Liberal Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs David Pisoni MP has called for the South Australian parliament to officially recognise the service given by Australian nurses on the Greek island of Lemnos during the Gallipoli campaign and for Greece to be acknowledged for supporting them and the Australian war effort at the military hospital there.
“The Organisation of Hellene and Hellene-Cypriot Women of Australia recently commemorated the Centenary of ANZAC with their ‘Memories of Lemnos and the Australian Nurses’ contribution to ANZAC Centenary ceremonies at Keswick Barracks,” said Shadow Employment Minister David Pisoni.
“I applaud this gesture by the local Greek community and believe it appropriate that both the contribution of Australian nurses and the great support given to them by the Greek people during the Gallipoli campaign and the establishment of an Australian military hospital on Lemnos be formally recognised.
“It is yet another example of the significant cultural links and strong bonds of friendship between Greece and Australia.
“While there is a Second World War memorial to women service personnel on King William Street there is not one dedicated to the over 3000 nurses, many from South Australia, who volunteered for active service in the First World War, 2000 of whom served overseas.
“It is proper that a permanent memorial commemorating these brave Australian women be incorporated into the proposed ANZAC walk, from the North Terrace war memorial to the Pathway of Honour, and I am seeking the parliament’s support for this lasting symbol of remembrance.”