The plenary of the Victorian National Anniversary Committee met to begin the organisation of the parade for this year’s Anniversary of 25 March 1821. The meeting was attended by the representatives of organisations and schools that make up the Committee, while the meeting was honoured with the presence of His Grace, Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta, Archiepiscopal Vicar of Northcote, as well as the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Mr. Emmanuel Kakavelakis.

It was decided that the parade will be held on Sunday, 14 April 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Lakeside Stadium in the suburb of Albert Park. The parade will be honoured with his presence of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, while both the State and Federal Governments will be invited.

The Chairman of the Victorian Committee, Mr. Tony Tsourdalakis, informed the members of the Committee that the only possible date was this one, in order to avoid dates that coincide with other events in the City of Melbourne, namely the Labor Day holiday on March 10; the “Run for the Kids” Marathon on March 17, the Grand Prix race on March 24, Western Easter on March 31 and the school holidays on April 7.

As is known, the 2023 parade took place on the same date as the great “Run for the Kids” Marathon and in the same week as the Grand Prix, resulting in a major traffic problem and general confusion in access to the stadium, but also in vehicle parking. Mr. Tsourdalakis contacted the community colleges and was informed that the students will be on school holidays for the first two weeks of April, but the principals have advised that they are willing to participate in the parade if it is held on the last Sunday before the return to school which is April 14th.

It should be noted that for the first time the Greek football clubs and especially the teams of young children will be invited to participate in the parade.

Greek Organisations and schools will soon receive applications for participation in the parade, which they should fill out and send back as soon as possible.

“We invite everyone from our beloved Community to participate en masse along with the well-known enthusiasm that characterizes it, in the planned events for our Greek National Anniversary”, the relevant announcement of the committee points out.

For more information, interested parties can contact the members of the Committee at [email protected].

Letter of thanks from the Victorian National Anniversary Committee to Mr. Vlasis Mavraganis

The Victorian National Anniversary Committee expresses its warm thanks to the dear Mr. Vlasis Mavraganis for his great contribution to the community, to education but particularly in his participation in the Parade Committee almost from its inception.

Mr. Vlasis Mavraganis served the Committee with particular zeal and dedication for many years, not only as an ordinary member, but as General Secretary, and more recently as Treasurer.

Recently Mr. Mavraganis decided to retire from the Committee wanting to hand over the reins to the next generation, in order for them to participate and contribute to the Committee.

The Members of the Committee collectively express their thanks and wish him health and longevity.