Greek Independence 200th Anniversary

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-116557

Hansard session: Fifty-Seventh Parliament, First Session (57-1)

Greek Independence 200th Anniversary

Ms ELENI PETINOS (Miranda) (12:08:33):

I move:

That this House:

(1)Notes 25 March 2021 is the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence.

(2)Acknowledges the sacrifice of the Greek people who stood in defiance of the oppressive Ottoman Empire, and fought for freedom and democracy.

(3)Recognises the enduring legacy of the Greek state and contributions of the Greek community within New South Wales.

(4)Acknowledges the efforts of community groups delivering commemorative events throughout New South Wales.

(5)Wishes the Greek community a joyous celebration of 200 years.

I start by saying "Χρόνια Πολλά!". On 25 March 1821 the Greek War of Independence was born when Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the Greek flag over the Monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese. The call to arms was simple: ελευθερία ή θάνατος, which means "freedom or death". This was a revolution to demand liberty and bring democracy back to the Greek people after 400 years of slavery under the Ottoman Empire. Initially, small sporadic revolts against the Turkish broke out in the Peloponnese and the Aegean Islands led by some determined guerrilla fighters. A year later the rebels had set the Peloponnese free and the independence of Greece was declared in January 1822 by the National Assembly of the Greeks as what was becoming a long fight continued. Two hundred years on from the independence war waged against the Ottoman Empire, we continue to celebrate Greece's defiance of oppression and battle for the values of freedom and democracy that unite us all.

That is why I am so incredibly proud that we are considering this motion today in the oldest Parliament in Australia. I move this motion not only as an Australian-Greek member of Parliament and a member of the World Hellenic Inter‑parliamentary Association but also, very proudly, with the support of my colleagues and friends on the other side who are also of Greek ancestry: the member for Rockdale, Steve Kamper, and the member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis. Today is a special day for the Greek community, and indeed all philhellenes. The New South Wales Government and all members in this Chamber are incredibly proud to support this bicentenary by adorning in blue and white the sails of the Sydney Opera House this evening. It will be a spectacular sight to behold. While many will marvel at the beauty of our decorated landmark, the significance of this bicentenary should not be dismissed as a celebration of a land far away.

History shows us that the Greek people were the first of the Ottoman Empire's subjects to secure recognition as an independent sovereign power. Today we celebrate the message that the liberation of Greece sent to all other oppressed people in the nineteenth century: Freedom and democracy is indeed possible for everyone. Those Hellenic ideals have spread throughout the world and Australia is proud to carry on the traditions pioneered by our Greek forefathers. In addition, this special bicentenary is an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the unique bonds between Australia and Greece both as allies in battle and great friends in times of peace. The enduring legacy from World War I is only one example of the enduring ties that bind our two nations. On 4 March 1915 over 3,000 Australian troops, nurses and medical staff landed on the tiny Greek island of Lemnos, which provided a base for Australian and New Zealand forces for hospitals, supplies and refuge.

Lemnos was the main staging area for supporting Allied troops throughout World War I in Gallipoli. You do not need to look too hard to see the pride the Lemnians have in their Anzac heritage. I should know, as I am one of them. There is an Anzac Trail along Anzac Street, an Anzac Pier, an Anzac display at the History and Maritime Tradition of Mudros Museum, and numerous commemorative stones across the island. I also eagerly await the investment by the Australian Government in an open-air museum to capture our shared history and the contribution that Australian nurses made. Lemnos is also home to two military cemeteries, one at East Mudros and the other at Portianos, which I had the absolute privilege of visiting with the member for Rockdale when we took six Australian high school students there.

The cemetery at East Mudros is the final resting place for nearly 900 souls, including 98 Australians, while Portianos Military Cemetery contains around 350 further resting places, including for 50 Australians. This year also marks the eightieth anniversary of the Battle of Crete, in which Anzac and British forces fought alongside the Greeks in one of the turning points of World War II. The Greek fighting spirit was called on in 1941 at the Battle of Crete when the Greeks did what many would not and fought back against the might of then Nazi Germany. Crete had been used as an evacuation point for nearly 50,000 Commonwealth and Greek soldiers evacuated from Greece, including 6,500 Australian soldiers. On 20 May German forces launched Operation Mercury, which saw German paratroopers descend on the airfields of Maleme, Retimo, Heraklion and the naval base at Suda Bay, but within the first day they had not captured their objectives.

Australian and British forces joined their Greek allies in defending the island against the evils of fascism and Nazi oppression. The courage and gallantry of those servicemen and servicewomen will never be forgotten as they united against the forces of division and hate. The connections our people forged during that campaign are still honoured today. Throughout our shared history the ethos of the Greek people of "freedom or death" is evident. Today is a celebration for our community and an opportunity to celebrate not only in Australia but also in the entire world the contribution that the Greek people have made to democracy and freedom. It is a reminder of what the women, men and children who rose up against the Ottoman Empire in 1821 achieved when they stood by that simple motto of "ελευθερία ή θάνατος". We should never forget the cost that our freedom comes at and where it has come from. So today I say to the Chamber: Ζήτω η Ελλάδα! Ζήτω η ελευθερία! Ζήτω η δημοκρατία!

