Steve Georganas (Adelaide, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today, being 25 March, marks Greek Independence Day. I extend to all Greek Australians in my electorate and throughout Australia and, of course, throughout the world: Xronia Polla, or Happy Independence Day. It's a significant event, celebrated by Greeks all over the world, wherever they are today, including by all in the Greek Australian community all over Australia and in my electorate.

On the weekend, I attended celebrations held in Adelaide. On Saturday, I attended the wreath laying ceremony hosted by the Messinian Association and supported by the West Torrens council. Yesterday, we started off the day with a church service at the Greek Orthodox Archiepiscopal Church of Saint Sophia in Bowden, which was officiated by Bishop Silouan, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the North Terrace War Memorial, which was attended by all the Greek associations and all the Greek churches, including Premier Peter Malinauskas, Minister Tom Koutsantonis and Minister Andrea Michaels, and of course representatives from the defence forces—the Army, Air Force and Navy.

Greek Independence Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the proud history and heritage of Greece. Across generations, Greek people have found a new home in Australia, weaving their faith, language and culture into our nation's story. Today, on Greek Independence Day, it's an opportunity to thank all Greek Australians for their hard work and generosity as we join with the people of Greece in celebrating. (Time expired)