Maritime Museum fundraiser helps Greek diaspora leave their legacy

Paul Nicolaou, Executive Director of Business Sydney and the event’s Master of Ceremonies, welcomed everyone to the event, as did the Australian Hellenic Choir by singing the Australian and Greek anthems.

The Greek Independence Bicentenary Project Fund is the result of collaboration between the Museum, a group of Greek philanthropists and community organisations. The fund was established to honour Greek Australian migrants who are chosen by the Greek community in partnership with the Greek Welfare Centre.

The event was held at Ripples Maritime Museum and remarkable images from The Evzones Collection were displayed throughout the venue.

Also auctioned Tuesday evening was a three-course dinner by the Sydney Restaurant Group and a luxury cruise on the Museum’s Edwardian Steam Yacht Ena.

All donations in support of the Greek Independence Bicentenary Project are fully tax-deductible and can be made to the Museum until 30 June 2022. The Project aspires to honour 200 people of Greek heritage who do not have the means to donate to the commemoration.

Bill Drakopoulos said, “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.”

“All Australians stand on the shoulders of our predecessors. We live in a beautiful country with peace and prosperity. And we owe a debt of gratitude to those who carved the original journey for us to follow,” added Emmanuel Alfieris.

“The museum has long recognised the important role of Greek migrants in shaping modern Australia, and we are delighted to support this special initiative from the community to include more Greek Australians on the National Monument to Migration,” said the Museum’s Acting Director, Tanya Bush.

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 in Australia may be registered on the monument.

The National Monument features more than 30,000 names, including 1,623 of Greek heritage. Currently, Greece is number five of the top ten countries of origin listed.

The Museum requests a brief story about each person being honoured on the National Monument for publication on the Museum’s website. The Museum is amassing a selection of stories from these migrants, stories that, in turn, build the history of modern Australia.

In 2021 the Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC, elevated the Museum’s Welcome Wall status, renaming it Australia’s National Monument to Migration.

The National Monument to Migration is situated at the Australian National Maritime Museum with its northern promenade facing Pyrmont Bay – near a place where historically many migrants arrived in Sydney.