I am honoured to join you today for this Greek Independence Day ceremony, and I want to thank the Greek Community of Newcastle for the invitation to be part of this important occasion.

I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather today – the Awabakal and Worimi peoples - and paying my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

Today, we come together to commemorate Greek Independence Day — a day of enormous significance for Greek people around the world.

It is a day that marks the courage, sacrifice and determination of those who fought for freedom, sovereignty and self-determination in 1821.

It is also a day to reflect on the enduring values at the heart of that struggle — democracy, liberty, resilience and national pride.

These are values that continue to inspire generations, and values that resonate deeply here in Australia as well.

Today is not only about honouring history.

It is also about recognising the extraordinary contribution that Greek Australians have made — and continue to make — to our nation, and to our city.

The Greek community has played an important role in shaping Newcastle.

Through hard work, community spirit, small business, faith, family and culture, generations of Greek Australians have helped build the rich and vibrant city we know today.

Newcastle is stronger because of the contribution of Greek Australians.

Our city is richer for your traditions, your stories, your values, and the deep sense of community that has been passed from one generation to the next.

As we laid our wreaths today, we did so in solemn remembrance of all those who fought and sacrificed for Greece’s independence.

We honour their legacy, and we reflect on the preciousness of freedom, the cost of liberty, and the importance of unity and peace.

Ceremonies like this matter because they remind us that history lives on not only in books, but in communities, in traditions, and in the values we carry forward together. The same values that we continue to uphold and protect today.

To the Greek Community of Newcastle, thank you for all you do to honour that history and culture, and for the ongoing contribution you continue to make to the Newcastle community everyday.

On this special day, I extend my warmest wishes to everyone gathered here.

Zito i Ellada — long live Greece.