Preparations for the highly anticipated National Anniversary Parade of 2024 are already underway, as the Victorian Committee for National Anniversaries convenes to organise this annual event.
The plenary session of the committee recently took place, bringing together representatives from various organisations and schools that form an integral part of the planning process.
Notable attendees included Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta and the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Emmanouil Kakavelakis, highlighting the significance of this cultural celebration.
Scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 14 at Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park, the parade promises to be a “grand spectacle”.
The presence of Archbishop Makarios of Australia will add a special touch to the event, and invitations will extend to both the State and Federal Governments, to broaden community support.
The decision to hold the parade on April 14 was carefully made by the committee’s President, Antonis Tsourdalakis, who emphasised “the need to avoid clashes with other major events in Melbourne”. Previous experiences, such as the 2023 parade coinciding with the Children’s Marathon and the Grand Prix, led to logistical challenges, including traffic congestion and access difficulties.
Tsourdalakis consulted with community colleges and learned that “while students would be on holiday during the first two weeks of April, they expressed a keen interest in participating in the parade if held on the last Sunday before their return to school”.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the parade organisers have extended invitations to community football clubs, especially youth teams, enhancing the inclusivity of this cultural celebration.
Expressing gratitude for longstanding dedication and service, the Victorian Committee for National Anniversaries recently bid farewell to Vlassis Mavraganis.
Over the years, Mr Mavraganis served with zeal and commitment, holding roles such as General Secretary and Treasurer.
His decision to retire from the committee reflects a desire to pass the torch to the next generation, encouraging continued participation and contributions.
Applications for participation in the parade will soon be distributed to organizations and schools, encouraging prompt completion and submission.
For additional information, interested parties can contact the organisers at greeknationalday@gmail.com
