William Lloyd: The Australian who did his utmost to help Pontian Greeks

Less known perspectives surrounding the Pontian genocide trajectory and aftermath will reach a Melbourne audience next week.

May 19 marks the commemoration day for the massacre of over 350,000 Pontian Greeks during the period 1914-1923 by Ottoman forces. Source: SAKIS MITROLIDIS/AFP via Getty Images

Lawyer, poet and writer Dean Kalimniou will present the lecture Pontian Genocide Memorial Seminar: William Lloyd and the Liberation of Pontus as part of the Greek History and Culture Seminars, offered by the Greek Community of Melbourne.

The story showcased is that of William Lloyd, a man who did his utmost to draw attention to the plight of the Greeks of Pontus and call for their independence.

William Lloyd Source: Greek Community of Melbourne/Supplied

His undertakings date back to pre-war Australia, a time when preoccupation with Pontus in the country was minimal.

In present day, NSW’s parliament has been the second state parliament to have recognised the genocide of Pontian Greeks, after South Australia.

The lecture will be presented on Thursday 13 May, at 7.00pm, at the Greek Centre, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne in English, with the event broadcast on Facebook/Youtube.

This is a joint event with the Pontiaki Estia.