In his second appearance at a Hellenic event in two weeks, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull surprised those gathered at Sydney’s Being Greek Festival.
The sun was out for the annual event on Sunday 25 October, where all things Greek were celebrated, along with the 75th anniversary of OXI Day.
Mr Turnbull was given the opportunity to address the hundreds gathered on the day, declaring: “I’m a Philhellene.”
During his speech, the PM stressed the importance of OXI Day, and recognised the significant role played by Greeks in the development of the Australian nation, and the influence of Greek culture on world civilisation.
And if he hadn’t touched the hearts of festivalgoers by that point, his parting words sealed the deal, as he exclaimed “long live Greece” in his best Greek.
Organised by volunteers of the Greek Orthodox Parish of Kogarah, members of the community described the PM’s presence as an “honour” and “special distinction for Australia’s Hellenism”.
Liberal MP and president of the Greek Orthodox Parish Community of Kogarah, Nickolas Varvaris formally thanked Mr Turnbull for his attendance, and carried on with the positive message for Hellenism.
“I am very proud to represent the seat of Barton, which has a strong and distinctive presence of Greeks.
“I am particularly pleased to welcome you at the festival today to celebrate OXI Day – the refusal of Greece to succumb to the forces of evil, ensuring our values and way of life,” said Mr Varvaris.
Also present on the day was local parish priest Sophronios Konidari, along with representatives of all parties of federal and state politics.