The planned events organised by the Justice for Cyprus Committee – SEKA NSW to mark the 50 years since the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus have received a massive boost with more than $10,000 being raised at a recent fundraiser luncheon.

The event saw more than 100 people in attendance as they visited the Stanmore club of the Cyprus Community of NSW last Sunday and contributed greatly to the fundraising.

The vast amount of funds came through tickets, a raffle, auction of products as well as donations of institutions and individuals (some made before Sunday, with the organisers stating it is a most respectable total that will help significantly in the planning of their upcoming events.

The event was presided over by the co-chairs of SEKA NSW, Christos Koulinos (also the president of PASEKA) and Miranda Adamou, who thanked everyone in their greeting for their presence and contributions.

The two co-chairs also delivered a message of unity ahead of the rest of the events that have been planned to recognise the 50th anniversary of the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus.

They called on the entire Greek community to stand together and demonstrate that Hellenes in Australia do not forget the tragedy that took place in Cyprus, while demanding once again that the Australian leadership continues to recognise the Republic of Cyprus as the only legitimate authority on the island.

The president of the Cyprus Community of NSW, Michael Kyriakou, also addressed the event.

Among those present were ex-presidents of the Cyprus Community, the president of the Cyprus Hellenic Club, Panikos Achilleos, and other representatives of organisations from the wider Greek community.

The programme was presented and coordinated by Elli Voulgaraki, a member of SEKA NSW.

Poems were recited by Thalia Achilleos and Elli Stasi, while the director Kay Pavlou spoke about her documentary on the 50th anniversary, which will be screened in Sydney at Stanmore on Saturday 20 July.

The events in Sydney will culminate on Sunday 28 July, with a morning memorial service organised at the Church St Spohia and the Three Daughters (Taylor Square), a trisagion (τρισάγιο) and a laying οf wreaths at the cenotaph in Martin Place, from where attendees will then march to the Town Hall.

The final event will be a meeting to be held at the Cyprus Community in Stanmore where speeches will be made by dignitaries and a show with music and songs will be presented.