Keith Wolahan (Menzies, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

More than half of this nation are first- or second-generation migrants. In my seat of Menzies that figure is 70 per cent, one of the highest in the nation. Melbourne is the largest Greek city outside of Athens, with the suburbs of Bulleen and Templestowe housing a vibrant Greek community. I single out clubs like the Greek senior citizens club of Manningham, the Greek senior citizens club of Saint Haralambos church, and the Bulleen-Templestowe Greek senior citizens club.

So many of our Greek community took a chance on Australia and their future by coming to Australia. Most came by boat many decades ago. They had tears for what was left behind and nerves for what lay ahead. You came here to survive, but you have done so much more; what you did was thrive. You thrived in business, in law, through sport and through the military I served with many Australians of Greek heritage in Afghanistan who were courageous and brave. That is why I was honoured to attend the Greek National Day parade at Albert Park alongside 10,000 other Victorians. There were many distinguished guests, including his Eminence Archbishop Makarios and His Eminence Iezekihl. I single out the children and their parents. We stood on the VIP lectern and watched them come by with their marching and their drums. They were so proud of the school and who they are. Zito Ellada! Zito Australia!