Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended an OXI day anniversary event in Marrickville, Sydney on Sunday 30 October alongside Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
The two observed the event accompanied by the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, federal and state MP’s, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney Yiannis Mallikourtis and Mayor of Inner West Council Darcy Byrne, councillors and members of the Greek community.
The Prime Minister delivered a speech at the event to the crowds gathered, which began with an acknowledgement of country, noting the importance of Greek defiance in the face of fascist aggression during the second world war.
“On the 28th of October 1940, some 82 years ago now, Greeks said, “Oxi, no,” to the fascist declaration that they needed to cede their sovereignty, that they needed to walk away from their national pride, from their faith and from their culture and who they were,” the Prime Minister said.
“When that happens, against a far greater power at the time, then that requires not just courage, it results in sacrifice. It results in the sacrifice that was heartfelt from the Greek people.”
Prime minister Albanese then noted the similar sacrifices made by Australian troops in military engagements from the Battle of Crete to the Korean Peninsula.
“Australia stood side by side with Greece in saying no to fascism, in saying yes to national sovereignty, yes to democratic values, and yes to the human rights that Australians have continued to defend around the world, whenever countries step out of line,” he said.
Both the prime minister and the archbishop laid wreaths at the ANZAC monument outside the Marrickville townhall, reaffirming their reverence for the sacrifices made by our ancestors across the course of history.
Mr. Albanese took a moment to recognise the close relationship shared between Australia and Greece, referring to “the catalytic contribution of the Greek community to the progress and prosperity of the Australian nation.”
Speaking about the Greek community of Marrickville, the prime minister said “I see so many friends of mine who have been with me from the very beginning in the Greek community, who I’ve known since literally when I was a boy.”
“And when you grow up in this community, then inevitably, so many of your neighbours are Greek. And it’s that spirit of our multicultural community, which is so important.”
The archbishop echoed the prime minister’s sentiments when he highlighted the enduring bonds of friendship which have developed between the peoples of Australia and Greece.
The prime minister referred to this relationship as “something that’s warm, it’s something that is real, and it is something that is natural.”; with the archbishop thanking him for the love and respect he shows for Greek history, language, culture, and the Greek orthodox faith.
His Eminence said that he wished for God to strengthen him to continue working for the unity, democracy, peace and welfare of the citizens of Australia.
The prime minister addressed the Greek community directly saying:
“they have enriched our great country here in Australia, with your music, your culture, your language, and importantly, your values, as the founders of democracy around the world, of course, a Greek word, and not just a Greek word, but a Greek practice as well.”
“So, I pay tribute to the Greek community as a whole today. But in particular, I pay tribute to the heroes of OXI Day. They’re heroes who stood firm and made sacrifices and who, in the end were victorious, not just for themselves, but for the world. Thank you.”
In Melbourne on 28 October the Centre of Greek Ex-Servicemen’s Elderly Citizens Club of Kew and District held a National Day of Celebration at their club venue in Kew.
The function was attended by over 50 club members and family and included a full program of historical story telling by the club members as well as poetry of the era being recited and songs from Sophia Vembo.
Councillor for Boroondara Mr Nick Stavrou was in attendance as well as the Member for Kooyong Dr. Monique Ryan.