Mr STEPHEN KAMPER (Rockdale) (12:15:20):

I wholeheartedly support the New South Wales Legislative Assembly placing on record its recognition of 200 years of Greek independence. I also say, "Eleftheria i thanatos!" Those words—"freedom or death"—served as the rallying call of the Greek revolutionaries 200 years ago. They were so important to the Greek people that they continue to serve as Greece's national motto today. To understand those words, it is important to remember that Greek Independence Day is not a celebration of when the Hellenic people achieved freedom from Ottoman rule in 1829. We are celebrating the day the resistance truly began, when Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of revolution over the Monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese in 1821. It goes without saying that Greeks are exceptionally proud of their history and, in particular, their contributions to the world. Hellenic people have given us some of the greatest thinkers ever known, including philosophers like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, who still define the way we think; and mathematicians like Archimedes, Euclid and Pythagoras, whose contributions are still taught to every child in primary school.

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Hippocrates, the father of medicine, lived nearly 2 thousand years ago but his values still define the modern practice of medicine. Hellenes gave the world the Olympics, astronomy and the very concept of democracy. They taught the world that humanity could raise itself up to a higher ideal and reach beyond ourselves to something greater. The Greeks built five of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the last of which was destroyed half a millennia ago. But what the Hellenes valued and what their descendants still know to this day is that a building might crumble but an idea can live forever. Greece today has a population of just over 11 million—less than one‑fifth of 1 per cent of the people in the world. It goes without saying that Greeks have punched well above their weight.

I list these people and contributions not to brag but to give the context to how these people remained a people after the fall of Constantinople, when Hellenes lived as second‑class citizens within the Ottoman Empire for more than 400 years. In that period Greece was not controlled by Greeks, Greek culture and religion was shunned and oppressed, generation after generation lived and died under foreign rule, embracing your people's own collective identity was dangerous and to be Greek Orthodox was to be lesser. In spite of all this, Hellenic culture and the Greek Orthodox Church endured. Despite 400 years passing and generations only knowing of Greece as a strong, independent nation from stories passed down from their forebears, Hellenic culture was such a powerful influence and the Greek Orthodox Church was such a uniting institution that the revolutionaries still knew that there was something incredible worth fighting for even after all that time had passed.

They practised their religion, knowing what it would cost them.Four hundred years was not enough to make people forgetthousands of years of history.So it was in the early months of 1821 that disparate groups ofrevolutionaries, who had lived in separately administered partsof the Ottoman Empire for hundreds of years, rose up all atonce.They were divided by space and time but united by an ideathat they were once, and would again be, a free people.They demanded freedomand they knew that freedom wasworth the ultimate price.

For hundreds of years Hellenes across the Ottoman Empire conducted the education of their children in secret.

Despite all of this struggle and sacrifice built on a sense ofshared identity, Greek Independence Day is not only about national pride—it is not even primarily about national pride. It is about a sense of collective duty, about living not just foryourself but giving back to others. It is about rising abovepettiness and committing to a higher ideal.It is about respect, humility and rememberingthose who came before us and all that we owe them.For Bishop Germanos, for the Filiki Eteria, for every other Hellene who thought their culture was worthremembering, worth fighting for, worth dying for in spite ofnearly 400 years of foreign rule, the Greek War ofIndependence was their expression of Hellenism.They knew what the cost could i thanatos. Theyrepeated that cost to themselves every day, but they paid itgladly because they knew what they were doing wasimportant.

be—eleftheria

Since then the spirit of Greek Independence Day hascontinued to guide Greece as a nation.I have no doubt that Greece's other major secular holiday, Oxi Day—No Day—was inspired by the same spirit.Oxi Day celebrates the day that the Greek Prime Minister, Ioannis Metaxas, rejected Benito Mussolini's ultimatum to useGreece as a staging ground for the Axis powers.He refused this ultimatum despite knowing what it would costGreece.Just a few hours later Italian forces attacked the Greek border,and with that Greece entered the Second World War.Later that morning, thousands of Greeks flooded the streets,chanting "Oxi".Greek Independence Day is not just about freedom forHellenes but freedom for all peoples against tyrants, and OxiDay carries forward that spirit.

Today the Greek diaspora has spread around the world.New South Wales and Australia are home to hundreds ofthousands of people of Hellenic descent. Greek-Australians like me are incredibly proud ofbeing Australian but they also continue to celebrate our Hellenicidentity.We are hardworking, enterprising people who embracemodern Australia but remember the thousands of years ofshared history and achievement in our DNA.I would say that this place is a perfect example of how Hellenesstill punch above their weight, with three members of this House—me and my great friends the member for Canterbury and the member for Miranda—proudly sharing Greek heritage.I note that today His Royal Highness is visiting Greece tocelebrate this important anniversary. I hope he has taken theParthenon Marbles with him as they should have been returneddecades ago!I feel very blessed to give my support to this motion acknowledging the 200th anniversary of GreekIndependence Day. I thank every member of this House for their support.

