It was a full week of festivities in Perth for the 200th Anniversary of our National Day of 25 March 1821. The Consulate of Greece in Perth organised a series of events to commemorate this special occasion.
A reception took place at the Perth Town Hall on 25 March, in the presence of the Lieutenant Governor of WA, the Honourable Peter Quinlan, as well as other dignitaries, amongst which were the Honorable Dr Tony Buti MLA, representing the Premier and the Perth Mayor Basil Zempilas.
On the same day, the Greek flag flew high at the Council House, while the city lit up in blue and white. Among the buildings lit up were Council House, Bell Tower, Matagarup Bridge, Mount Street Bridge, Sky Ribbon, Joondalup Drive Bridge as well as the Northbridge Tunnel entry.
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Matagarup bridge lit up for Greece. Photo: Supplied
A Wreath Laying Ceremony took place on 28 March at Kings Park State War Memorial in the federal, state and local government stakeholders. The event was preceded by a Doxology at the Church of Evangelismos, and took place with a blessing by Bishop Elpidios Kyaneon, followed by performances by the students of St Andrews Grammar and the Immaculate Heart College. Australian and Greek dignitaries paid their tribute by laying their wreaths and the ceremony was concluded with short speeches by the Consul of Greece in Perth Georgia Karasiotou, the Honourable Kim Beazley AC, Governor of WA, and Mr Simon Millman MLA, Representing the Premier of WA.
A special Bicentenary Celebration for the Hellenism of WA took place at St Andrew’s Grammar School which included a video message by Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis as well as the virtual “live” presence of the Secretary General for Public Diplomacy and Greeks Abroad, Prof. John Chrysoulakis. Famous Greek singer George Dalaras also sent a video/musical message, while Anastasios Karamintzas\Anastasis performed Greek songs by famous Greek composers and musicians.
