Premier John Brumby joined thousands of people in Mornington today to celebrate Australia Day and recognize the contribution Victoria’s Greek and other multicultural communities have made to our nation.
Speaking at Australia Day celebrations staged by the Association of Greek Elderly Citizens Clubs of Melbourne & Victoria, Mr Brumby said Australia Day was a time to honour the many different communities that make our state and Australia such a great place to live.
“Australia Day is also a time to reflect on our beginnings and remember that we are a multicultural community made up of migrants from all over the world,” Mr Brumby said.
“It is amazing to think that Victorians come from more than 200 countries, speak more than 230 languages and dialects and follow 120 faiths.
“Forty four per cent of Victorians are born overseas or have one parent who is born overseas.”
Mr Brumby said the state’s Greek community had made a great contribution and had long been recognised as a significant influence on Victorian culture and diversity.
“Our Greek community has played a very important role in shaping the thriving and cosmopolitan society Victoria is today – we are immensely proud of our large and dynamic Greek community,” Mr Brumby said.
“Today, at celebrations such as this, we acknowledge that Australia is a proudly multicultural country where we come together to give thanks to a national spirit of inclusiveness that crosses cultural, religious and linguistic barriers.”
More than three thousand people from many different backgrounds enjoyed the event, with entertainment ranging from Greek folk dancing to Indigenous performances and a traditional Aussie barbecue.
The Association of Greek Elderly Citizens Clubs of Melbourne & Victoria has offered its services to the elderly Greek community for more than 25 years and now represents over 25,000 members from various clubs throughout Victoria.
Mr Brumby said the Greek Senior Citizens Australia Day celebration was a great opportunity for people to celebrate our heritage and look to the future.
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