The Victorian government will pay for a contingent of the Evzones, the Greek Presidential Guard, to take part in the Anzac Day Parade, said Premier Daniel Andrews on Wednesday.
Mr Andrews made the announcement at a reception at the Hellenic Museum in Melbourne which was organised by the Greek Consul General in Melbourne to commemorate Greek Independence Day of 25 March.
“The visit of the Evzones was launched by my former minister and good friend Jenny Mikakou for the celebrations of the 200 years of the independence of the Greek nation. It did not happen last year because of pandemic and it’s happening this year,” Mr Andrews said. Ms Mikakos, the former minister of health also attended the reception.
The Chair of the Organising Committee for the Celebration of the National Anniversary, Anthony Tsourdalakis, thanked the state government, Mr Andrews and Ms Mikakos for making the visit a reality this year.
“The Premier can be deemed a philhellene. We also take the opportunity to thank the former Minister for Health Ms Jenny Mikakos for instigating this visit upon her trip to Greece a few years back,” Mr Tsourdalakis said.
Mr Andrews also drew attention to the forthcoming Horizons: Ancient Greek Journeys and Connections exhibition that will be held at the Museum of Melbourne with exhibits drawn from the Archaeological Museum of Athens’ collection.
He also praised the contribution of Greeks to the world and to the development of Victoria and Australia.
“Tonight, especially we are all Greeks,” Mr Andrews said.
Orthodox bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta spoke about the history of the Greek revolution of 1821 and drew comparisons with the current situation in Ukraine.
Greek Consul General Emmanuel Kakavelakis noted in his speech that the Filiki Eteria was established in Odessa, the historic Ukrainian city that is under threat of attack by Russian invasion forces. He also thanked Australia and Victoria for giving an opportunity for Hellinism to advance and contribute to the nation’s multicultural life.
Other dignitaries attending the event were ministers Jacinta Allan and Ros Spence, as well as David Southwick, the deputy leader of the Liberals in Victoria, Greek-Australian members of parliament Kat Theophanous, Lee Tarlamis and Steve Dimopolous were also present with Bill Papastergiadis, the president of the Greek Community of Melbourne, local government leaders and community organisations.
Spiros Alatsas was master of ceremonies for the occasion.
