Greek Australians paid tribute on Sunday to the heroic Polytechnic Uprising of November 17, 1973, with commemorative events in Sydney and Melbourne.
The uprising, which became a defining moment in modern Greek history, marked the beginning of the end for the seven-year military dictatorship. It laid the foundation for the democratic consciousness that has shaped Greece’s most peaceful and progressive era.
The Greek Community of Melbourne expressed its gratitude to those who fought for democracy and freedom during the dictatorship, both in Greece and abroad in a statement.
“Their legacy serves as a constant reminder that democracy is not won without struggle,” the announcement noted.
Melbourne’s Polytechnic Uprising Commemoration Committee organised a wreath-laying ceremony at the Australian Hellenic Memorial on Sunday, 17 November to honour the victims and heroes of the resistance. Later, an event was scheduled at Alphington Grammar School’s Lyceum Centre, featuring speeches and songs inspired by the tragic events of the uprising.
Greek Consul General Emmanuel Kakavelakis, reflecting on the significance of November 17, emphasised its enduring importance in shaping Greece’s democratic identity.
Meanwhile in Sydney, events commenced on Friday with the Combined Universities Greek Association (CUGA) co-hosting a commemorative event for the Polytechnic Uprising with the University of Sydney’s Department of Modern Greek with the participation of students from the GOC of NSW’s Greek afternoon schools.
Associate Professor Anthony Dracopoulos and Harry Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, presented a lecture on the suffering imposed on university students and citizens alike.
The students also added their voice to the commemorative event organised by the GOC of NSW on Sunday, 17 November at 4pm.
The community organisation also held its event at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba, with it falling on the 51st anniversary of the date Greece’s military junta turned its forces on its own people.
The commemoration, organised by the GOC of NSW and the Polytechnic Commemoration Committee, featured a program of speeches, poem recitals and a wreath laying ceremony.
