To mark the 200th anniversary of Greece’s revolution and war of independence, the City of Canterbury Bankstown will fly the Greek flag for seven days at Earlwood Senior Citizens Centre.

Mayor Khal Asfour said since the first Greeks arrived in 1829, Greek Australians now make up the seventh largest ethnic group in the country, with more than 22,000 calling Canterbury-Bankstown home.

“The Greek community is very much a part of our City’s rich diverse culture,” Mayor Asfour said.

“I can still recall growing up in Greenacre and how they ran most of the delis, and fish and chips shops in the area.

“So, we’ll no doubt be hearing the traditional Greek phrase Chronia Polla a lot over the next week or so, as thousands of Greeks mark their Independence Day on March 25. It’s a phrase synonymous with celebration, and what a celebration it will be.

“For the thousands of Greeks in our City, a number of events and festivities are being planned across the broader community, from our local schools and churches, to lectures and the recital of the full National Anthem in the Great Hall of Sydney University.”

On the eve of Greek Independence Day, Mayor Asfour will raise the Greek flag during an intimate ceremony at 7pm tonight (Wednesday 24 March) at Earlwood Senior Citizens Centre on Home Street, Earlwood.