CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN HONOURS OXI DAYWITH MOVING COMMUNITY CEREMONY

ARAB NEWS (Canterbury-Bankstown -Sydney ) Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek joined community leaders, students and
residents to commemorate Oxi Day this morning (Wednesday 28 October) in Earlwood.
The ceremony brought together the local Greek and wider community to honour the courage, sacrifice and resilience of the Greek people and celebrate their lasting contribution to the City.
Guests included Canterbury-Bankstown Councillor Harry Stavrinos, Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis, representatives of the Greek Orthodox Church and more than 40 students from Earlwood Public School, Bankstown’s St Euphemia College and Belmore’s All Saints Grammar.
Highlights of the ceremony included commemorative addresses, a student poetry recital presented in both Greek and English, performances of the Australian and Greek national anthems and the raising of the Greek flag.
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said the ceremony highlighted the strong connection between the City and its vibrant Greek community. 
“The strong turnout at today’s ceremony reflects the pride our community has in its cultural
diversity and the importance of remembering those who stood for freedom and democracy,”
Mayor El-Hayek said.
“Events like Oxi Day help us honour the sacrifices of previous generations while celebrating
the rich cultural traditions that continue to shape our City.” Oxi Day commemorates Greece’s historic refusal to surrender to Axis forces on 28 October 1940, honouring the courage and resilience of the Greek people during World War II.
As part of the commemoration, the Greek flag has been flown throughout the day at
Earlwood Memorial and Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre. Mayor El-Hayek thanked all attendees, community representatives and students who contributed to the success of the ceremony and helped preserve the significance of Oxi Day for future generations.

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