Dr GEOFF LEE (ParramattaMinister for Skills and Tertiary Education, and Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors and Veterans) (12:22:39):I thank the member for Miranda for moving this important motion acknowledging Greek Independence Day and recognising 200 years of Greek independence. As the multiculturalism Minister it is my pleasure to recognisethe importance of the bicentenary of Greekindependence. I recognise not only this great motion but also the Greek heritage of the member for Miranda, the member for Rockdale and the member for Canterbury. Despite sometimes having a difference of opinion, I know they are proud to be Australian as well as being proud of their Greek heritage. We should all be proud of being Australian and equally proud of our heritage. We should celebrate the differences that bring us together in one of the best, if not the best, nation in the world. Our multiculturalism shows how we can combine different heritages from hundreds of different countries around the world to become a country known for its wealth of people who are proud of their heritage.

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At the heart of Greece's battle for independence was a battle forfreedom and democracy, which are values we uphold in this placetoday. I recognise the gift of democracy that Greece has given the world. Under the Westminster system this Parliament places high emphasis on that ultimate gift of democracy that makes Australia and many other countries around the world welcoming, stable and successful nations. Many of our traditions have come from Greece, and its people have contributed to our knowledge and intellectual pursuits. Australia would not be the same country without the gifts given by the forebears of the Greek community.

Greek immigrants began arriving in Australia in the mid-eighteenth century. Towards the end of the nineteenth century Greek organisations wereestablished in Sydney, with the Greek Orthodox Church beingthe central focus of the community.Between 1947 and 1982, almost 250,000 Greek immigrantsarrived in Australia. More than 132,000 people in New South Wales who have Greekancestry have helped make our State the thriving place it is today. I celebrate and thank them for their contributions to making New South Wales such a wonderful place. As the multiculturalism Minister, I acknowledgethe contributions and achievements of the Greek community, which has excelled in business, sport, entertainment and public life. New South Wales is all the better for its contributions andachievements.

I also thank the Australian-Greek community of New South Wales for their support and cooperation throughout the pandemic. This Government has worked closely with community leaders to keep them informed and we have translated NSW Health information into 52 community languages, includingGreek. I especially thank the Archbishop of the Greek OrthodoxChurch of Australia for his leadership andinvaluable support in recent months.Archbishop Makarios played an instrumental role in sharingCOVID-19 messaging with his congregations and adapting church services to conform with COVID-safe practices over thepast year.At one point we asked our communities to close their places of worship.That wasnot an easy action for any community leader to take. [Extension of time]

I thank the Opposition for its bipartisan support in celebrating 200 years of Greek independence. For the Greek Orthodox faithful, closing places of worship meant that for the first timein their lifetime they were unable to go to church during GreatLent and Holy Week.Thankfully, this year things will be different. Tonight the New South Wales Government, under the leadershipof Premier Berejiklian, will project the colours of the Greek flagonto the Sydney Opera House.This will be a special moment of recognition for the contribution of the Australian-Greek community in New South Wales in celebrating 200years ofGreek independence. This event will be beamed right across the world. It is a fantastic opportunity to show that New South Wales is leading the world in recognition of the contribution of the Australian-Greek community to modern day life. I extend my best wishes to the Australian-Greek community across the State, in my electorate of Parramatta and inthis place for a happy Greek Independence Day.

It would be remiss of me if I did not recognise St Johns Church in Parramatta, under the stewardship and leadership of Father Dimitri, and the annual Let's Go Greek Festival, which typically attracts between 10,000 and 15,000 people a year. Let's Go Greek Festival includes not only cultural events but also dancing, entertainment and food. Unfortunately, during COVID-19 that event had to be cancelled but it was modified with online cooking classes, and the wonderful food was delivered to different senior parishioners who needed a hand and were socially isolated because of the pandemic. I take my hat off to St Johns, its volunteers and the congregation led by father Dimitri. I wish St Johns all the best. Recently it has moved from Hassall Street to near the river and the establishment of the school will be a beacon for everybody in the Parramatta community.

I look forward to the opening of their new school and new church. I know that there are difficulties in terms of such a big and audacious project. It was a big move because everyone was used to their church in Hassall Street. The problem was that there was no parking and no room for expansion.

On reflection, the brave decisions that were made a number of years back to sell that site and buy another site are particularly advantageous now. They now have a bigger site and the opportunity to make a community centre with the establishment of a Greek school and a new church, all anchored along the riverside and right near the light rail station. The risk-taking ability and the foresight of the elders in making those decisions have paid off in spades. This project has brought together all the Australian-Greeks in Parramatta and united them under the common cause of establishing the new St Johns church and school. It will be another 25 years of strong commitment by the local community. I look forward to working with the parishioners and all the volunteers. I thank them for all their support. Once again I wish everybody of Australian‑Greek heritage happy Greek Independence Day. Zíto i Elláda.

