WW2 Fundraiser for Greece

In recognition of the heroic efforts of Greek forces in support of the Allies in WW2, a “Greek Day” was proclaimed to be held throughout Australia on 28 February 1941. The aim was to raise funds to provide “comforts for Greek soldiers.”¹

Manning residents enthusiastically supported this endeavour and a committee was formed in Taree to promote “Greek Week” including a visit by the Greek Consul-General Dr Emil Vrisakis on February 20 and 21. (This earlier timeframe avoided a clash with the Wingham Show on the 28th.)²

The opening event was an exhibition of boxing and wrestling held at the Bower (later the Civic Theatre on the corner of Pulteney and Albert Streets) in Taree on Tuesday evening and was followed on the Thursday by a ball at which Dr Vrisakis and his wife were guests of honour.³ Friday saw the more formal events such as a civic reception and a wreath laying at the Taree War Memorial.⁴

Street stalls were set up in Victoria Street, where flags flown by members of Taree’s Greek community added to the carnival atmosphere.⁵

A visit to the Ellenborough Falls was arranged for Dr Vrisakis and his wife before their return to Sydney. Things went awry on the return journey when the car in which they were travelling hit a bump, damaging the steering and causing the vehicle to run off the road. Luckily no-one was seriously injured.⁶

Author: Penny Teerman