Major George Devine Treloar, the Leaque of Nations Refugee Commissioner in Thrace and Macedonia in the wake of the Asia Minor Catastrophe, has been inducted into the Legends of his old school, St Patricks College in his birthplace of Ballarat.
The induction was held at a special dinner and presentation night on Sunday 31 August. Others inducted were Peter Blenkiron and Dr Michael Flynn.
Amongst the crowd were representatives of Melbourne’s George Treloar Memorial Committee, including Litsa Athanasiadis.
A wonderful night, Ms Athanasiadis said a highlight was meeting members of George Treloar’s family, especially his son David Treloar who travelled from Perth to take part in the event, and his niece Eleanor Lacey from Canberra.
“It has been a great privilege to have begun this journey of honouring George Treloar on behalf of all the descendants who George assisted in northern Greece. They arrived on the shores of Greece, destitute and in need of help. Thankfully for them, they were assisted by this great humanitarian, and if it were not for his work nearly 100 years ago, many of us would not be here today,” Ms Athanasiadis said.
In his role as refugee helper, it is estimated that Mr Treloar assisted approximately 108,000 Christian refugees who had been forced to flee their home across Asia Minor during the catastrophe of the early 1920’s. Bringing his military and undoubted organisational skills to bear, he ensured the survival of these desperate people and saw the establishment of many new villages, including that of Thrylorion in Thrace that was named in his honour. He was also awarded many military and other decorations, including Greece’s Order of Holy Redeemer.
The induction was held the week before the unveiling of the new George Treloar Memorial in Sturt Street, Ballarat, which is due to take place this Sunday, 8 September.
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Ms Athanasiadis thanked all of those in the community who have contributed to this important project, which will see the first major commemorative memorial to the work of Mr Treloar erected in Australia.
“We have been working on this memorial for many years now and its unveiling will be a fitting tribute not only to George Treloar and his work but to the survival of the culture of these Christian refugees from Asia Minor. The Committee invites all who cherish the memory of George and these refugees to come to Ballarat for this important event this coming Sunday,” she said.
Ballarat’s George Treloar Memorial Unveiling – All Welcome
The George Treloar Memorial Committee in conjunction with the City of Ballarat invite all to attend the unveiling of their new memorial honouring Major George Devine Treloar and his refugee work. The unveiling will include a demonstration of Pontian dancing, symbolising the culture of many of the refugees assisted by George Treloar. All welcome.
When: Sunday 8 September at 11.00 am
Where: The memorial site, located in the median strip gardens near the corner of Errard and Sturt Streets, Ballarat VIC.
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