Ms SOPHIE COTSIS (Canterbury) (12:30:52):Sydney Gazette and the New South Wales Advertiser

It is with great pride and honour I speak in the oldest parliament of Australia, the New South Wales Parliament, to the motion on the 200th anniversary of Greek independence. I acknowledge my very good friend the member for Miranda, Eleni Petinos, for bringing this motion forward. I also acknowledge the member for Rockdale, Stephen Kamper, for his fantastic contribution, and the Philhellenes, who are visiting this wonderful Chamber. I thank the members of this place for supporting this motion. I acknowledge the important contribution Hellenic women made for over 400 years in the struggle for Greek liberation. Before I begin, I draw the attention of the Parliament to the dispatches between 1803 and 1842 of the New South Wales Parliament through the , where there was mention of the independence of Greece. The dispatch states:

According to news from Greece, so late as the 16th of March last, the Congress of the Peloponnesos resolved that representatives should be sent to the different Courts of Europe to obtain a recognition of the independence of Greece.

That is one of the dispatches from the New South Wales Parliament. The Greek Hellenic women have made a huge contribution, particularly during those 400 years. Many of them, particularly in the early 1800s, joined the underground resistance movement Filiki Eteria. For many people of Greek heritage, including myself, the Greek War of Independence was traditionally depicted to us with few known women at the helm of the campaign. However, we owe a huge debt to those women—mothers, daughters and sisters—who died, who preferred to be killed than to be enslaved, and who fought, struggled and suffered for 400 years. These women were part of ensuring that the Hellenic language stayed alive for 400 years, as well as the traditions and customs. For 400 years those women had a passion for liberation and, of course, for the Christian religion. Today we also celebrate the Annunciation of the theotokos, one of the great feats of the Greek Orthodox Church. Xronia Polla, to all those who are celebrating.

Extension of time

While the women from the revolutionary period are represented in artwork, folk music, poems and travel journals of Philhellenes, such as by Lord Byron, their contribution to Greek independence has been underplayed in the official books. I acknowledge the women who have researched this area, particularly those in Greece but also people such as my very good friend Dr Panayota Nazou from the University of Sydney. She recently held a lecture titled "Women of '21", where she discussed a number of primary sources that documented the illustration of the important role that women played in the struggle for independence. Interestingly, one important source were the periodicals and newspapers that were distributed by women in the second half of the nineteenth century. Dr Nazou's research has helped shed more light on the Souliotisses, the Spartan‑like female warriors, who helped inspire the Greek resistance. The Souliotisses were taught from very young girls about weaponry and strategy and how to fight like Spartans. They took on many battles and they won. The 400 years of oppression, the stealing of children—this period cannot be covered in this debate. []

The first of the known heroines was in 1478, H Maroula of Lemnos, who at 18 showed immense courage. I note that the member for Miranda is also from Lemnos. Maroula of Lemnos is acknowledged and praised for what she was able to do, particularly as many women did not want to be captured, they did not want to be tortured and they did not want their children stolen or enslaved. For them, there was no choice. As has been stated, it was death rather than being enslaved. In 1570 there was Maria Sigglitiki, the heroine of Cyprus. She not only was a heroine but also did amazing things for her people of Cyprus. The Souliotisses, Moscho Tzavela and Haido Giannaki Sehou played a pivotal role in some of these battles. This defiance was again illustrated in 1803 when dozens of Souliotisses and their children threw themselves off Mount Zalongoto to avoid being enslaved.

Agamemnon

There are two similar documented incidents, the Dance of Zalongo at Riniasa and the Falls of Arapitsa, where women and girls made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight for the independence of Greece. There is the story of shipowner Laskarina Bouboulina in her warship, the , and with her small fleet of ships, who helped liberate several coastal cities in the early stages of the Greek War of Independence. It was not until 2018 that Bouboulina was posthumously awarded the rank of vice admiral by the Greek ministry of defence.

Another Greek woman in the underground who spent her fortune on the independence struggle was Manto Mavrogenous. She funded and led several battles against the Ottomans and was awarded the rank of lieutenant general after independence. We also hear the name of Domna Visvis, another important person during the fight for independence. More light has been shed on Panoria Xatzikonstantithe, whose husband was killed and children abducted. She lived a very poor life because all her money was given to the war effort. The women who were part of the Filiki Eteria raised money and sought assistance from the diaspora across the world. Elizabeth Ypsilantis and Magiro Zarafopoula relayed and transferred information about the preparations for the War of Independence.

There are many women who played a part. I would not be in this place, and I know that my colleagues Eleni Petinos and Stephen Kamper would not be in this place, if it were not for the efforts of those Hellenic women who suffered and who were enslaved. We owe them a debt of gratitude. I say to the many community leaders, the Government and Opposition and many others, regardless of their background, today we are free, we are liberated and we have the ability to speak. We owe a great deal of gratitude to all those who contributed and for their sacrifice and heroism. May I say Zíto i Australia, Zíto i Elláda.

