Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

In the few moments that are available to me, I want to stand here with my other Western Australian colleagues, Senator Cash, Senator Brockman, Senator O'Sullivan and Senator Reynolds, and congratulate the Western Australian Greek community on the memorial service that was held yesterday for WA Greek settlers. The Greek community has been a cornerstone of Australia and of Western Australia's history. From early colonial settlers to those that came after the devastation of the Second World War, Greek Australians have helped rebuild our state and served in Australia's armed forces during times of crisis, and they have set themselves apart as business and community leaders. While the legacy of the Greeks who contributed to WA's history is well known and lives on in the thriving present-day Hellenic community, it is important to recognise those who were reposed between 1891 and 1914. In the words of a famous historian, Dr John Yiannakis, who was a Medal of the Order of Australia recipient, between 1891 and 1914 over two dozen Greeks, mostly males, perished in WA. (Time expired)