Brisbane, March 25, 2025—Queensland’s Greek community gathered at Parliament House in Brisbane in a vibrant display of pride and unity to mark the 204th anniversary of Greek Independence.
Hosted by the Honorary Consul-General of Greece in Queensland, Mr. George Mastrocostas, the event honored the bravery of the 1821 revolutionaries while highlighting the strong, lasting connection between Greece and Australia.
The evening welcomed an esteemed lineup of guests, including:
- Her Excellency, the Honourable Dr. Jeanette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland
- The Hon. Fiona Simpson MP, representing Premier David Crisafulli MP, serving as Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and Multiculturalism
- Councillor Krista Adams, standing in for Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, from Holland Park Ward
- His Grace, Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane
The celebration kicked off in the Premiers’ & Speakers’ Hall with a warm greeting from Mr. Mastrocostas and his wife, Mrs. Ying Mastrocostas. The Greek Community Choir, Ellinikes Fones, set a stirring tone by leading the Australian and Greek national anthems, symbolizing the harmony between the two nations.
His Grace, Bishop Bartholomew, opened the formalities with a poignant prayer, paving the way for reflection and festivity. Mr. Mastrocostas then proposed a Loyal Toast to King Charles III and delivered a speech underscoring the importance of March 25 and the Greek Australian community’s dedication to preserving Hellenic heritage.
Governor Dr. Jeanette Young followed with a Toast to Mr. Konstantinos Tasoulas, President of the Hellenic Republic, and an uplifting address praising the Greek community’s vital role in shaping Queensland’s multicultural fabric. Additional remarks from Minister Fiona Simpson and Councillor Krista Adams celebrated the community’s resilience and the enduring influence of Hellenic values—freedom, democracy, and strength—on Australian life.
The choir, Ellinikes Fones, closed the official program with a stirring rendition of three traditional Greek songs, infusing the hall with Hellenic spirit. In a striking tribute, Brisbane illuminated City Hall, Old Parliament House, and King George Square in the blue and white of the Greek flag, a vivid symbol of Greece-Australia friendship.
Reflecting on the night, Mr. Mastrocostas said, “Greek Independence Day is more than a look back—it’s a renewal of our identity and values. The support from the Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council, and the presence of distinguished guests and our community show the vitality of Hellenism here. We stood united tonight, honoring our roots and embracing our future.”
The event concluded with a resounding message: the legacy of 1821 thrives in Greek Australians, and the Greece-Queensland bond grows ever deeper.
Ζήτω η Ελλάδα! Ζήτω η Ελευθερία! (Long live Greece! Long live Freedom!)
