The event honored the bravery and sacrifice of the students who stood for freedom and democracy, bringing together students, university representatives, and members of the Greek Australian community.
Commemoration of a Historic Event
The ceremony opened with a minute of silence, followed by the national anthems performed by students from the Afternoon and Saturday Schools of the GOCNSW. Wreaths were laid in remembrance of the heroes of the uprising, while students Maria Hassapoglou, Dionisis and Yiannis Marinos recited poignant poems.
Penny Kalantzis, first-year representative of the Sydney University Greek Society (SUGS), presented a historical account, and a video produced by the Combined Universities Greek Association (CUGA) highlighted the origins and enduring significance of the Polytechnic Uprising.
Reflections on Bravery and Democracy
In his address, Harry Danalis, President of the GOCNSW, reflected, “Today, we honour the bravery and sacrifice of the students who stood for justice and democracy. Their courage in the face of oppression remains a guiding light, inspiring us to uphold freedom, justice, and civic responsibility in our communities.”
George Skemperis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney, added, “The students of the Polytechnic were young people whose voices challenged injustice and fought for democracy. Young people have a powerful ability to speak out against unfairness, while many older generations are often more likely to accept the status quo. Their bravery and courage continue to inspire and guide our communities today.”
Attendees and Tributes
The event was attended by representatives from Greek and Cypriot community organisations and Hellenic university societies across Sydney, including leaders from SUGS, MUGA, UTS Hellenic, UNSW Hellenic Society, and CUGA, as well as presidents and representatives of numerous community associations and cultural organisations.
The ceremony concluded with GOCNSW students reciting eyewitness testimonies from 17 November 1973, laying flowers, and paying tribute to the fallen. This was followed by a moving performance of the song O Dromos by the students, accompanied on piano by Dimitris Fotiadis.
The event concluded with a musical tribute performed by the Greek Australian Cultural Ensemble and Choir Romiosini, conducted by Maria Fotiadou with accompaniment by Mr Fotiadis.
Acknowledgements and Gratitude
The ceremony was hosted by Master of Ceremonies Dimitris Kallos. The GOCNSW also acknowledged its Board members and expressed sincere gratitude to the local Greek media, the students and teachers of the Greek afternoon and Saturday schools, university students from Sydney, UNSW, UTS, and Macquarie, and all community organisations in attendance for their dedication and contribution to the success of the event.
