For the first time in its history the Coordinating Committee of the Battle of Crete and the Rest of Greece will be led by a female President. The Secretary of the Committee is also a woman making it the first time that the two key positions of the Committee are held by women.
The outgoing president Dimitris Papadimitriou warmly thanked all the members for their support during his term.
In a unanimous decision in December, Natasha Spanou, took on the role as president of the committee. Spanou has been in the Committee since 2017 representing the Oakleigh Grammar school and held the post of Secretary.
She is supported by Maria Maniou, from the the Pancreatic Union of Melbourne, who takes on the role of committee secretary.
Spanou and Maniou met the Consul General of Greece for Victoria, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, and discussed the future of the committee and received the well-wishes of Bishop Kerasuntos, Evmenios.
The Coordinating Committee reflected on 2022 and emphasised the notable “achievements the anniversary events for the Battle of Crete, the unveiling of a plaque in the province of Shepparton and the launch of a Commemorative Medal and Commemorative Folder for the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete.” Mrs Spanou said.
The committee in collaboration with the City of Shepparton and with the support of the Panhellenic Union of Reservists in Australia organised a ceremony dedicated to the Australian soldiers who fought shoulder to shoulder with the Greeks in World War II. The ceremony reflected on those who left their bones in Greek soil. A plaque for the ANZACs who fought in the Battle of Crete was also unveiled.
Last year’s events includes the launch of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete 1941 Commemorative Medal and Commemorative Folder.
The initiative was a partnership with Australia Post and the Committee for the Battle of Crete and the Rest of Greece under the auspice of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand. Remembrance Day was chosen for the presentation, in honour of the friendship that unites Greece and Australia.
The Coordination Committee of the Battle of Crete and the Rest of Greece is preparing the program of events for 2023.
Organisations interested in participating in the can contact the Mrs. Spanou, on 0449232783 or natashaspanos@hotmail.com
