In recognition of the 200th anniversary of Greek independence, a group of Greek philanthropists and community organisations have collaborated to honour Greek migrants to Australia.
The recognition would be made via the new National Monument to Migration which is at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney’s Darling Harbour.
The museum has so far received AUD$15,500 in support of the initiative from philanthropists including Bill Drakopoulos, Emmanuel Alfieris and from the Ahepa National Educational Fund Incorporated and the Daughters of Penelope.
‘We are part of a long chain of proud Greek migrants who have forged new lives in our new home. We remain proud to be Greek and proud to be Australian. It is a great chance to honour those who came before us, ’Bill Drakopoulos said in a statement.
The individuals being honoured will be chosen by the Greek community in partnership with the Greek Welfare Centre.
Additional donations in support of the Greek Independence Bicentenary Project may be made to the museum.
Australia’s National Monument to Migration commemorates those who have migrated from countries around the world to make Australia their new home.
The name of any person who was born overseas and settled into Australia may be registered on the monument.
The National Monument features over 30,000 names, including over 1,500 people born in Greece.
“Behind each name is a story. There are stories that are dramatic, stories that are tragic alongside stories that just tell of a desire for a new start. Each name signifies one main emotion – that of hope,” said the museum director Kevin Sumption.
The National Monument to Migration is situated on the northern promenade of the museum facing Pyrmont Bay and is historically near a place where many migrants arrived in Sydney.
For further information go to www.sea.museum/nationalmonument.
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