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (12:39:05):

I express my wholehearted support of this motion and acknowledge a special day for one of the most valuable communities across New South Wales. It is fitting that the motion is moved by the member for Miranda. Having known her for some time, I have witnessed firsthand the immense pride she has in the Greek culture right across New South Wales. In fact, that is true of Greek people not just in this Chamber but right across our country. No-one has more passion, love and pride for their heritage. Today those of Greek heritage have even more reason to be proud because 25 March 2021 marks the 200th anniversary of Greek independence, commemorating all those who stood in defiance of the oppressive Ottoman Empire and fought for freedom and democracy.

The War of Greek Independence is a story of fighting for the values that we in this House value so strongly: representation, freedom of opinion and democracy. In fact, the cry "freedom or death" became the motto of the revolution, showing just how important those values were to the Greek people. Today is not only a day to recall the history of Greek independence but also an opportunity to recognise the enduring legacy of the Greek state and the contributions of the Hellenic community in New South Wales. I acknowledge some of the Greek community groups in my electorate, such as AHEPA, the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, the Estia Foundation at Kyle Bay and surrounding New South Wales and the Greek Festival of Sydney.

A number of Greek people, good Greek people, live in the St George area. They are valued members of our community who bring so much to it even beyond the beautiful Greek food at Souvla & Co in Mortdale, Eat GRK at Beverly Hills or Meet the Greek in Brighton‑Le‑Sands, which is one of my favourites. I have been lucky enough to be involved with numerous community groups, including the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah. Those communities are tight-knit, where everyone knows everyone. They place high value on community and, in particular, contributing to the community. In my experience, Hellenes are hardworking and make a huge contribution to our local community. It should come as no surprise that the Greek community has also made a valuable contribution to New South Wales and indeed Australia.

Coming from a migrant community, I know the Greek community go above and beyond. Many migrants, wherever they are from, share a similar story. It is not easy to leave your home, and in some cases leave behind loved ones, in search of a better life. However, the beauty of New South Wales is that it rewards ambition and hard work. No matter what walk of life we are from, what education we have or what industry we are in, this is the land of opportunity and enterprise. The Hellenic community has certainly made the most of those opportunities. Greece fought for those opportunities 200 years ago. Its people fought for freedom and, ultimately, they won. I thank the member for Miranda for bringing the motion to the attention of the House. I acknowledge the consistent contribution of the Greek community to our great State. Most importantly, I wish the Greek community a joyous celebration of 200 years of independence as tonight we light up the Opera House with the colours blue and white.

Mr GUY ZANGARI (Fairfield) (12:42:50):

I speak on the motion moved by the member for Miranda about Greek Independence Day and celebrating the bicentenary of the most significant event for Greek people—the independence of Greece. As has been said in this debate, the people of Greece called for independence on 25 March 1821 after 400 years of Ottoman occupation. This day is celebrated every year and commemorates the fight for independence. It is the day when Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag over the monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese and led the people into a revolution. With the assistance of Britain, France and others, Greece prevailed and a new way of life for Greek citizens began. The Greek identity we recognise was reborn on this day and citizens were finally able to worship the Greek Orthodox religion and traditions. It was indeed a true fight for freedom and recognition.

In Greece, this day is celebrated by parades where children wear traditional Greek costume and carry the Greek flag. Athens also holds an armed forces parade to celebrate the military win. In Australia we recognise Greek Independence Day with various events and activities. The Greek Orthodox religion is the epicentre of the lives of Greek people all around the world. It does not matter where they live, faith is central to people of Greek heritage. This day holds a double meaning for the Greek community because they also celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation, which is when the angel Gabriel appeared before the Virgin Mary and revealed to her that she would be the mother of Jesus. The Greek community hold this day as a special holy day and many of us share the same belief.

The celebrations in Australia for this important day in the history of Greece also hold a special meaning. They evoke the spirit of multiculturalism that is never far from us, given that many diverse cultures call Australia home. It is a time for us all to celebrate with the Greek community in Australia, who have contributed so much to the Australian fabric of life. I pay particular mention to the members in this Chamber who are sons and daughters with Greek heritage. It is incredible to think that their forefathers have representatives in this Chamber. Having members in this Chamber with Greek heritage such as Steve Kamper, Sophie Cotsis and Eleni Petinos, who proudly espouse their Australianness and their Hellenic pride, is testament to who we are as a country and as a State. As someone with a Mediterranean background, I understand what that is all about.

I take this opportunity to thank my Greek constituents and friends and wish them a happy Greek Independence Day. We all share some intrinsic nature of Greece in us. Whether that is in astrology, maths, science or in democracy in this Chamber, we have the Greeks to thank. On behalf of the people I represent, the relatives who have married into our family and vice versa, the mates who we went to school with who were taught all the beautiful words of the Greek language—all the right ones—I say to them: Happy Greek Independence Day.

Mr RAY WILLIAMS (Castle Hill) (12:47:31):

By leave: It gives me great pleasure to contribute to this motion. I acknowledge the members speaking to the motion and I commend the member for Miranda for bringing the motion to the attention of the House. Most importantly, I congratulate every person of Greek descent not only in this country but around the world on 200 years of Greek independence, which they proudly celebrate today. By way of background I say that debates like this one define who we are as a parliament. As the previous member suggested, they are a testament to this country and the great success of migration and multiculturalism in Australia. When we see that we have a number of members in this Chamber of Greek descent, it speaks volumes about the people of this country. We are recognised around the world as having the most successful immigration program ever undertaken. I have always said it occurs with great respect and tolerance. Is it perfect? No, it is not. It is a work in progress and we can continue to make sure that it becomes much better in the years ahead.

