To honour the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign, the Asia Minor Historical Society, along with Queensland’s Hellenic Sub-Branch of the RSL, held a commemorative dinner.
Aptly taking place the Friday before Anzac Day, the evening officially commenced with the national anthems of both Australia and Greece, followed by The Last Post, a period of one minute’s silence and the recitation of The Ode.
Distinguished guests attending on the night included Queensland’s Hon. Consul of Greece, James Raptis OBE; federal member of parliament for Griffith, Terri Butler, along with councillor for the Gabba ward, Helen Abrahams.
Representatives of the commander 1st division Gallipoli barracks were also present, including Commander Gerald Savvakis; chairman of the advisory board of the Red Cross, John Pinney AM, and chief executive officer of Legacy Brisbane Gavan White.
Two historical presentations were made during the dinner, with Despina Drakos drawing on her personal family history and speaking on the history of the Greek people in Asia Minor during the period.
Dr Panayiotis Diamandis, lecturer of genocide studies from the University of Technology Sydney also spoke on the night, giving a presentation entitled ‘Anzac, Queensland and Hellenism’.
Taking the role of master of ceremonies was Colonel Vlas Eftathis OAM RFD, president of the Hellenic Sub-Branch RSL Queensland.
The Anzac Day commemorations continued the following day with the Brisbane Anzac Day Parade.
Organised under the direction of the Anzac Day Combined Parade Committee with the support of the Returned and Services League of Australia, present on the day was governor of Queensland, Hon. Paul de Jersey AC.