The Evzones of Greece’s Presidential Guard made their first official visit to Australia’s capital on Wednesday participating in commemorations marking the 86th anniversary of OXI Day at Parliament House in Canberra. The ceremony brought together Australian political leaders, Greek diplomatic representatives and members of the Greek Australian community, highlighting the historical connections between the two countries and their shared commitment to democracy.
The event, organized by the Parliamentary Friends of Greek Australians, was attended by Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick, federal Minister Clare O’Neil and independent MP Monique Ryan, who co-chair the parliamentary group. The Evzones, wearing their traditional foustanella uniforms and distinctive tsarouchia footwear, were welcomed to the Australian Parliament in a ceremony recognizing Greece’s resistance to Fascist Italy in October 1940.
Presidential Guard’s visit marks a milestone in Greek Australian relations
Among those attending were Greek Ambassador to Australia Stavros Venizelos and Bishop Athenagoras of Canberra, among other Greek and Cypriot officials. Representatives of Greek Australian organizations from Melbourne, Sydney and other regions also participated, including community, religious and social service institutions.
The parliamentary reception formed part of a broader program of commemorations in Canberra. The Evzones attended religious services at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. Their visit also included a ceremonial march and guard of honor at the Hellenic Club of Canberra, followed by an OXI Day dinner. Earlier in the week, the Presidential Guard had participated in commemorative activities in Sydney, including a ceremony at the Martin Place Cenotaph.
Although the Canberra visit marked a historic first for the Presidential Guard, the Evzones have traveled to Australia on several previous occasions, despite the considerable distance separating the two countries. Most recently, a 14-member delegation visited Adelaide and Sydney in April and May 2025 for Anzac Day commemorations, while earlier appearances included Melbourne in 2022 and 2018 and Sydney in 2016, 2017 and 2019. During their 2018 visit, the Evzones participated in Greek Independence Day celebrations and stood guard outside Victoria’s Parliament House.
The October 2026 visit, however, was the first to bring the Presidential Guard to Canberra and Australia’s federal Parliament.
Clare O’Neil praises Greek Australians’ contribution to democracy
In her message marking the occasion, O’Neil emphasized the contribution of Greek Australians to Australian society and democratic institutions, drawing on her experience representing Oakleigh, one of Melbourne’s best-known Greek Australian communities.
“I’m pretty lucky to call Oakleigh home – right in the heart of Melbourne’s wonderful Greek Australian community,” O’Neil said. “And while there’s a lot to love about living here, today I want to recognise something particularly important: the contribution Greek Australians make to protecting and strengthening our democracy.”
Reflecting on the historical significance of OXI Day, she stated: “On 28 October 1940, Greece stood up and said ‘Oxi’. No to fascism. No to surrender. It was an extraordinary act of courage. And it’s one that matters to all of us who value our freedom.”
O’Neil also welcomed the Evzones’ first official appearance in Canberra, describing the occasion as particularly meaningful. “That made today particularly special. As Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Greek Australians, I had the honour of welcoming the Evzones to Canberra and Parliament House for their first official visit to our nation’s capital, as we came together to celebrate Oxi Day and honour the courage and spirit at the heart of Greek history,” she said.
The minister concluded by acknowledging the contribution of successive generations of Greek immigrants and their descendants.
“Australia is stronger because of the generations of Greek Australians who have made their lives here, helped build our country and stood up for the values we share,” O’Neil said. “We love the Greeks for giving the world democracy. And we’re grateful to our Greek Australian community for everything you do to help defend it. Χρόνια πολλά.”
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