As the former Minister for Multiculturalism, appointed in 2017, I take this opportunity to acknowledge some people. The Greek Festival was the first festival I attended as Minister for Multiculturalism. I was very lucky. One Thursday afternoon I sat in this Chamber as the newly and proudly minted Minister for Multiculturalism, and as question time finished Eleni Petinos and Mark Coure came to see if I was going to the Greek Festival dinner, which preceded Greek Independence Day.

I said, "Yes. I am chuffed, pumped and ready to go." They said, "I hope you are not going empty‑handed," and I looked at them and they said, "because if you go to the Greek Festival dinner and you do not have a big cheque for Harry Denalis then Harry is going to tear you apart." The fear of God was struck into me as I was heading out to my very first cultural festival, one of 234 that I attended over the proceeding years. I rushed back to find out what the state of play was and in the space of about an hour came up with a cheque for around $10,000, if I remember, which I took down there. That was nowhere near what the festival had achieved from our Government in the past.

However, there had been a restructuring. We love restructurings, especially when nobody tells you about it and then you go headlong into a festival where you will get pasted for not helping those people. With the restructure, people had to apply and go through more paperwork and processes. We love our red tape in government, but I was unaware of that. Anyway, we went down and had a wonderful night. I acknowledge the president, Harry Denalis. I do not know how long he has been the President of the Greek Orthodox Community and in charge of the festival, but it is a long, long time. I also acknowledge his trusty sidekick, Nia Kataris, who is absolutely marvellous. I told them that I recognised the importance of not only their Greek heritage but also this festival, which lasts over six weeks, and what it brings to Sydney's economy.

The festival is a wonderful event where 30,000 to 35,000 people of Greek descent descend on Tumbalong Park, which is a scene that members need to take on board for themselves. I am proud to say that at the end of my tenure in the lead-up to the 2019 election I made sure that the Greek Festival received $200,000 a year over the next forward estimates, a total of $800,000, because of the importance to our cultural identity of bringing people together and doing what the Greeks do so well—celebrating family, friends and community. Congratulations to everybody of Greek descent. Happy 200 years of independence.

Mr JIHAD DIB (Lakemba) (12:52:14):

By leave: I congratulate Eleni Petinos on moving this motion. I know that there was a big struggle between her and all the other Greeks in the Chamber as to who would do it. It is not unlike the Greeks to want to take the credit, but someone has to be the one to move it. We have continuously heard about the Greek spirit. The member for Fairfield—I think his name is Gaetano Zangaris if we want to make him Greek for the day—made a really good point about the particular pride of mothers and fathers. Congratulations. How proud we are to see people who are proud of themselves and their heritage as well as their Australian heritage. Well done to my dear friends Stavros Kamperolianis, Sophia Cotsis and Eleni Petinos—I think that is the correct way to say it. They inspire other young people, whether they are Greek or other ethnic background, to be better than what some people will tell them to be. That is the Australia that we live in.

We know that the Greeks tell us that they invented everything and there are some things that I would certainly agree with. They did invent democracy, mathematics, physics, philosophy, the Olympics and the lamb barbecue—although I saw a video of some bloke on a lamb barbecue that I was a bit concerned about, where he was just walking around in a singlet. They also invented coffee. A point of argument that I often have with the member for Rockdale is that while they might have invented coffee, the Lebanese people modified it and fixed it a bit so that you can actually drink it.

But the important point is the idea that holds strong. Oxi Day, like any other idea in modern history, is one that speaks to the value of standing up for what one believes in, valuing democracy and having strength in that. A lot of members have spoken about their local electorates. We had quite a big Greek population in Lakemba, particularly in the 1950s. It is slowly but surely decreasing, but the heritage and history are there. In particular, the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW was formed in Lakemba in 1898. Harry and Nia do an outstanding job of bringing people together, running cultural programs and schools to make sure that everybody remembers the history and heritage that their parents bring. How huge the Greek Festival is. It is one of those things that we all love to go to, but it actually speaks to the value of what is really important.

As I have said a number of times, the really important thing when you come to Australia or become an Australian citizen is that you are not told to forget where you come from—your heritage, your roots or your history. You are told to embrace that and bring it into what makes our great Australian story. It is a wonderful thing to see Australians of proud Greek heritage celebrating everything about themselves. A lot is made of the food, but there is much more to culture than that. It is the ideas, the history, the belonging and the sense of making sure that every single person has an opportunity. Conscious of the fact that so many other members want to speak, I will try my Greek once again. A number of Greeks live near me. My olive tree will not grow, but I know my neighbours have some special secrets. Ζήτω η Αυστραλία and Ζήτω η Ελλάδα—long live Australia and long live Greece! Well done to Eleni and to all our Greek friends, brothers and sisters.

