Greeks in Queensland came together at Parliament House in Brisbane to celebrate Greek National Day on Tuesday March 25.
Hosted by the Honorary Consul-General of Greece in Queensland George Mastrocostas, the event paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for Greece’s freedom in 1821, while also celebrating the deep and enduring ties between Greece and Australia.
Notable guests included Dr Jeanette Young, Governor of Queensland; Fiona Simpson, Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and Minister for Multiculturalism, representing the Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli; Krista Adams, Councillor for Holland Park Ward, representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Adrian Schrinner; and Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane.
The event commenced with a welcome from Mastrocostas and his wife Ying.
A moment of reverence followed as the Greek Community Choir, Ellinikes Fones, led the singing of the national anthems of Australia and Greece, marking the unity between the two nations.
The official proceedings began with a prayer by Bishop Bartholomew, setting the tone for a night of reflection and celebration.
Mastrocostas then took the stage to propose a toast to King Charles III, followed by his address, in which he emphasised the historical significance of March 25 and the role of the Greek Australian community in preserving Hellenic culture and values.
Dr Young followed with a toast to President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas and delivered a speech acknowledging the Greek community’s invaluable contributions to Queensland’s multicultural identity.
Minister Simpson and Councillor Adams also both recognised the strength and unity of Queensland’s Greek community and the impact of Hellenic ideals, freedom, democracy and resilience, on Australian society.
Ellinikes Fones then returned to the stage for a performance of three traditional Greek songs.
As a special tribute to the occasion, the City of Brisbane honoured the Greek community by illuminating three major landmarks in blue and white.
Brisbane City Hall, Old Parliament House and King George Square lit up, serving as a visual reminder of the deep friendship between Greece and Australia.
Speaking after the event, Mastrocostas expressed his gratitude to all attendees, dignitaries and community members who joined the celebration.
“Greek Independence Day is not only a commemoration of our past but a reaffirmation of our identity and values,” he said.
“The overwhelming support from the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council, along with the presence of so many distinguished guests and community members, is a testament to the enduring strength of Hellenism in Australia.
“Tonight, we stood together in pride and unity, honouring our heritage while looking forward to the future.”
A media release sent to Neos Kosmos said: “As the night came to a close, the message was clear—the spirit of 1821 lives on in the hearts of Greek Australians, and the bonds between Greece and Queensland remain stronger than ever. Ζήτω η Ελλάδα! Ζήτω η Ελευθερία!”
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