There has been an outpouring of empathy and message of hope to Greece from Australia’s politicians during this difficult time in the aftermath of the fires.
In an official statement, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said that he was “deeply saddened to learn of the fires in Greece”.
“My thoughts and those of the Australian people are with the people of Greece at this tragic time,” he said.
Acknowledging the hundreds of thousands of Australians of Greek descent, Mr Turnbull said that “a tragedy that affects Greece also affects Australia”.
“Australia and Greece share a special relationship nurtured by strong family and community ties,” the PM added.
“In times like these, friends come together in support of one another. We know only too well the terrible impact these fires can have on communities and families. I have written to Prime Minister Tsipras sending our condolences and offering support. Australia stands ready to assist the people of Greece to respond to this disaster […].”
Federal opposition leader, Bill Shorten also offered his condolences and support for Greece in a statement Friday, saying “Our nation knows only too well the terrible toll that fires can inflict on homes and human life. We mourn for the dead and we offer our heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost a loved one. Aιωνία η μνήμη.”
Mr Shorten offered bi-partisan support for any government efforts.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews also recognised the connection between the two countries, with Melbourne being home to the third largest Greek population in the world.
“Our hearts are breaking for the terrible tragedy in Greece, that’s why the Victorian government has spoken with the Greek authorities and the commonwealth government around support and systems we can provide,” he said.
While he said authorities had informed them there was no need for firefighters, the premier was reassuring in offering Victoria’s support, stating that “we stand ready to provide the support and the systems to the Greek government”.
Politicians of Greek decent also expressed their grief and support over the tragic events.
In a heartfelt address, Victorian Minister for Families, Children, Early Childhood Education, and Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos MLC took to parliament to give her condolences to the victims.
“These wildfires are now thought to be one of the worst fires Greece has experienced in over a decade, with dozens of homes destroyed, livestock and livelihoods. But perhaps the hardest figure to deal with, is that of lives already lost,” she said.
“The Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has declared three days of national mourning, but I know this pain and suffering will be felt for a long time to come.
“[…] I have no doubt that the Greek people will show strength, courage and unity in the coming days.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all of Athens and Greece.”
For Minister for Trade and Investment Philip Dalidakis, news of fires in Greece was particularly personal, revealing that his family originates from Crete, where a fire broke out on Sunday.
“My heart this morning is with the Greek community,” he said
“The images from the region are truly shocking, and my thoughts are with the members of my Hellenic community here at home and back in Greece. Can I say to that end that I want to express my personal thanks to the premier, who has extended an offer of assistance to the Greek authorities, and of course, to members of the business community, who have reached out to me to express their support to help Greeks here at home and abroad.”
Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos was another to recall the devastating bush fire experiences Victorians are all too familiar with, likening the scenes in Greece to Black Sunday.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Greece at what is a difficult time.
“As a proud Greek Australian, I cannot help but be moved by the outpouring of support here in Australia, particularly by our philhellene premier, who visited Greece in December. As the premier said, Melbourne is the world’s third largest Greek city, and we stand ready to assist with bushfire relief.”