Our shared responsibility as a Greek-Australian Community

First, I would like to congratulate the Committee for its dedicated work in organising the National Day Parade for the 25th of March in Melbourne. Events of this scale are never easy. They require thoughtful planning, coordination, and cooperation between many organisations and volunteers to ensure a successful outcome.

I would also like to extend my warm congratulations to everyone who participated in the parade – schools, community organisations, cultural and dance groups, and all individuals who proudly represented our heritage. Considering the challenges that arose, particularly the heat and waiting times, the presence, patience, and commitment of participants – both younger and older – were truly admirable.

The successful completion of the event once again demonstrated that when our community works together, we can overcome difficulties and honour our history and heritage with dignity and pride.

However, while browsing social media in the days following the parade – Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms – I was once again struck by something that continues to concern me. A large part of the Greek-Australian community in Melbourne communicates primarily in English rather than Greek, whether at an individual level or through official organisations. This observation raises an important question about the example we are setting for younger generations.

Language is more than just a tool for communication. It is not simply the delivery of a message. Language carries our culture, our history, and our values. It is the thread that connects generations and helps preserve our identity. When we, as adults and community members, choose to communicate mostly in English – even among ourselves or during Greek community events – what message are we sending to our children?

I acknowledge that maintaining a heritage language in a multicultural and English-speaking society is not always easy. However, if our generation does not make a conscious effort to use and promote the Greek language, how can we expect younger generations to value and maintain it?

The responsibility does not rest solely with schools or teachers. It belongs to all of us — parents, community organisations, cultural associations, dance groups, media outlets, and every member of the Greek-Australian community.

Let us not forget: what we do not use, we gradually lose.

The Greek language is the strongest pillar of our cultural identity. It connects us with our history, our ancestors, and the values that define us as members of the Greek diaspora.

It is not enough to dress our children in traditional costumes and wave Greek flags once a year. Preserving our language requires ongoing, everyday effort.

Let us speak Greek at home, at community events, and among friends. Let us write in Greek on social media where possible. Let us encourage our children to use Greek in meaningful, everyday contexts. In doing so, we show them that Greek is not just a language of the past, but a living, vibrant language that belongs in modern life.

We should not hesitate to speak Greek out of fear of making mistakes. Mistakes are part of learning and growth. What matters most is the effort and the willingness to keep the language alive. Our example is the most powerful motivation for younger generations.

Small actions can make a meaningful difference.

Our language is our identity and our pride.

Let us keep it alive.

This is our shared responsibility as Greeks living abroad and particularly as members of the Greek-Australian community in Melbourne.