Matt Thistlethwaite (Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for the Republic) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

To Australians of Greek heritage, I say zito i eleftheria, happy independence day. This year's celebration of Hellenic independence is a special one as it's the 200th anniversary of the start of the Greek revolution of liberation from the Ottoman Empire. On this significant occasion, I wish to thank all in our community of Greek heritage for your friendship and for welcoming me into your community. I am fortunate to represent an area with a very large and active population with Hellenic heritage, centred around St Spyridon church and school in Kingsford and St Catherine's at Mascot. People of Greek heritage have made an enormous contribution to our community and have enriched our local culture and made the community of Kingsford Smith more inclusive and diverse. For that, we thank you.

Greek postwar migration has helped build modern Australia, grow our economy and support the living standards that we all enjoy today. Greek Australians contribute to our nation's philanthropy. I wish to, in particular, recognise the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, AHEPA, for their volunteers and their contribution to promoting education and medical research in Australia.

To all in the Australian Greek community, I say efcharisto. Thank you for your contribution to our nation. I'm very proud to work with you. How appropriate it is, Madam Deputy Speaker Vamvakinou, that you, being of Greek heritage, are in the chair at this moment. Happy independence day to you and to all in our community of Greek heritage.