The Greek Studies Program, in collaboration with the Department of Languages and Cultures at La Trobe University, the Dardalis Archives of the Hellenic Diaspora, and the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, is proud to present a series of lectures titled: “Exploring the Greek-Australian Experience through Our Archive Collection.”

As part of this series, Peter Yiannoudes JP, OAM, will share his insights into the Cyprus issue. This discussion is particularly timely as we approach the 50th Anniversary of the invasion of Cyprus.

Yiannoudes, a dedicated community member who played an instrumental role after the tragic events of July 1974, will recount his experiences. He will delve into crucial moments, such as meetings with Australian politicians in Canberra, the visit of Haris Siamaris, Kostas Zintilis, and Panagiotis Yiannoudes to Cyprus on August 21, 1974, encounters with Cypriot politicians, visits to refugee settlements in Dasaki Achnas and Kolossi, meetings with Greek politicians in Athens, and the deeply moving encounter with Archbishop Makarios in London. He will also share Makarios’ message to the Hellenic diaspora of Australia.

Throughout the presentation, the team will showcase compelling visuals, including scenes from mass rallies for Cyprus held in October 1974 and July 1975, participation in the first Congress in Cyprus in 1976, the women’s protest march in Cyprus, premieres of documentaries such as “How Cyprus was betrayed” and “Makarios: The Long Journey,” and the funeral of Archbishop Makarios. You will have the opportunity to see photographs featuring various Australian politicians, as well as visits from Cypriot and Greek personalities during anniversary events related to the invasion and other significant moments from Mr Yiannoudes’ enduring community involvement.

Additionally, there will be a display of rare photographs from the occupied territory.

About Peter Yiannoudes JP, OAM:

Peter Yiannoudes was born in Vouni, a village near Limassol, Cyprus, in 1935. He arrived in Australia in 1956 and became a pioneer of Greek cinema in the country. In 1958, he co-founded “Cosmopolitan Motion Pictures,” a film company that became the sole distributor of Greek and other films in Australia during the post-WWII immigrant era. Yiannoudes was actively involved in community affairs, serving in various roles, including national president of AHEPA in Australia from 2016 to 2018. He also held positions in the Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria, the Federation of Cypriot Communities of Australia, and POMAK (World Organisation of Cypriots Abroad). From 1977 to 2003, he presided over the Justice for Cyprus Committee (SEKA) and was engaged in local fundraising and philanthropic efforts within the Greek and Cypriot communities. In recognition of his contributions, he received several awards, including the Order of Australia Medal in 2013.

When: Wednesday, 4 October 2023, 7pm

Where: The Greek Centre, Greek Community of Melbourne

Lecture series coordinator: Dr. Stavroula Nikoloudis, Greek Studies Program Coordinator, La Trobe University (s.nikoloudis@latrobe.edu.au)