IN PERSON: Alistair Gillard | Greek Australians in the Australian Military during WWII

Seminar Date: Thurs 20 Aug 2026 @ 7pm Melbourne
Location: Level 12, The Greek Centre, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Presenter: Alistair Gillard

Language of Presentation: English
Entry: FREE

Abstract

The Second World War 1939 – 1945 came just 40 years after the creation of the Australian nation and was the first real test of the evolving multi -ethnic nature of Australian society. The experience of the Greek Australians in this conflict showcased the sometimes awkward but ultimately successful integration of Australian and Greek culture. This laid the foundation for the success of the great post war migration where the different ethnic and cultural identities of the immigrants merged to form a new Australian identity. The stories of the Greeks who enlisted show not only the problems they encountered but the genuine feelings of affection they felt towards their newly adopted country. Documenting this profound period of nation building has been a challenge for many in both the Greek and non-Greek community. These challenges have led to a distorted history of the Greek Australian contribution to the defence of Australia in World War ΙΙ. At the heart of the problem is a well-meaning but ultimately unprofessional approach to interpreting the data available. It is clear that a much stronger community effort is needed to redress this distorted history.

About Alistair Gillard

Alistair Gillard is a third generation Greek Australian with Kastellorizian heritage. Educated at Melbourne High School and trained as an economist at Monash University. Alistair spent several years after university working as an active Trade Unionist, in a predominately immigrant workforce, eventually being elected to the State Executive of the Tramways Union as Treasurer. This experience gave him invaluable knowledge on the personal tribulations of new immigrants and how they adapted to the customs of a new land and their interactions with government bureaucracy. For the past 40 years he has worked as a financial consultant in a small business format. Alistair has been an avid reader and student of military history for over 60 years and consequently has acquired a broad understanding of the strategic and tactical dimensions of military activity. He recently published a web site listing Greek Australians who enlisted in World War 11 www.greekaustralians.com.au.

Sponsors

This seminar is generously sponsored by The Kastellorizian Association of Victoria

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See the Full 2026 Seminar Schedule

The Greek History and Culture Seminars are organised and hosted by The Greek Community of Melbourne and provide the opportunity for everyone to experience the long and fascinating history of Greece and Greek culture in its various forms and stages, aspects of which have formed the foundation of Western civilisation.

Greek Australians in the Australian Military during WWII

Abstract

About Alistair Gillard

Join us at The Greek Centre

Sponsors

See the Full 2026 Seminar Schedule