Andrew Giles (Scullin, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I join the member for Kingsford Smith in paying tribute to the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence. Yesterday, the Greek community in Scullin, at their premises in Lalor, had a lunch in celebration of Greek Independence Day. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend, being here, but I am advised the event was, as usual, very well attended, with almost 150 present.

Members of the Greek community have made a significant and very valuable contribution to Scullin and to the Australian community more generally. Since the mass migration of the post-war years, when the Greek community came to Australia, often with little money but with much heart, they have made an enormous contribution and reshaped Melbourne profoundly and for the better.

Since becoming the Labor candidate for Scullin and now member, I have been struck by the passion and commitment of the members of the Greek community in the northern suburbs. I have also been struck by the warmth they have shown to me, despite my very poor Greek dancing! So I pay tribute to the tireless efforts of the president, Kyriakos Aristidou; the secretary, George Tsiogris, who kindly invited me; John Chrisomalis; Con Constantineas; Heleni Argiriou; Anna Economidis; and Georgia Sahinis in particular, who arranged the lunch and did so much. I am sure the lunch ended in the traditional manner, with demonstrations of support for Greece and for Australia. And so I say: Zito E Elarda and Zito Australia!

Bruce Scott (Maranoa, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A very good accent as well. Cannot vouch for the dancing though.