On Sunday, July 21, the Greek community in Melbourne will gather to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. The event, which has been meticulously planned for months, calls for greater participation than ever before.

Last Thursday, the ACTION Group and the Coordinating Committee for the Cyprus Struggle (S.E.K.A Victoria) held a meeting to discuss events marking this significant anniversary. The main focus was the upcoming events and the necessity of strong community support.

During the meeting, President of the Cypriot Community, Theo Theophanous, reported on his recent discussions with the Federal government. These discussions addressed the “unofficial” visit of Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar to Australia.

The Australian government’s stance remains clear and firm: it does not recognise the “pseudo-state of Northern Cyprus” and condemns the invasion and subsequent 50-year occupation. However, the community is calling for more practical support to meet the demands of the Republic of Cyprus.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has yet to respond to S.E.K.A’s protest letter concerning the participation of Minister for Small Business and Youth, Natali Souleyman, at a reception hosted by the Turkish Consul in Melbourne.

The meeting also saw the presentation of various proposals for the community-wide gathering in downtown Melbourne on July 21. Amid ongoing negotiations with authorities, the executive bodies of both organisations will soon make further announcements.

The event schedule includes a Memorial Service and Doxology at the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, 3 Macedon Avenue, North Balwyn, on Sunday, July 7.

The service will commemorate the historical events of July 9, 1821, honouring Archbishop Kyprianos of Cyprus and other clergy and laity who were executed by the Ottomans.

According to historians, July 9, 1821, is a significant date in Cypriot history, marking the island’s contributions and sacrifices in the struggle against Ottoman rule.

Neos Kosmos is preparing a comprehensive tribute for the 50th anniversary. This year, our newspaper is also providing a platform for students from Greek schools to express their views on the topic through the supplement “Mathitofrenia.”

Additionally, this year’s Antipodes periodical to be presented in October, will be entirely dedicated to Cyprus.