick, a retired officer from the Australian Special Forces service, calls me, he always starts with “molon lave”.

The Kemps Creek land better known as ‘The Hellenic Village’.

In Greece we have the same service, the LOK (Lokatzides).

I hope that the New Year 2024 will enlighten all those who hold positions in Greek clubs and associations here in Sydney, and start a movement of unity for the good of the whole community and for the good of future generations.

I also hope that the Greek clubs that have shares in the Kemps Creek land (Hellenic Village) will decide something positive for the whole of the Greek community and put aside their personal interests.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

From passion to production: Steven Koutzoumis launches SoundCult studio in Sydney

In the heart of Beverly Hills, a fresh sound is taking shape - and it’s being led by young Greek Australian Steven Koutzoumis who has a vision

Greek immersion in the early years pays off for Year 8 student Mariah Palaktsoglou

Year 8 student Mariah Palaktsoglou won the Hellenic Dreaming High School Short Story Competition held by the Greek Museum of Adelaide Inc.

Faith, family and football: The making of Nectarios Triantis

Growing up in a bustling Greek Australian household in Sydney, footballer Nectarios Triantis was never far from a football - or chaos.

Bella Spasis’ big deal: Live music in Victoria set to thrive

Greek-Victorian bar owner, Isabella (Bella) Spasis, hosted a remarkable event at her venue, ‘The Dog’s Bar’ early on Sunday morning, July 6.

GOCNSW Home for the Aged welcomes Consul General and celebrates its donors

The Greek Orthodox Community Home for the Aged played host to the Consul General of Greece in Sydney and some of its major donors.

You May Also Like

Derelict hoarder house in Sydney sells at auction for $1.31 million

A derelict hoader house in Erskineville, Sydney has sold at auction for $1.31 million, realestate.com.au reports.

Authors of “Greek Cafes And Milk Bars of Australia” to speak at NSW Seniors Festival

Documentary photographer Effy Alexakis and writer Leonard Janiszewski will be hosting two talks titled "Greek Cafes & Milk Bars of Australia" at the NSW seniors festival in Sydney during February.

Tickets on sale for first-ever Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament in Australia

The wait is over for basketball fans in Australia for the Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament – being held outside of Europe for the first time.