“Greece is strong. Greece’s Hellenism should not worry.” This is the message highlighted by Greek Defence Minister Nikos Hardalias while speaking to Neos Kosmos publisher Christopher Gogos and editor-in-chief Sotiris Hatzimanolis, in the presence of Consul General Emmanuel Kakavelakis at the official Antipodes Festival function last night.
Mr Hardalias repeated this message on the Antipodes stage in front of thousands of Greek Australians and Melburnians.
“I want you to know this. Our country, is a protagonist, powerful and equipped with a defence force that is well aware it needs to be alert. We seek friendship, we seek peace, we seek good neighbourly relations, but above everything our territorial sovereignty remains unnegotiable.”
Visibly moved, Mr Hardalias told the street attendees, “I had prepared a few words to say, but when I find myself standing in front of people that have their homeland, the blue of our flag in their hearts, I think its best to speak from the heart…
“It might sound like a cliché but I was to tell you that I am very moved to be here today. Amongst people whose gaze is full of love for their homeland, full of memories that made Australia a second home for them. People who have excelled, people who have created new families, a new home but never forgot where they came from, their roots, our values, our ideals. I am especially pleased today to be here with my dear friend, Mayor Thanasis Vasilopoulos with his Eminence’s blessings and we thank him so much for his leadership and his presence in our community.”
On the sidelines of Antipodes 2022 Mr Hardalias met with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, with whom he discussed the long-standing relationship between Greece and Australia, a connection that permeates and transcends historical, diasporic and religious ties. The two discussed matters of common interest that can help strengthen the two countries’ bilateral relations as well as prominent issues within the Greek Australian community.
Also present were representatives of the federal, state and local government, Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Emmanuel Kakavelakis, Mayor of Kalamata Athanasios Vasilopoulos, Presidents of the Pamesinian Brotherhood Papaflessas Steve Gotsis, and Society of Kalamata “23rd March” Melbourne Sam Vlachos, President of the Hellenic RSL Sub-Branch in Melbourne Victoria Steve Kyritsis, as well as members of organisations and clubs.
Melbourne Events
During his visit to Melbourne, Mr Hardalias attended the commemorative event for the celebration of the 195th anniversary of the Battle of Navarino organised by the Hellenic Australian Memorial Foundation.
“I won’t say much about the Navarino Battle and its importance for our country’s independence but I do think that history repeats itself. And Greece’s great Allies had a clear perspective in terms of (the impact) of the then affairs; we really managed to bring specific results at the time and accomplish great victories.
“I want to reassure you about something. Back there in Greece, the past few years, things have changed. Our country is strong, is a protagonist. Our economy, in spite of the difficulties we went through, through memorandums, has exceptional pace despite the continuous crises we had to face. The Covid crisis, the energy crisis, the Ukraine war crisis. We have a leader, our Prime Minister who is trying on a daily basis to find solutions to big issues, and all of us together, in a spirit of unity, because only with unity can we bring results, we ‘work’ towards the country of tomorrow. A leading country, a strong country, a pillar of stability and peace. We seek peace, we seek safety. With our allies we try to give out a message of brotherhood. At the same time, I want to reassure you, that we are not taking one step back when it comes to negotiating our territorial sovereignty. Those rights that so many sacrificed for. Greeks and Allies. Today, we are at a monument that proves that whether alone or joined by our allies we have served what is right and we have stood at the right side of history.”
Mr Hardalias went on to thank the community officials and all the attendees, expressing his gratitude that he was given the opportunity to represent Greece’s defence ministry in Australia.
“Every time I am amongst our diaspora I become a better person. Thank you for that,” he added.
Mr Hardalias also attended the naming ceremony of a street in Thornbury to “Kalamata Place” accompanied by the Mayor of Kalamata and Darebin Mayor Lina Messina.
The minister went on to meet with Federal Minister of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Andrew Giles, Greek Australian Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos as well as with the Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece among other officials.
Prior to his Antipodes address Mr Hardalias attended the revelation of the Parthenon frieze at the Greek Centre, officiated by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne Bill Papastergiadis, an initiative to raise awareness and support the return of the marbles, kept at the British Museum, to Greece.
Finally, Mr Hardalias attended a special dinner, organised by Mr Papastergiadis attended by several members of organisations affiliated with the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria.
ACT and SA events
The minister is scheduled to meet with several dignitaries and officials in Melbourne with Greek-Australian relations as the main focus, attend commemorative events to honour OXI Day before departing for Canberra and Adelaide.
Mr Hardalias is expected to hold a meeting with Defence Minister Richard Marles and discuss veteran issues with Matt Keogh, Matt Thistlethwaite, Greg Moriarty, admiral David Johnston and Steve Georganas.
His busy schedule includes a visit to the Australian War Museum, a meeting with Greek Ambassador George Papakostas attended by Greek Australian diplomats and military.
A meeting with SA Premier Peter Malinauskas, and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis, Consul General of Greece in Adelaide Georgios Psiahas, Bishop Silouan (Fotineas) of Sinope, state and local government officials will also be in attendance. The minister will then visit the Immigration Museum and St Basil’s Greek Nursing Home.
As part of the October 28 OXI Day celebrations, Mr Hardalias will attend a liturgy at Agios Dimitrios joined by the Evzones, followed by another commemorative event at the Agios Georgios church.
The minister is also scheduled to meet with esteemed members of the Greek community of Adelaide joined by prominent businessmen and entrepreneurs. The dinner will be hosted by the Greek Australian Lawyers Association.
His visits will conclude with a wreath laying ceremony at the National War Memorial alongside a representative of the President of the Hellenic Republic and Mr Koutsantonis.
