On Good Friday, 22 April, the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, together with the Panarcadian Federation, were honoured to host members of the Greek Presidential Guard at a meet-and-greet in our majestic ballroom, at 570 Victoria Street, North Melbourne. The meet-and-greet was followed by a luncheon held in the 2nd floor function room.
The Evzones were welcomed by a large group of excited children as young as 1yo, many dressed in national costume. This was a great and rare opportunity for them to meet and speak with the Evzones, who in turn were very receptive to interacting with the children and being photographed with them.
The luncheon was attended by members of our Association, as well as members of the Panarcadian Federation, and representatives of the Greek Community of Melbourne.
On departure, the children were presented with gift bags which among other items included a colouring-in book about the Evzones, ‘Evzones have arrived in Melbourne’. The book was created by member of the Panarcadian Association’s committee and Head of its Public Relations Subcommittee, Emily Kazakos, and produced by the Association.
The Evzones were also presented with the Evzones book, as well as the book Children of Pan: Arcadians in Australia and a commemorative pin, as a souvenir of their time with the Arcadians of Melbourne.
Oakleigh Grammar student, Johnathan Daoulas produced a video of the event, which in addition to the Evzones children’s book is available through the Association. If interested, please contact Emily Kazakos on 0408 317 828 or emily@hellenes.com.au.
The event was well-covered by the Greek print media.
