200 Years of Greek Independence

Kat Theophanous speaks at a flag raising ceremony at Darebin City Council

This Day, the 25th of March, is incredibly important to those of Greek heritage but also to our wider community.

It is a day on which we pay our respects to those whose fought and died for Greece’s freedom, the return of democracy and the right to practice our own culture and honour our heritage.

Today we mark 200 years of that freedom.

It is also an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the importance of democracy itself – and to always remember its fragility and the social responsibility we have to one another to protect it.

For thousands of years Greece was the epicentre of democratic civilisation. A model that I have the fortune to see on display every time I’m in the Victorian Parliament – in that great hall of debate, where ideas are contested and laws are made through votes rather than tyranny.

But Greece’s contribution to our civilisation goes far beyond the Parliament. From science to language to mathematics, medicine, philosophy, art and architecture – there is scarcely a part of our modern world which does not bear its influence.

And of course, Victoria and Greece share a deep connection. We are home to the largest Greek community outside of Greece. The contribution of pre-war and post-war migrants to our suburbs has been immense – and continues to shape our way of life.

Australians and Greeks fought alongside each other in two World Wars in the name of freedom and democracy. That is a connection that will always bind us.

And as an Australian of of Greek-Cypriot heritage, it makes me especially proud attending events like this and supporting a community that is such a big part of who I am.

The ability to continue to honour our heritage and our culture within a peaceful multicultural society is a precious thing and should never be taken for granted.

This day reminds us of that.

All across our communities there have been celebrations to mark the bicentenary. And across Melbourne, the Victorian Government will be lighting up some of our key landmarks in blue and white to show the importance of this date.

Let it never be forgotten.

Vito H Ellatha kai Vito H Elleftheria