What's New - Νέα

 

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATIONS 2024

The Australian Embassy in Athens will be holding a commemorative service for ANZAC Day. The service will take place on Thursday 25 April at 10:00 am at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in Alimos.

Australians, New Zealanders and friends of the two countries in Greece are invited to join us in commemorating Australian and New Zealand contributions in armed conflict and paying respects to all those who gave their lives in time of war.

Important information about the event:

Registration: The service is open to the public. If you wish to attend, you are invited to register by sending an email to [email protected].

Location: Phaleron War Cemetery, Ethanrchou Makariou Str and Poseidonos Ave, https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xhqk5uVwd7XHE4BX8

Arrival time: Please join us by 09:40 am. The service will commence at 10:00 am.

 

The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and his spouse visited Athens and Lemnos

  

Moved and delighted that the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, the Honourable David Hurley, and his spouse Linda Hurley arrived on 1 May in Athens to celebrate the lasting and close bonds of friendship uniting our nations. The Governor-General had high-level meetings, incl. with the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou and PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Their Excellencies then traveled to Lemnos to commemorate the shared wartime heritage of Australia and Greece.

 

DIRECTOR IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

Are you an Australian company director, based in Australia or resident overseas? If so, you are required to apply for a director identification number (director ID).  Find out  more. 

 

Intergenerational Workshop "My body is mine"

• Are you parent of a young child?
• Do you want to help your child understand the concepts of consent and personal boundaries as they engage with the world?
• Are you passionate about fostering a safer, more respectful world, free from gender biases?

If so, please read on.

We are pleased to announce the Embassy's partnership with the pioneering Greek educational organisation Genderhood to mark the international campaign "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence".

In cooperation with Genderhood, the Australian Embassy presents an inter-generational workshop designed for parents and children aged 6-9 years. This workshop aims to equip children with the skills to understand and practice consent and personal boundaries, while assisting parents in helping their children develop these crucial skills. The workshop draws inspiration from the book "Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect" by acclaimed Australian author Jayneen Sanders.

Join us in marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence by teaching our children about body ownership, personal space, respect, feelings and choices, while empowering them to say "Yes" and "No".

DETAILS:

Date: 25 November 2023
Time: Choose your slot either at 10:30-12:00 or 12:30-14:00
Location: We Need Books, Evias 7, Kypseli
Cost: Participation is FREE.
Language: The workshops will be conducted in GREEK.
Registration: Registration is REQUIRED. To register yourself and your child, please fill in the following form: https://forms.gle/JB5RCacjpt58r1pH6

For more information, please visit: To Σώμα μου είναι δικό μου | Βιωματικό Εργαστήριο για παιδιά 6-9 ετών - Genderhood

We look forward to welcoming you and your child on 25 November at the child-friendly, multicultural library We Need Books!

 

AUSTRALIA-BULGARIA 50 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS
50th Anniversary

On 5 April 1972, Australia and Bulgaria established formal diplomatic relations. 50 years later, our nations enjoy a strong, warm friendship. One that is grounded in close community links, growing economic ties, and a shared commitment to democracy, the rule-of-law and free trade.

As a tribute to our warm friendship, we are publishing a series of historical photos and archive documents.

 

RECOGNITION OF AUSTRALIAN DRIVER LICENCES IN GREECE

As of 5 November 2021, Australian driver licences are recognised in Greece. Individuals who hold a valid Australian driver licence no longer need to also have an International Driving Permit to be able to drive in Greece. A measure that will greatly benefit thousands of Australians living in or visiting Greece annually.

The Greek law stating the recognition of Australian driver licences is Law 4850, Article 25, Para 3, published in Greek Government Gazette A 208 – 05.11.2021.

 

LAUNCH OF INSTAGRAM

We're spreading our wings a bit wider into the world of social media and joining 📸 #Instagram! Press that 'follow' button and help us share the news! 
IG/ausembgr
https://www.instagram.com/ausembgr/?hl=en

 

Work and Holiday arrangement between Australia and Greece  

 

A new Work and Holiday arrangement with Greece came into effect on 1 July 2019, allowing more young people to explore, work and study in Australia. Young adults from Greece can apply for a subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa from this date. 

