The Pontian Society of Wollongong “Diogenes”, in partnership with the Parish of the Holy Cross, hosted a special presentation of the new book Genocide to Regeneration: The Photographs of George Devine Treloar by David Treloar and Dr Panayiotis Diamadis on Sunday, 24 August.
The Society, responding to the call to support this unique publication of Australian Hellenic interest, had purchased a number of copies in advance. At the event, Dr Diamadis and publisher Dr Vasilis Adrahtas (Unity in Philia) officially delivered the books to Diogenes President Nick Chrissostomidis and his committee.
Parish priest Archimandrite Fr Sophronios addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of remembering and learning from history. “Legacies such as the Treloar one are part of the shared experiences which bind us as Australians and as Hellenes,” he said.
Chrissostomidis also highlighted the long-standing support Diogenes has offered the Treloar project, particularly through its work with the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia.
Dr Diamadis expressed his gratitude, saying: “I sincerely thank the Committee of Diogenes Wollongong. They support Hellenic culture in practical ways, honouring their ancestors and the founders of their Society. They are an example to follow.”
The book presents, for the first time, the photographs of Colonel George Devine Treloar, who served as Commissioner for Refugees in Thrace and Eastern Macedonia from October 1922 to April 1924. Beyond his vital humanitarian work, Treloar left behind a rare collection of images documenting the arrival of refugees and the reconstruction efforts of survivors of the Hellenic, Armenian, and Assyrian genocides.
The photographs feature scenes from Alexandroupolis, Komotini, Xanthi, Athens, Piraeus, Kastoria, Florina, and Thessaloniki, offering an invaluable visual testimony of an often-overlooked chapter of history.
With the backing of Wollongong’s Pontian Society, other associations, and dedicated individuals, Treloar and Diamadis have ensured these images and their stories are restored to their rightful place in both Australian and Hellenic history.
Upcoming presentations
Sunday 14 September – Parish of the Resurrection of the Christ, Kogarah (Hermes Lounge), 5pm
Wednesday 17 September – Pontian Society of Canberra, Hellenic Club of Canberra, 7pm
Tuesday 30 September – Perth, WA
Sunday 5 October – Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW
Copies of Genocide to Regeneration are available at the events or directly from the publishers, Unity in Philia (info@unityinphilia.gr).
