Premier joins Greek elderlyPremier John Brumby joined thousands of people in Mornington on Sunday to celebrate Australia Day and recognise the contribution of Victoria’s Greek population.
Speaking at Australia Day celebrations staged by the Association of Greek Elderly Citizens Clubs of Melbourne and Victoria, Mr Brumby said Australia Day was a time to honour the many different communities that make our state and Australia such a great place to live.
“Australia Day is also a time to reflect on our beginnings and remember that we are a multicultural community made up of migrants from all over the world,” Mr Brumby said.
Mr Brumby said the state’s Greek community had made a great contribution and had long been recognised as a significant influence on Victorian culture and diversity.
“Our Greek community has played a very important role in shaping the thriving and cosmopolitan society Victoria is today – we are immensely proud of our large and dynamic Greek community,” Mr Brumby said.
More than three thousand people from many different backgrounds enjoyed the event, with entertainment ranging from Greek folk dancing to Indigenous performances and a traditional Aussie barbecue.
The Association of Greek Elderly Citizens Clubs of Melbourne and Victoria has offered its services to the elderly Greek community for more than 25 years and now represents over 25,000 members from various clubs throughout Victoria.
Mr Brumby said the Greek Senior Citizens Australia Day celebration was a great opportunity for people to celebrate our heritage and look to the future.