Mr JAMES GRIFFIN (Manly) (12:55:47):

By leave: I am not Greek like the member for Fairfield is, but I make a contribution to this wonderful motion brought by the member for Miranda and I do so from the perspective of the Parliamentary Secretary for Veterans. I note that this year marks the eightieth anniversary of the Battle of Crete, in which Anzac and British forces fought alongside the Greeks in one of the turning points of World War II. I note that my grandfather Harry Griffin fought in Greece and received the Hellenic Republic medallion expedition medal 1940-41—a special relationship with that important battle. In 1941 Anzac and British forces joined brave Greek soldiers and civilians in defending the island against the Nazi airborne invasion. The courage and gallantry of both the Anzacs and the Greek soldiers and civilians forged bonds that are still recognised and a deep sense of gratitude that both the Greek country and Australian Greeks feel today.

In its thirty-ninth year, the Greek Festival is one of Sydney's longest-running cultural events. It is a proud and wonderful tradition that remains at the heart of Australia's 400,000-strong Greek community. It is a wonderful foundation and pillar of the multicultural State of New South Wales. I also acknowledge that the Liberal Party in Manly has a Hellenic branch, for a variety of reasons, which absolutely predates me. There are some wonderful members of the Manly Hellenic branch. The Dracakis family—Kerry, Theo, Peter, Helen and Paul Dracakis—are proud members of the Manly Hellenic branch. Helen and Dimitrios Spiropoulos and John Mangos are also members, as are the wonderful Peter and Lyn Polgar—who are of course good friends. I thank the members of the Manly Hellenic branch. In all sincerity, the Hellenic medal hangs proudly in my father's home in recognition of my grandfather's efforts. I commend the wonderful motion of the member for Miranda to the House.

Ms TANIA MIHAILUK (Bankstown) (12:58:50):

By leave: I too take the opportunity to support this motion and to commend the member for Miranda, the member for Rockdale and the member for Canterbury in particular. I know how proud those three members of Parliament are of their Greek heritage and it is wonderful to see that they can unite for such a very important occasion.

The commemoration of the Greek War of Independence is a significant occasion for Greek Australians and Greeks all around the world. It is wonderful to see that communities are coming together, particularly school communities and churches across Australia. I acknowledge St Euphemia College in my electorate of Bankstown. I have a wonderful relationship with that school and the Greek church in Bankstown. They are holding a doxology service this Sunday to commemorate Greek Independence Day, which coincides, as the member for Canterbury said, with the Feast of the Annunciation. In 1821 it was a deliberate decision to ensure that the Greek revolution coincided with the Feast of the Annunciation, to explain that it was an evangelising process of liberating the Greek people and the Hellenic nation.

It is important to state that the Greek people have always valued their orthodoxy and their faith, and it is important for me to acknowledge that I have had a wonderful relationship with the primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Archbishop Makarios. I acknowledge his efforts in supporting the community in Australia. I also acknowledge the wonderful priests of St Euphemia Greek Orthodox Church of Bankstown, Father Peter Mavrommatis, who is also the principal of St Euphemia College, and Father Panagiotis. Both of those priests have worked tirelessly in support of our community in Bankstown and I acknowledge their efforts. For example, this Sunday they are organising for a number of children to recite specific poems about Greek Independence Day. They very much value the traditions and history of what is a very significant culture.

There is no doubt that the Greek culture has immense influence, as the member for Lakemba, the member for Rockdale and others have recited. It has influenced so much of society as we know it today and it is important to acknowledge what the Greeks have provided to us as a society. I pay tribute to the consul and to those who have organised the many different events that commemorate the bicentenary. It is clearly an important occasion for not only Australians of Greek heritage but also Australia to recognise and pay tribute to the contribution that Greek Australians have made in enriching our society in Australia and particularly in our State. I thank the member for Miranda, the member for Canterbury and the member for Rockdale for their incredible passion.

I love having many debates with those members of Parliament about the value and traditions of the Greek community. I value the particular strength in the Greek community, which I have seen in the way they have supported many important endeavours. As I said, as the co‑chair of the Parliamentary Friends for Religious Freedom I have had a wonderful relationship with the archbishop and the priests in espousing the need to support religious freedom. Archbishop Makarios was one of the first church leaders who supported our forum and he has always provided a contribution in that regard. I take this opportunity to wish all of the Greek Australians in the electorate of Bankstown and throughout New South Wales a happy Greek Independence Day.

Ms JO HAYLEN (Summer Hill) (13:03:07):

By leave: I feel privileged to make a brief contribution to mark the 200th anniversary of Greek independence. I thank the Greek goddesses in the Parliament today, the member for Miranda and the member for Canterbury, and their excellent sidekick the member for Rockdale. We are very lucky to have those great Greek Australians representing their communities so ably in this House, Australia's oldest Parliament. It is absolutely appropriate that we talk about the legacy of the Greek community here; they were the inventors of democracy and, as we have heard, probably of everything. It is a momentous and historic day for the Greek community in Australia and across the world. I congratulate the organisations and the Greek Australians taking part in the many important celebrations of this day.