• Applications must be lodged online via ImmiAccount. Information about the subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa, and how to apply, can be found at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-462/first-work-holiday-462
• All applications must include a Letter of Support from the Greek Government as well as evidence of meeting the English language, education, and financial requirements.
• The Visa Application Charge must be paid at the time of lodgement.
• The Australia-Greece Work and Holiday program has 500 places per program year (1 July to 30 June). Once 500 visas have been granted to Greek citizens, you will not be able to lodge an application until 1 July the following year.
• Important information, including updates on when programs are complete, is available on the Australian Embassy Berlin website at http://germany.embassy.gov.au/beln/Visas_and_Migration.html.

 

ANZAC DAY Commemorations 2022

This year, the Australian Embassy will mark ANZAC Day through the commemorations on Lemnos island which Ambassador Arthur Spyrou will also attend.

Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ambassador Spyrou will also lay a wreath privately, with the New Zealand Honorary Consul, at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Phaleron Cemetery in Athens.

Lest we forget.

 

MESSAGE FROM THE FORMER PRIME MINISTER  (in Greek)

80th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF CRETE

It has been said “we cannot live in the past, the past lives in us”. As the world faces a once-in-a-century pandemic, this is a time when the Greek people can draw strength from their rich history.

This past month has marked the bicentenary of the Greek War of Independence –– a bicentenary that we recognised in our Australian Parliament, as well as recognised the contribution of Australians with Greek heritage to our national life.

Today, you commemorate another significant anniversary –– the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Crete.

Australians remember that battle and those times. We too draw strength from the courage, determination and example of those who have done so much for the cause of freedom.

As the last Royal Navy vessels evacuated troops from Crete on 1 June 1941, those Allied troops who remained bowed their heads in sorrow. But, in their despair, they cleaved to two certainties –– the rightness of their cause; and the generosity, courage, and loyalty of the men and women of Crete.

They placed their trust in the brave and stoic Cretans who fought alongside them in the bloody conflict of the preceding 12 days.

In the aftermath of a battle fought with honour, and conceded without disgrace, a deep friendship was forged. The record of the days and weeks that followed is a chapter of bravery and selflessness that has bound Australia to Crete ever after.

In villages and farms, on beaches and in caves, the people of Crete –– who had so little of their own –– fed and nursed, sheltered, and led to safety those Allied troops who were left behind. Their selflessness and courage saved lives and inspired others to resist the invading forces.

Since the end of the Second World War, Australian veterans and their descendants have travelled to Greece each year for this anniversary. To join with the living and honour the dead who rest in peace at Suda Bay.

In 2021, those reunions are out of reach. But, the painful separation of a global pandemic has endowed togetherness with new meaning. The strength of our friendship is not bound by time or distance.

In the theatre of war, the people of Greece and Australia were united in a quest for peace. As they confronted tyranny together, they upheld the principals of justice and liberty so beloved by both our nations.

On this anniversary, we reflect on the spirit of sacrifice and shared humanity enacted on Crete in 1941. We rejoice in our enduring friendship, nurtured by ties of blood and fostered by mutual respect. As we stood together in war, so we stand together in peace – our eyes fixed firmly on a future shaped by the valour of the past.

 

The Hon Scott Morrison MP

Prime Minister of Australia, April 2021

 

BATTLE OF CRETE COMMEMORATIONS - CRETE, 15-24 MAY 2021

From 15 to 24 May 2021, the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Crete will be marked with a series of commemorative services and events in Rethymno and Chania organised by the local authorities in Crete. The Australian Embassy will be there to pay tribute to the Australian service men and women who helped defend Crete during WWII and to honour the bonds of friendship between Australians and Greeks that were forged in the cauldron of war. While the events will be held in a COVID-wise format and attendees will be required to practice physical distancing, large gatherings still present a risk. We therefore encourage Australians in Greece who wish to mark the Battle of Crete to do so safely.
See the program of events here.

