Sydney and Melbourne Celebrate March 25th; Gillard Makes Statement to Greeks

Melbourne and Sydney honored Greece’s great national anniversary. Thousands of Greeks flooded the centers of the two big cities in order to celebrate the 25^th of March.

The Greek community of Melbourne commemorated the Greek National Day yesterday, with the traditional parade at the Shrine of Remembrance. Approximately 8,ooo students and representatives of local associations participated in the events. The celebrations in Sydney were unfolding for the first time.

The Greeks of Australia honored their heroic ancestors who fought for freedom and democracy and renewed their commitment to continue guarding their national and cultural heritage.

The Premier of the State, Ted Baillieu, the leader of the opposition, Daniel Andrews, representatives of the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, the Greek MP Maria Vamvakinou and the Greek shadow Minister Sophia Mirabela, and of the leader of the Coalition Tony Abbott, as well as other members of state and federal parliament and representatives of the Armed forces attended the celebration in Melbourne.

The Hellenic Republic was represented by Efstathios Konstantinidis of the New Democracy Party in Melbourne. Mr. Konstantinidis arrived yesterday together with his fellow parliamentarian John Korantis of the Popular Orthodox Rally who represented the Hellenic Parliament at the commemoration of the Greek National Day in Sydney.

The Consul General, Helen Lianidou, gave the traditional speech for the historical background of the day, while Ted Baillieu and Daniel Andrews welcomed the participants of the parade.

The New South Wales Premier, Barry O’Farrell, and the leader of the opposition, John Robertson, attended the celebration in Sydney. Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, represented the federal government and Philip Randock represented the opposition.

The Archbishop of Australia Stylianos held the memorial service in the Cenotaph of Martin Place and C. Danalis, president of the Greek Community, deposited wreaths at the place along with P.Theofilou, NSW Intercommunities Council President.

The Greek Ambassador Mr. Christopoulos, the High Commissioner of Cyprus Mr. Iakovou and the Consul General Mr. Tolios also deposited wreaths. There was finally a big ceremony in Domain Park, Sydney.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard spoke about the “valuable” Greek contribution

The Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, expressed her gratitude for the “major contribution of the Greek Community” on the occasion of the 25^th March celebrations. Her speech was given by the Greek MP M. Vamvakinou. She pointed out that it was the day “to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Greeks in Australia and honor the valuable contribution to the Australian nation”.

«March 25 is the most important day for the Greeks of Australia. It’s a day they honor their glorious history and culture, as well as the memory of those who sacrificed themselves for Greece’s freedom”, stressed Gillard.

She reminded the government’s commitment to multiculturalism emphasizing that : “Few presents are more valuable than the cultural diversity that distinguishes Australian society and signifies one of the most powerful ingredients of our nation. My office wishes to repeat our total commitment to multiculturalism. These values are fundamental when it comes to our identity and our worldwide status.”