Guests preview a photographic exhibition of Greece’s Presidential Guards in ‘The Evzones Collection’ by Greek City Times Director of Photography, Nick Bourdaniotis.
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 by photographer Nick Bourdaniotis were displayed throughout the venue. Two of these extraordinary images were auctioned for the Bicentenary Project Fund, thanks to the generosity of the photographer.
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.