Australian Hellenic Memorial 2001

Summary

Location: Birdwood Ave, near Government House Dr, Kings Domain Situated north-east of the Shrine of Remembrance, the memorial comprises 12 three-metre-high granite columns; these create a rectangular space laid with basalt pavers with polished curved lines. This area houses a cast-bronze urn and a limestone and oikos on a bluestone base. In classical Greek tradition, the design is open, ordered and symmetrical, its form conveying a sense of contemplative calm. The Australian Hellenic Memorial Foundation was established in 1996 to raise funds for a memorial in Kings Domain. The memorial honours the Australian and Hellenic men and women who served in Greece and in the battle of Crete during World War II, and those who lost their lives in these campaigns. Joining the allied forces on mainland Greece in 1941, the Australian Division was greatly outnumbered by enemy forces and largely fought a battle of withdrawal. Many were evacuated to Crete with British, New Zealand and Greek soldiers, but here they were defeated in an ill-fated campaign. As well as honouring the servicemen and women, the monument has been designed to embody the ideals of democracy, liberty and peace – ideals articulated and embraced by the United Nations at its establishment following World War II. Representing an eternal image of Australia and Greece, the memorial is intended to have relevance to current and future generations. The Hon. Bruce Scott, Minister for Veteran Affairs, and Major General Christos Tzaferos of the Hellenic Armed Forces unveiled the memorial on 2 September 2001.