Greek Independence Day marks the momentous struggle for freedom and independence from the Ottoman Empire and in so many ways has changed the course of human history. For the many Greek migrants who now call Australia home it continues to have renewed significance and has become an important opportunity to celebrate and strengthen the rich traditions of the Greek people in a new world. Greek migrants have helped build the multicultural and diverse communities that I am very proud to represent. The traditions, customs and celebrations of our proud Greek communities are inseparable from the way people think about the parts of Sydney that I represent—suburbs like Marrickville and Dulwich Hill, for example. Those traditions and cultures live in the extraordinary work of local community groups.

I mention some in my electorate, including the ATLAS Community Centre and the Greek Orthodox Parish of Saint Nicholas, which I think of today with its many celebrations and its beautiful, active Greek school that I am always proud to visit and support whenever possible. I acknowledge the Hellenic Art Theatre at Addison Road Community Centre and the many Greek family businesses that attract people from across Sydney and New South Wales. Today in Sydney's inner west we are celebrating with the official renaming of a stretch of Marrickville Road between Livingstone Road and Victoria Road as "Little Greece". All Sydneysiders should come to visit Little Greece—what a wonderful part of Sydney! I pay tribute to the amazing businesses in that precinct, many of which are my favourites.

One of the best and cheapest sandwiches in Sydney is available at Lamia Super Deli. The cheese and spinach triangles at the Hellenic Patisserie are to die for. Athena Cake Shop is a problem for my waistline and has been trading for over 20 years. I acknowledge Faros Seafood, many of the cafes and the Corinthian Greek Restaurant, which has been trading on Marrickville Road for over 50 years. It is a beautiful part of Sydney made all the richer and more vibrant by the contribution of those Greek Australians. Let us celebrate Little Greece today. Members should come to visit in Marrickville. It is just a small recognition of the contribution that Greek Australians have made to our community. I acknowledge that Greek culture and history are very much a live and breathing part of Sydney. I join my colleagues in honouring this important day and the contribution of generations of Greek Australians across Sydney and New South Wales.

Ms ELENI PETINOS (Miranda) (13:06:34):

In reply: What an absolutely phenomenal contribution from every member in this place who spoke to the motion. I cannot tell members how touched I am, and I am sure the community will be touched by the members' contributions. I sincerely thank the members for the electorates of Rockdale, Parramatta, Canterbury, Oatley, Fairfield, Castle Hill, Lakemba, Manly, Bankstown and Summer Hill for their individual and very special contributions. Today is truly a celebration. As many speakers have said, we are currently in the middle of the thirty‑ninth annual Greek Festival of Sydney, which is one of the longest‑running cultural events in the State. It gives everyone the chance to enjoy the finest of Hellenic music, dance, arts, language and culture, many of which were touched on by the member for Lakemba in a very affectionate manner.

The Greek Orthodox religion remains at the heart of Australia's 400,000‑strong Greek community. That is entirely appropriate and fitting given the history that we have discussed today, as the member for Rockdale relayed to the House. The church was the heart of the Greek community in that moment when Bishop Germanos raised the flag in Patras and called for revolution at Agia Lavra monastery. The foundations of the Greek Orthodox religion remain the basis of modern Christian churches wherever they have flourished across the world. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the leadership of his eminence Archbishop Makarios and each of the priests in our local communities, many of whom were acknowledged by those opposite, for their contributions to their local Greek communities.

New South Wales is an incredible, wonderful and multicultural State, and one of the most successful multicultural societies in the world. Earlier today the multiculturalism Minister, Dr Geoff Lee, mentioned that we should be incredibly proud of our heritage. We all are, and we have all touched on the ways that our particular heritage has been celebrated. There is no better demonstration of the pride of the Greek community than the march that coincides with 25 March every year. I remember participating in the march as a little child. I went to St Spyridon College, one of the three Greek Orthodox schools in this State. I remember from a young age congregating at Martin Place in my school uniform—the other option was to wear national dress—and walking proudly down to the Opera House, where tens of thousands of proud Greek-Australians would congregate and celebrate our culture with speeches, dances and music. I would sit on the steps of the Opera House to watch. It is quite special to sit there now as a member of Parliament, as I am sure it is for the member for Canterbury and the member for Rockdale, and watch children participate.

I acknowledge the role played by the leaders of our three Greek Orthodox colleges: Mrs Katsogiannis from St Spyridon College, Fr Mavrommatis from St Euphemia College and Mrs Lillis from All Saints Greek Orthodox Grammar School. I know that members in this Chamber who represent the other colleges have acknowledged their contributions as well. It is inspiring to know that our culture and heritage will continue through today's young people who continue to celebrate the festivities. But today we are celebrating 200 years of freedom and democracy in this State and everywhere else around the world. I look forward to lighting up the Opera House this evening. I know that it will be embraced wholeheartedly by members opposite. Happy Greek Independence Day. Zíto i Elláda.

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Lee Evans):

The question is that the motion be agreed to.

Motion agreed to.