Seminar: Greek Australians in the Australian military during WW2 | Alistair Gillard
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Speaker: Alistair Gillard
Topic: Greek Australians in the Australian Military during WWII
This event is free and in-person only.
ABSTRACT
The Second World War was the first major test of Australia’s evolving multicultural identity. Just 40 years after Federation, the experiences of Greek Australians who enlisted in the Australian military reflected both the challenges and the successes of integrating Greek and Australian identities.
In this seminar, Alistair Gillard examines the contribution of Greek Australians during WWII, exploring the obstacles they faced, their commitment to their adopted country and the role they played in shaping Australia’s national story. Drawing on extensive research, he argues that the historical contribution of Greek Australians to Australia’s wartime defence has often been misunderstood or overlooked. By revisiting the available evidence, this presentation highlights the need for a stronger community effort to preserve and accurately document this important chapter of Australian and Greek Australian history.
BIOGRAPHY
Alistair Gillard is a third-generation Greek Australian of Kastellorizian heritage. He was educated at Melbourne High School and studied economics at Monash University.
Following university, Alistair worked for several years as a trade unionist within a predominantly migrant workforce, eventually serving as Treasurer on the State Executive of the Tramways Union. This experience provided valuable insight into the challenges faced by new migrants as they adapted to life in Australia and navigated government institutions.
For the past 40 years, he has worked as a financial consultant while maintaining a lifelong passion for military history. A dedicated student of the subject for more than six decades, Alistair has developed a deep understanding of military strategy and history. He recently created and published a comprehensive website documenting Greek Australians who enlisted during the Second World War.
Sponsor: The Kastellorizian Association of Victoria
During the course of the year considerable expenses are incurred in staging the seminars. In order to mitigate these costs individuals or organisations are invited to donate against a lecture of their choice.
You too can donate for one or more seminars and (optionally) let your name or brand be known as a patron of culture to our members, visitors and followers, as well as the broader artistic and cultural community of Melbourne.
Please email: [email protected] or call 03 9662 2722.
This event is part of the 2026 Greek History and Culture Seminars.
See the full 2026 program here: https://www.greekcommunity.com.au/events/2026-greek-history-and-culture-seminars/
Topic: Greek Australians in the Australian Military during WWII
This event is free and in-person only.
ABSTRACT
The Second World War was the first major test of Australia’s evolving multicultural identity. Just 40 years after Federation, the experiences of Greek Australians who enlisted in the Australian military reflected both the challenges and the successes of integrating Greek and Australian identities.
In this seminar, Alistair Gillard examines the contribution of Greek Australians during WWII, exploring the obstacles they faced, their commitment to their adopted country and the role they played in shaping Australia’s national story. Drawing on extensive research, he argues that the historical contribution of Greek Australians to Australia’s wartime defence has often been misunderstood or overlooked. By revisiting the available evidence, this presentation highlights the need for a stronger community effort to preserve and accurately document this important chapter of Australian and Greek Australian history.
BIOGRAPHY
Alistair Gillard is a third-generation Greek Australian of Kastellorizian heritage. He was educated at Melbourne High School and studied economics at Monash University.
Following university, Alistair worked for several years as a trade unionist within a predominantly migrant workforce, eventually serving as Treasurer on the State Executive of the Tramways Union. This experience provided valuable insight into the challenges faced by new migrants as they adapted to life in Australia and navigated government institutions.
For the past 40 years, he has worked as a financial consultant while maintaining a lifelong passion for military history. A dedicated student of the subject for more than six decades, Alistair has developed a deep understanding of military strategy and history. He recently created and published a comprehensive website documenting Greek Australians who enlisted during the Second World War.
Sponsor: The Kastellorizian Association of Victoria
During the course of the year considerable expenses are incurred in staging the seminars. In order to mitigate these costs individuals or organisations are invited to donate against a lecture of their choice.
You too can donate for one or more seminars and (optionally) let your name or brand be known as a patron of culture to our members, visitors and followers, as well as the broader artistic and cultural community of Melbourne.
Please email: [email protected] or call 03 9662 2722.
This event is part of the 2026 Greek History and Culture Seminars.
See the full 2026 program here: https://www.greekcommunity.com.au/events/2026-greek-history-and-culture-seminars/
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Where is it happening?
168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Victoria 3000
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherThe Greek Centre
