Statement of Purpose - Vision

The Battle of Crete & Greece Commemorative Council was formed in October 2015 in Melbourne and is an initiative of the indefatigable leadership of the Cretan Community  of  Victoria.

The Council has been established to ( a ) promote and commemorate the involvement of Anzac Forces in the Greek Campaign and the Battle of Crete in 1941, ( b ) to promote  and  commemorate the involvement of the Greek Army and Greek civilians in the campaigns that have forever created a bond between Australia and Greece, ( c ) re-enforce the historical connection between Australia and Greece, whether through military operations or migration, ( d ) Encourage pilgrimages and tourism between Australia and Greece to further deepen the appreciation of this connection, to enhance economic development and provision of associated infrastructure including memorials and  finally  ( e )  to reach out  and seek the involvement of our ANZACS descendants and Families including  children and grandchildren.

The Council aims to achieve this through engaging with Federal, State and Local Governments, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Ministry for Defence in Greece and Australia, seeking  the  support  of  the Allied Consular Offices, the participation of the Australian Unit Associations, Regiments  and  Battalions, the private sector and communities in Australia, New Zealand and Greece and especially at the local level in Crete, and other significant Anzac sites in Greece

Throughout the year, the Battle of Crete & Greece Commemorative Council of Victoria hosts, photographic Exhibitions, Lectures, Seminars, Forums, Commemorative Services, Wreath Laying Ceremonies, Parades, Movie Nights, Olive Tree Plantations, Community Sporting Events, ANZAC Re unions, School Tours, Memorial Tours, Study Guides, Flag Raising Ceremonies, Book Launches, Luncheons, Dinner Dances, Memorial & Plaque Unveilings, all based on the Australian involvement in 2nd World War and in particular the Battle of Crete.

The Battle of Crete & Greece Commemorative Council of Victoria focuses on building awareness of the Battle of Crete and Greek Campaign in the build-up, during and post the commemoration each year, it also maximises mainstream turnout at the Battle of Crete Commemorative events at the Shrine of Remembrance, the Australian Hellenic Memorial in the Domain Gardens, as well as the Northern Suburbs ANZAC Greece Memorial, it also supports the Cretan Community in their Annual Battle of Crete Commemorations and encourage other Greek Community organisations that have a significant ANZAC heritage to commemorate their history, we encourage and approach other community groups that have an ANZAC connection, to be involved in the Annual Program and host their own events and finally we engage political and community pressure to the Australian Government to recognize the Battles of Greece and Crete by awarding a specific Medal.