First Lemnos Anzac Conference A Big Success

Anzac Conference participants at Portianou's famous Anzac Street. Photograph Jim Claven

Organisers of the inaugural Anzac Conference held on Lemnos last week have declared it a major success for the further development of commemorative tourism on the Island.

Mr Lee Tarlamis MP, President of the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee, said that he was impressed by the size of the attendance and the quality of the discussions.

“With nearly one hundred participants attending the Conference throughout the days various discussions, this is a great and new beginning to the commemoration of Lemnos’ link to Australia’s Anzac story”, he said.

Lee Tarlamis MP, addresses and opens the Conference. Photograph Jim Claven

Participants included Australians who had flown to Lemnos specifically for the Conference, as well as a large number of local Lemnians and expatriates who took part in the day long discussions.

After a blessing from the Bishop of Lemnos and Agios Esfstratios, opening addresses were made by Vice Admiral Theodosiou of the Hellenic Navy, Mr Chatzidiamantis the Mayor of Lemnos and Mrs Joanna Gkouvatsou the Hellenic Australian Council for Entrepreneurship, before the official opening of the Conference by Lee Tarlamis MP. Others present included the Regional Governor and representatives of the local civil, military and religious authorities.

Dr John Yiannakis, Sibel Baykut and Jim Claven at the Conference. Photograph Jim Claven

Historical presentations were made on the importance of the Anzac commemorative trail by Mr Jim Claven, MA and Secretary of the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee, Dr John Yiannakis of Curtin University and Sibel Baykut of Bahcesehir University. The Hon John Pandazopoulos MP and Stelios Marantzis, proprietor of Varos Village Hotel, made presentations on the tourism and economic potnential for Lemnos.

“Lemnos’ Anzac heritage is vital to enriching both the cultural links between Australia and Greece, and provides a unique commemorative tourism opportunity with clear economic benefits for the current residents of Lemnos”, Jim Claven said.

 

Dr John Yiannakis addresses the Conference, Lee Tarlamis MP and Demetri Boulotis, Deputy Mayor of Lemnos Municipality at the table. Photograph Jim Claven

Sibel Baykut addresses the Conference. Photograph Jim Claven

One of the key outcomes of the Conference is the formation of a local Lemnos Friends of Anzac community support group. Similar to bodies operating on the Gallipoli peninsula, this group will work with local authorities to help develop the Anzac trail on Lemnos and ensure that future events and tours to the island are actively supported by the community.

Community leaders and business operators have already come forward to support this initiative.

Deputy Mayor of Lemnos, Demetris Boulotis, welcomed this initiative stating that:

“It is very important that the Municipality is able to work effectively with our local community to make our aim to develop a truly moving commemorative experience on Lemnos for future visitors to our Anzac trail.”

Dr John and Angela Yiannakis raised a proposal to develop educational resources and activities, both in Australia and Lemnos, to encourage understanding of the Lemnos Anzac story as well as create linkages with schools in both countries. Only by creating real understanding and links between young people in Australia and on Lemnos will ensure an on-going legacy for the future of the Lemnos Anzac link.

 

Jenny Mikakos MP and the Hon John Pandazopoulos MP take part in the discussion on the Conference's action plan. Photograph Jim Claven

The Hon John Pandazopoulos emphasised the need for a coordinated approach by the Island to maximise the tourism potential of the Anzac legacy.

Some of the other outcomes include:

·         Commitments to further develop the Anzac trail on Lemnos with the development and erection of interpretive signs at the key Anzac sites,

·         Making the proposed new museum with its Anzac theme a reality,

·         The production of a specific brochure and map to assist visitors to tour the Anzac trail,

·         Other commemorative publications,

·         The establishment of a photographic exhibition; and,

·         Access improvements to some of the key Anzac sites. 

The Conference concluded with a commitment to make this a regular event on Lemnos, with the possibility of alternating its location with Australia.

The Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee thanks the Municipality of Lemnos for co-hosting the Conference as well as the various speakers who presented to Conference and Anzac Tours in Greece.

We would also like to thank all who took the time to participate in the Conference, whether they travelled from overseas or from the many lovely villages of Lemnos. We hope this Conference will provide a new beginning to Lemnos' link to Anzac and Gallipoli.

For further information and comment contact:

Lee Tarlamis MP, President LGCC – Mobile - +61 411 553 009

Jim Claven, Secretary LGCC – Mobile +61 409 402 388

Conference participants gather outside the Conference venue, Portianou Cultural Centre, Portianou, Lemnos. Photograph Jim Claven