The spirit of unity shone on Sunday, October 22, at the Australian Hellenic Memorial Foundation (AHMF) ceremony held at the Memorial in Domain Gardens, Melbourne. Attended by AHMF members, sponsors, and veterans, students from the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) were honoured for their contributions to the AHMF competition.
The Greek-Australian Memorial in Melbourne is a tribute to the courage and sacrifices of those who served and those who lost their lives in the World Wars. It encapsulates the enduring commitment of both nations to the values of freedom, democracy, and peace.
The competition, organized by AHMF, sought to encourage students to delve into the historical ties between Australians and Greeks during the First and Second World Wars.
It aimed to deepen their understanding of the Memorial’s creation and its profound symbolism. Under the guidance of their teacher, Vasiliki Lampropoulou, students from the Greek Community of Melbourne School’s City and Bentleigh Campuses displayed their creativity and respect for the bond of friendship and solidarity uniting these two nations through the Memorial. The young participated in the competition with original poems and literary works, channelling their emotions and insights into compelling expressions of their heritage.
The results of this endeavour were impressive. The GCM students’ contributions earned them well-deserved recognition.
Four students acknowledged for their outstanding work:
Sofia Kolliou – 3rd Prize
Kleopatra Charalampopoulou – Special Encouragement Award
Kleopatra Varchalama – Special Encouragement Award
Niki Christakou – Special Encouragement Award
The Principal of GCM Schools, Maria Bakalidou, beamed with pride as she praised the students’ dedication and enthusiasm for preserving the school’s historical memory and traditions.
The commitment shown by these students not only deepens their understanding of their heritage but also fosters greater awareness and appreciation of the Australian-Greek connection among their peers and classmates. These awards represent the torchbearers of a deep history and the promise of even stronger ties between the two nations. The Greek Community of Melbourne’s students have truly made their mark by celebrating and perpetuating the values of unity and remembrance, leaving an indelible legacy for generations to come.