Photo credit: Australian and other Empire troops evacuated from mainland Greece arrive at Souda Bay, Crete, some with their kits, in April 1941. They were lucky, as most landed without, for kits had to be abandoned or destroyed in many cases. (Australian War Memorial 008172; photographer George Silk)

 

International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia – Joint Statement by Embassies in Romania

The Australian Embassy proudly joins in with Embassies in Romania in declaring its support for LGBTIQ persons. Read the Joint Statement on the occasion of the IDAHOBIT Day: International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia*

Bucharest, 17 May 2021 - On the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, we express our solidarity with all persons who are discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and sex characteristics.

LGBTIQ persons and families continue to face discrimination, violence and stigmatization all around the world. Our countries seek to combat such discrimination by promoting equal human rights for everyone. This respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms obliges governments to protect all citizens from violence and discrimination and to ensure that all people enjoy equal treatment and equal opportunities.  

Protecting the welfare of LGBTIQ persons and families is key to ensuring that the full human rights of all our citizens are protected. We believe that only when the diversity of its citizens is appreciated, supported and protected can a country achieve its full potential.

The current COVID-19 pandemic does not allow groups or individuals to gather for festivals and marches, but we reaffirm on this day our full support for the peaceful fight for the cessation of all forms of discrimination and violence, including on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and sex characteristics.

* The joint statement is issued by the embassies of: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay and the European Commission Representation in Romania.

Declarație comună cu ocazia Zilei internaționale împotriva Homofobiei, Bifobiei și Transfobiei *

București, 17 mai 2021 - Cu ocazia Zilei Internaționale împotriva Homofobiei, Bifobiei și Transfobiei, ne exprimăm solidaritatea cu toate persoanele discriminate pe criterii de orientarea sexuală, identității sau expresiei de gen și caracteristicilor sexuale.

Persoanele și familiile LGBTIQ se confruntă în continuare cu acte de discriminare, violență și stigmatizare în întreaga lume. Țările noastre încearcă să combată astfel de acte prin promovarea drepturilor omului pentru toată lumea. Respectul pentru drepturile omului pentru libertățile fundamentale obligă guvernele să protejeze toți cetățenii de violență și discriminare și să se asigure că toți oamenii se bucură de tratament și de șanse egale.

Protejarea bunăstării persoanelor și familiilor LGBTIQ este esențială pentru asigurarea protejării drepturilor omului ale tuturor cetățenilor noștri. Avem convingerea că o țară poate să-ṣi atingă întregul potențial numai atunci când diversitatea cetățenilor este apreciată, susținută și protejată.

Actuala pandemie COVID-19 nu permite grupurilor sau persoanelor să  participe la festivaluri și marșuri, însă ne reafirmăm în această zi susținerea deplină pentru lupta pașnică în vederea încetării tuturor formelor de discriminare și violență, inclusiv pe criterii de orientare sexuală , identitate sau expresie de gen și caracteristici sexuale.

* Declarația comună este semnată de următoarele ambasadele şi reprezentanțe ale unor instituții internaționale: Australia, Austria, Belgia, Canada, Croația, Cehia, Danemarca, Elveția, Finlanda, Franța, Germania, Irlanda, Israel, Italia, Luxemburg, Marea Britanie, Norvegia, Noua Zeelandă, Olanda, Portugalia, Slovenia, Spania, Suedia, Statele Unite, Uruguay și Reprezentanța Comisiei Europene în România.

 

Greek Independence Day 2021

• Message from the Governor-General on Greek Independence Day 2021
• Message from the Prime Minister on Greek Independence Day 2021 (in English)
• Message from the Prime Minister on Greek Independence Day 2021 (in Greek)
• Message from the Immigration Minister on Greek Independence Day 2021

Speech and presentation on Australia’s approach to cervical cancer by the Deputy Head of Mission, Mr Andrea Biggi, at an awareness event held by the Hellenic Oncology Foundation on Thursday, 14 February 2019

Speech on Australia's approach to cervical cancer in English (PDF) - Presentation in English (PDF)
Speech on Australia's approach to cervical cancer in Greek (PDF) - Presentation in Greek (PDF)