The life of Ploutarchos Deliyiannis (1935-2013) and his contribution to the Greek community of Melbourne was honoured last week.
The event, at the Panarcadian Association Hall in North Melbourne, looked back on the teacher, fighter, visionary and family man who marked the life of our community in Australia.
Throughout his life in Australia, Mr Deliyiannis played an integral role in promoting the Greek language in a multicultural Australian society and was on the forefront of Greek community activism for over five decades.
Tributes to his life were paid last Sunday by representatives of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, the Greek Democritus League, the Ethnic Community Radio Station 3ZZZ (Greek Broadcasting Committee), the GACL and the International Society of Friends of Nikos Kazantzakis.
Representatives of various community organisations spoke briefly about Deliyiannis’ life and work, his ethos and fighting spirit and mild character. His vision championed the rights of the working class and he fought against racism.
He supported education and rallied for more Greek language classes around Australia.
During the evening, references were made to the memoirs of the late Deliyiannis that are underway.
Ploutarchos Deliyiannis migrated to Australia in 1954. In 1958 he became a member of the Greek community, and in 1962 a member of the board. One year later he became the secretary, under the presidency of Dimitrios Elefantis.